Teaching Faculty - SY26 start

CURRENTLY HIRING for SY2026:Biology/General Science/ESSChemistryMathsOverviewUWC ISAK Japan seeks educators who are catalysts for positive change and who are inspired by the UWC mission of peace and a sustainable future. Our approach combines rigorous academics, experiential learning, and leadership development, all within a vibrant and diverse residential community that fosters personal excellence and collective growth.At UWC ISAK Japan, every member of faculty and staff serves as a mentor and role model, both in and beyond the classroom. We are looking for teachers who are deeply collaborative and eager to engage across our holistic learning program — Academics, Leadership, Pastoral Care, Activities, Community Service, Outdoor Education, and Residential Life.We value educators who embrace a growth mindset, invest in their professional learning, and actively contribute to the development of colleagues and students alike.Contract PeriodAugust 1, 2026 – July 31, 2028 (renewable by mutual agreement)SalaryWe have recently revised our salary scale to ensure that we are competitive in our region. Our unconventional new approach reflects ISAK values. We also have a mechanism for addressing currency fluctuation.Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor’s degree or higher in the advertised subjectValid teaching credential for Grades 10–12 in the subject areaMinimum 2 years of teaching experience preferredExperience teaching the IB Diploma Programme preferredInterest in or experience teaching Theory of Knowledge (TOK)Residential experience highly valuedValid driver’s licenseResponsibilitiesCollaborate with department colleagues to design and deliver a, student-centered curriculumInspire students to see how learning connects to real-world applications and positive changeContribute to the ongoing development of departmental and whole-school programsParticipate fully in the life of the school, including mentoring, leadership, and community engagementMentoring & Co-Curricular InvolvementFaculty are expected to play an active role in student life, including some or all of the following:Advisory or mentorship rolesCoaching or supervising activities or sportsLeading or supporting cultural, service, or outdoor programsContributing to residential life (residential duty may be an additional contractual offer)Ideal CandidateResonates with the UWC ISAK Leadership ModelEnthusiastic about learning and applying our coaching model to support student agencyPositive, flexible, and pragmatic in a dynamic, evolving environmentCollaborative, interdisciplinary, and self-motivatedEnjoys the richness and unpredictability of residential school life Safeguarding All employees must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out their duties, a teacher becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, they must report those concerns to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or DDSL (Deputy Designated safeguarding Lead) immediately. How To ApplyPlease submit the following documents to recruit@uwcisak.jp:Cover LetterCV (including any experience teaching IBDP, listing the subject and years taught)Copy of teaching credentialsIf you are selected for an interview, we will ask you to submit the following: diploma related to the subject to be taught (with relevant transcript), diploma from highest degree earned (with relevant transcript).Note: Successful candidates will need to complete a criminal background check (arranged and paid for by the school) before the final employment contract is issued. __________________________________________________________________________We are looking for applicants who will be a strong fit for our unique educational environment. Please read this general information and give it careful consideration before submitting an application.UWC ISAK Japan Core ValuesA Shared UWC MissionUWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.Our Distinct IdentityOur school vision reflects our hopes for and dedication to all UWC ISAK Japan students as they journey through one of the most important and exciting times of their lives.One Life. Realize Your Potential. Be a Catalyst for Positive Change.We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, challenge themselves academically and emotionally, and develop their innate potential as change-makers who can identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in their practice. Leadership Education at UWC ISAK JapanPart of our distinct identity as a UWC is our focus on leadership and innovation. We believe in transformational leadership. Who is a transformational leader?  A transformational leader is someone who consistently identifies what is most important and what is needed, takes action in the face of discomfort, uses diversity as a strength, and supports others in this practice. With continuous practice, a transformational leader creates positive change within self and the community at large. A transformational leader consistently applies these foundational facets of leadership:Identify what is needed and what is important: a key attitude for making meaningful and lasting change is to identify what is actually the need and what is most important. These allow us to prioritise our efforts. Take action in the face of discomfort: stability is comfortable while taking action requires energy and effort. We recognise action is necessary to make positive change in our lives, communities, and the world. Use diversity as a strength: diversity works as a strength when dissenting voices are heard, communication is open and frequent, and where conflict is issue-based rather than relationship-based. Using diversity in leadership helps us find innovative and effective solutions in ambiguous and challenging situations. Support others in this practice: positive change grows when we show up for others. Examples of how we support others include; sharing knowledge, teaching skills, mentoring, making introductions to other people, seeking debate and input, instilling ownership and accountability, challenging people, encouraging conversational turn-taking, and celebrating successes. Leadership is a practice. At UWC ISAK Japan, we believe that leadership is a practice. This practice is integrated into the programs, and we believe that with practice, individuals can grow and use the foundational facets of leadership.   About UWCFounded in 1962, UWC (United World Colleges) is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. UWC is comprised of schools and colleges in 17 countries, with national committees and selection contacts in more than 155 countries. UWC fosters a lifelong commitment to social responsibility, and to date has inspired a network of 60,000 alumni who believe it is possible to work for positive change. The majority of students attending UWCs are selected by UWC national committees. In support of the belief that education should be independent of a student’s ability to pay, 70% of national committee selected IB Diploma students receive full scholarships. The UWC movement places a high value on experiential learning, outdoor education, service and other cultural understanding, alongside the academically challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). About UWC ISAK JapanUWC ISAK Japan is Japan’s only full-boarding international high school and the newest member of the United World Colleges movement. Following the Japanese school system, UWC ISAK is a three-year high school, with all students in grades 11 and 12 following the IB Diploma Programme curriculum. The school is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and all graduates receive a Japanese high school diploma. Currently 173 students from 57 countries attend UWC ISAK Japan, with 70% of students receiving full or partial need-based scholarship support. 30% of enrolled students are Japanese, with the remaining 70% coming from homes outside of Japan. LocationKaruizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture, home to the 1998 Winter Olympics and fondly referred to as the “Roof of Japan.” Karuizawa has been attracting an international mix of visitors since the late nineteenth century. The mountainous climate keeps Kaurizawa cool and comfortable during Japan’s summer months, making it a popular escape from Tokyo’s heat and humidity. Karuizawa experiences four seasons with regular snow in the winter which generally lasts from early December through February. Monthly temperatures average between 21 and -5 throughout the year. While the full-time population of Karuizawa is fewer than 20,000, the population of the town increases dramatically during the summer tourist season. From Tokyo, it takes approximately 70 minutes to reach Karuizawa station on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train).Karuizawa is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers year-round recreation including hiking, cycling, tennis, golf and skiing. In addition, a vibrant arts & crafts scene includes art galleries and museums, a performing arts center, a symphony hall, and a community symphony. There are also many good restaurants with wide ranging cuisines, a large upscale outlet mall with designer shops, a variety of onsen hot springs and a local volcano, Mt. Asama.