Job Purpose:

At the African Leadership Academy (ALA) our vision is to develop the next generation of African Leaders. As an Entrepreneurial Leadership Teacher at African Leadership Academy, you will be responsible for promoting the vision, mission, values and aims of the school to support students to become leaders.

ALA employs the tools of critical inquiry, design thinking, and experiential learning to develop a generation of entrepreneurial leaders for Africa and the world. As an Entrepreneurial Leadership Teacher you will develop and deliver engaging and challenging lessons that inspire students. You will work closely with other faculty members to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.

At ALA, we recognize that nurturing the whole individual is paramount to shaping future leaders who are not only intellectually adept but also compassionate and socially responsible. In this role, you will be responsible for fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students feel empowered to explore their identities, navigate challenges, and build meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Through personalized guidance, mentorship initiatives, and engaging programming, we provide a safe and nurturing space for students to develop the social and emotional skills essential for success in today’s interconnected world.

ALA’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (EL) department seeks dynamic, mature professionals with a demonstrated passion for ethical leadership, the entrepreneurial process, self-reflection, team collaboration and social impact.

The two-year EL program is crafted to lay a foundation of mindsets, behaviors, skill-sets and values that will enable our young leaders to transform the African continent. Specifically, our program components include:

• Year 1, Term 1: EL Foundations on Personal Leadership, Purpose and Design Thinking for the Sustainable Development Goals
• Year 1, Term 1: A 4- 6 weeks individual Original Idea for Development Lab,
• Year 1, Term 2: A 6-8 weeks team Original Idea for Development Lab that culminates in the annual Entrepreneurship Festival
• Year 1, Term 3: Courage, Ethical Credo and Introduction to the Student Enterprise Program
• Year 2: Dual-track intensive professional and personal development through the Student Enterprise Program and the EL Proficiency Lab.

As an Entrepreneurial Leadership Teacher, you will be committed to collaborating with students, faculty, and families to create a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to reach their full potential.

Together, we uphold the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, and humility, fostering an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Teaching

• Teach first-year and second-year EL courses. 
• Teach, students according to their educational needs, including the personalized planning and marking of work to be carried out by each student in accordance with school policy.
• Set appropriate, realistic yet demanding expectations for each student learning, building on their prior attainment/knowledge.
• Ensure that the seven traits are reflected in the learning experience of students.
• Assess, record and report on the attendance, progress, development and attainment of students and to keep such records as are required.
• Ensure a high-quality learning experience for students that meets internal and external quality standards.
• Use a variety of delivery methods which will stimulate learning appropriate to student needs and demands of the syllabus.
• Track student progress and use information to inform teaching and learning.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the school’s procedures, and to encourage good practice with regards to punctuality, behaviour, appearance, standards of work.

Coaching

• Coach 3-4 student enterprises in the Student Enterprise Program Simulation
• Continually coach students in Year One through their implementation of Original Ideas for Development.
• Write termly commentary on Students’ development in entrepreneurial thinking and action in the EL Report

Planning and Preparation

• Contribute to the curriculum area and department’s development plan and its implementation that ensures a rigorous and relevant EL program
• Plan, design and facilitate transformative experiential programs
• Plan and execute the department’s events through the Student Enterprise Program such as South African Ideas Festival, LCOY, E-Fest, ALAMAU, Hackathons, etc.
• Contribute to the whole school’s planning activities.
• Assist the Head of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Director of Teaching and Learning in ensuring that the curriculum area provides a range of teaching which complements the school’s strategic objectives.

Co-Curricular Activities  

• Lead one co-curricular activity to support the holistic development of students.

Student Success/Advisory

You may serve as a faculty advisor for up to 10 students as they navigate transformative journey of academic, personal, and social growth. In this role you will be expected to:

• Promote the general progress and well-being of all students, but particularly those within the designated Advisory Group.
• Conduct engaging and constructive weekly advisory lessons and lunch sessions, fostering a supportive and inclusive advisory culture.
• Perform weekly advisory check-ins to monitor advisees' academic and personal growth.
• Effectively participate in Community of Practice meetings, demonstrating empathy and proactive support for advisees.
• Write comprehensive advisory comments and provide prompt assistance in cases of disciplinary concern.
• Guide and support students in the development of their thesis projects, and rigorously evaluate and grade thesis presentations.
• Take part in community activities including, but limited to parents’ conferences, open days and parental workshops.

Staff Development and Growth  

• Ensure continual professional development through the identification and implementation of your own Personal Development Plan
• Take part in the school’s staff development programme by participating in arrangements for further training and professional development.
• Continue your own professional development in the relevant areas including subject knowledge, teaching methods and curriculum-based training
• Engage actively in the performance management review process.

Person Specification:

Essential        

Behaviours

• Ability to work in a collaborative team and contribute meaningfully to uphold the values and ethos of the school.
• Strong empathetic approach to students with diverse learning styles
• Bringing innovative ideas and creative solutions to advance departmental goals while promoting an emotionally secure, warm, and stimulating environment conducive to learning.
• Exhibiting professionalism and consideration for the well-being of students, with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
• A positive, resilient, and solution-focused attitude to working life.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.
• Showing respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
• Challenge-oriented, curious and hard-working

Skills and Knowledge

• A strong background in facilitation, coaching, designing experiential programs
• An innovator who creates world-class learning environments and fosters interdisciplinary connections
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of older teenagers.
• Organisational, administrative and IT skills.
• A talent for facilitating meaningful student development
• A background in education, leadership development, business, or innovation and entrepreneurship
• Envisions a continent driven by a culture of leadership, international cooperation and excellence

Qualifications and Experience

• University graduate
• Experience in youth development/education
• Experience in start-ups, technology, business, or nonprofit organizations.
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the digital culture of schools, able to use new technologies through innovative, future-focused methodologies
• Knowledge of the rapidly changing sector internationally.
• A background or sound knowledge in finance, accounting
• Experience teaching students in 16 – 19 age range
• Experience of international education
• Partnership/Stakeholder engagement
• Previous experience working with students for whom English is not their first language