English Language Arts

Country Day is an international school at the heart of Costa Rica with outstanding US-accredited academics, and part of Nord Anglia family of premium schools worldwide.  On our sustainable campus and within our welcoming, diverse community, our students take the lead and pursue their passions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Our teachers focus on all aspects of our student’s growth, from Early Learning to 12th grade, to support their talents and aptitudes in the best ways, and this includes their personal, social, and emotional wellness. Our trips beyond the classroom, clubs, and activities across the arts, athletics, and community service shape your child’s character in connection with their academic interests. Students take the lead in their own learning at CDS, sharing their needs and goals as people, and carving out their own path.

Teaching Responsibilities:  As the Secondary English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher you will be required to teach clear engaging ELA lessons, AP Language Arts, and provide high-standard instruction to all students.  

Primary Function: The role of the Secondary English Language Arts Teacher is to ensure student achievement via instruction, adherence to the curriculum, varied assessments, and promoting a learning environment that encourages positive student interactions. The learning shall be aligned with the mission, beliefs, and adopted standards of the school. 

Duties and Objectives: The Secondary English Language Arts Teacher will work collaboratively with department members, grade level team members, and house colleagues to plan common and coherent learning experiences for students, as well as assume the following duties and objectives on a continuous basis: 

Relationships, Rapport, and Classroom Environment 

• Act as a positive role model for students 

• Provide a safe, supportive, and engaging classroom environment that is conducive to learning 

• Know your students as individual learners that bring an array of talents, ideas, and perspectives to the classroom 

• Class Instruction, Assessments, and Grading 

• Effectively manage each group of students while providing for a variety of learning preferences, ability levels, readiness, and educational background. 

• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices in structuring classroom routines and relaying content and skills during instruction 

• Provide engaging learning experiences for students in an inclusive setting that foster higher level thinking, problem solving and analytical skills that apply beyond the classroom 

• Engage with students in meaningful activities beyond the classroom which extend learning experiences for students (coaching, organizing field trips, sponsorship of clubs, events, or community service projects, etc.) 

• Employ technology (computer, video, internet, etc.) as appropriate to enhance instruction. 

• Individualize the content when necessary to meet each student's learning needs. 

• Continuously monitor student learning and make appropriate modifications of goals and strategies to meet students' needs. 

• Accurately assess student progress using both formative and summative assessments. 

• Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of student progress and attendance, 

• Other duties as assigned 

Unit Planning and Designing Learning Experiences 

•  Plan and prepare effective instruction within the classroom using established curriculum standards, including common assessments and course resources.  

• Contribute as a collaborative team member in the development of cohesive, standards-driven curriculum materials and the establishment of instructional goals. 

Reflective Practitioner and Growth Mindset 

• Keep current in education through personal and school based professional learning 

• Engage with leadership in a committed effort to improve one's own instructional skills. 

Communication 

• Engage parents and students in the learning process through frequent and meaningful communication about student progress. 

Position Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, with a valid teaching certificate/license in content area 

• Advanced Placement experience is an asset. School will provide training for the right candidate 

• At least two years teaching experience in Secondary school, desired 

• Experience providing high-standard English instruction and fostering student understanding 

• Excellent command of the English language, native English speaker preferred 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• Familiarity with K-12 U.S. curriculum and the Common Core State Standards for Next Generation English Language Arts and Literacy Standards and AP/Pre-AP, ELA standards  

• Teachers are required to submit an up-to-date criminal background check from country of origin, as well as police background checks from the countries where they have resided over the past ten years. 

• Available to start August 01, 2025 

If you are interested… 

Applicants should submit the following items in a single PDF attachment to: Director of Human Resources (job_apply@cds.ed.cr), the Head of Secondary (karen.carlson@cds.ed.cr)  and/or Director General (cds_director@cds.ed.cr) 

• Cover letter explaining your strengths as a teacher and your interest in this opening 

• Resume, maximum two pages, with recent photograph 

• Educational philosophy 

• Scanned copy of your teaching certification 

• Reference list including your current supervisor 

• Reference letters from two last employers  

What we have to offer:  

Country Day School is a strong and vibrant school community. It is small enough for staff to know each child and large enough to provide the best Pre-K-12 has to offer. Here are some additional perks  

• Our enthusiastic team is passionate about growth and innovation, and a team who thrives outdoors.  

• A close-knit family of colleagues, students and community.  

• Access to some of the best sporting events and performing arts in the area!  

• Join the Nord Anglia Education family and have access to countless training courses through Nord Anglia University and connections to educators from around the world.   

• Enjoy working at our purposefully built, LEED certified sustainable campus.   

• Work within an easy drive to the best beaches, volcanoes and tropical rainforests in the world!   

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils where we embrace all race, abilities, religions, genders, and cultures.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

We welcome applications from suitable qualified persons from all diverse backgrounds.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.