Teacher Assistant – Life Centred Education Program

Category: Teacher Assistance

Reports to: Vice Principal

Department: Secondary School

Start date: As Soon As Possible

IST Foundational Documents

IST Mission

Challenge, support and inspire all learners to become accountable citizens who find their own paths and thrive in a dynamic world.

IST Vision

IST is a pioneering International Baccalaureate Continuum school that ignites a life-long passion for learning. We are a diverse and vibrant community that values student agency and cultivates local and global partnerships, in an open and adaptive learning environment. IST fosters exploration, collaboration, and authentic experiences that develop resilient and compassionate individuals.

Core Values

• Respect
• Service
• Well-being
• Belonging
• Growth

Mission Impacts

An accountable citizen recognizes their impact and responsibility to their communities. They are equipped with knowledge, empathy, and ethical commitment. They embody the school’s values and contribute positively to society. Learners will collaborate with mentors and are empowered to explore diverse opportunities that extend and enrich the curriculum. Learners are self-driven, curious and confident. They are creative and imaginative thinkers who can develop solutions, seize opportunities, and adapt in the face of adversity.

Strategies

In order to support our mission, vision and values, IST will:

• Strategy 1 — Leveraging Community: Leverage the IST community and local and global partners.
• Strategy 2 — Professional Growth: Attract, develop, and retain exceptional professionals who embody IST’s mission, vision, and values.
• Strategy 3 — Innovation & Learning: Explore, create, and implement innovations in the educational ecosystem in support of learner agency, academic rigor, and the pursuit of excellence.
• Strategy 4 — Future Focus: Implement transformative approaches to resource management focused on environmental responsibility and efficiency, financial viability, and institutional continuity.

Summary of the Role

Life-centered education (LCE) is a personalised model of instruction. It is not a self-contained program. Students spend most of their time in general education classrooms alongside their peers. Depending on their individual level of need, students may spend time in small groups or one-to-one to focus on:

• Modified grade-level content
• Foundational academic skills
• Independent living skills

Teachers, parents, and the student will collaborate to create a Student Support Plan (SSP). The SSP outlines:

• The student’s long-term goals
• The student’s short-term goals
• The services IST will provide to help the student meet those goals

The Teacher Assistant for the program supports a lead teacher in charge of a classroom. Teacher Assistants also reinforce lessons by tutoring individual students or small groups. Their duties include:

• Creating lesson plans
• Documenting progress
• Overseeing lesson preparations

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience: 4+ years of teaching experience.
• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Needs Education.
• MYP/DP training/experience is desirable.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written form.
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• Sound decision-making, solutions-focused, knowledge of child protection and health and safety.
• Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practice.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative team player, empathetic listener.
• Integrity and confidentiality.
• Keenness to progress their knowledge and skills through taking additional responsibilities and opportunities for development.
• Flexibility, Creativity and Adaptability.
• Ability to exercise patience and understanding to students with different learning needs.
• A wholeheartedly committed to supporting students’ needs and those of the school’s wider community.

The role summary, qualifications, professional competencies, and personal attributes are set out on page 2 of the job description.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a Teacher Assistant at the Secondary School will be:

Areas of Responsibility

Whenever necessary and at the discretion of the classroom teacher, the responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Work with the lead teacher to monitor the class schedule.
• Assist teachers with lesson preparation by getting materials ready and setting up equipment.
• Revise lesson material with students individually or in small groups.
• Ensure the classroom environment is safe and clean.
• Oversee students during non-classroom times, including in-between classes, lunch, and field excursions.
• Collaborate with lead teachers to recognise issues students are facing and recommend solutions.
• Document student progress and communicate with parents to keep them informed.
• Help lead teachers to create lesson plans.
• Comply with government and school regulations, as well as classroom agreements.
• Attend all professional development sessions and meetings.
• You may be required to serve as an advisor in homeroom classes.

Accountability to the Secondary Vice Principal

Whenever necessary and at the discretion of the Secondary Vice Principal, the Teacher Assistant is accountable for:

• Attendance at staff meetings and parent evenings.
• Supervision of students at break/after school in a safe and punctual manner.

Classroom Teacher Accountability

For the Teacher Assistant to meet these expectations, the Classroom Teacher is also held accountable for:

• Communicating clearly, openly, and honestly with the Teacher Assistant.
• Meeting with the Teacher Assistant at the start of the year to discuss responsibilities and expectations for the year.
• Actively encouraging respectful interactions between the Teacher Assistant and all members of the community.
• Meet regularly with the TA to discuss plans, overviews, and reflections on practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including special projects as requested by the Vice Principal.

Particulars of the Search

Prospective applicants should be based in Tanzania and need to apply formally. Applicants should submit:

• A letter in English describing their fit and interest in the position
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae/resume
• The names, addresses, and contact details of three referees

Applications and enquiries should be directed to: staffrecruitment@istafrica.com

Deadline: Before the close of business on Tuesday, 17 August 2026.