IB MYP & DP

Visual Arts Teacher (2026-2027 AY)

Visual Arts Teacher (DP and MYP)

(Potential Head of Arts Department Role)
Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) – Yokohama, Japan
Start Date: August (or earlier, if available)
Position Type: Full-time

About Horizon Japan International School (HJIS)

Horizon Japan International School is a CIS- and WASC-accredited IB continuum school offering the PYP, MYP, and DP. Our diverse and vibrant learning community is built around our core values of Community, Respect, and Understanding. We aim to develop internationally minded learners who are caring, reflective, and prepared to contribute positively to the world.
As a school committed to inclusion, creativity, and whole-child development, we value the role of the arts in fostering expression, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.

Equal Opportunity Statement

No student or staff at HJIS will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any programme or activity on the basis of age, gender, race, religious belief, ideological beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, or disability.

Safeguarding Statement

HJIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and as an employee of HJIS, you are expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff, and all individuals are expected to uphold conduct that reflects the values and principles of our organization.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Humanities Teacher at HJIS will possess:

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build warm, trusting relationships with young learners, colleagues, and families.
  • A genuine care for student well-being and the ability to understand and respond to diverse student needs.
  • A strong sense of community engagement and service-oriented mindset.
  • The ability to create inclusive, inquiry-rich learning environments where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
  • A commitment to being a positive role model who demonstrates integrity, empathy, and professionalism.
  • A dedication to our core values of Community, Respect, and Understanding.
  • A growth mindset demonstrated through ongoing professional learning and contribution to school-wide improvement.
  • The desire to contribute meaningfully to the school’s Strategic Plan and collaborative culture.

Expectations of Teachers at HJIS

HJIS teachers are reflective, collaborative, and committed to high-quality teaching and learning across the IB continuum.

Curriculum & Instruction

Teachers at HJIS:

  • Plan and deliver engaging Visual Arts lessons aligned with IB MYP and DP frameworks.
  • Support students in developing artistic skills, conceptual understanding, and critical reflection.
  • Maintain high-quality assessment and reporting practices aligned with IB expectations.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to ensure alignment across year levels and programmes.
  • Participate actively in collaborative planning and professional learning meetings.
IB Teaching Principles and Practices

HJIS teachers uphold pedagogy that is:

  • Inquiry-based
  • Concept-focused
  • Situated in local and global contexts
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Informed by formative and summative assessment

Differentiation Expectations

Teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners by:

  • Affirming identity and building student self-esteem
  • Valuing and connecting to students’ prior knowledge
  • Scaffolding learning to ensure access for all
  • Extending learning for enrichment and challenge

Possible Duties at HJIS

Teachers typically teach an average of 20 periods per week, with teaching loads fluctuating between 18 and 23 periods depending on operational needs; supervision and substitution duties are assigned with careful consideration of teacher workload and overall school operations.

Depending on the department and programme needs, duties may include:

    • Teaching Visual Arts in the MYP and DP
    • Supporting DP Visual Arts coursework and exhibition preparation
    • Supervising IB projects (e.g., Personal Project, Extended Essay where appropriate)
    • Supporting student-led art initiatives, exhibitions, or clubs
    • Office hours to support student learning
    • Participation in the Advisory or well-being programme
    • Active supervision of students during non-class times
    • Leading or assisting in school events, field trips, and Expedition Weeks
    • Providing substitution coverage when needed

 

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Teaching Experience
  • Minimum 3 years of teaching experience with secondary learners
  • Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Art Education, or a related field
  • Preferred: Experience with the IB DP and/or MYP frameworks
  • Preferred: Experience teaching in international or multicultural school settings

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
  • Strong understanding of artistic processes, media, and contemporary art practices
  • Experience guiding students through portfolio development and reflective practice
  • Ability to support students in both practical and conceptual aspects of art-making
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a creative and diverse team
  • High level of professionalism, creativity, and integrity

Complete and submit an application to Horizon Japan International School before the final filing date. Please have your resume and letter of recommendation to submit them through your application form.