About This Role
ABOUT HYPHA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Hypha International School is an international school nestled in the Sintra Natural Park. We offer a nature-immersed, project-based education grounded in wellbeing, curiosity, and academic excellence. Our aim is to develop thoughtful, capable young people with a strong sense of agency and responsibility.
In our Pre-Primary (ages 3–4), we offer a developmentally rich early year’s experience that blends the best of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and outdoor learning, while staying grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We believe young children learn best through relationships, meaningful experiences, and hands-on exploration, and that nature is not simply a backdrop, but a powerful teacher.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia, we view children as capable, curious, and full of ideas. We create an environment where their questions, theories, and interests are taken seriously, and where learning is made visible through thoughtful observation and documentation. Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are intentionally designed as a third teacher, offering rich materials, provocations, and open-ended experiences that invite creativity, communication, and deep thinking.
With the Sintra landscape at our doorstep, children spend significant time outdoors, building confidence, resilience, and wonder through purposeful play, exploration, and connection to the natural world. Our approach supports early foundations in language, early literacy (including phonics), numeracy, and social-emotional development, while protecting what matters most in early childhood: belonging, movement, and imagination.
As we expand, we are seeking an exceptional Pre-Primary teacher who wants to help shape a high-quality early years program within an ambitious and values-driven school community.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a nurturing, reflective, and highly capable Pre-Primary teacher who:
• Cares deeply about high-quality early childhood education
• Understands the importance of structure, consistency, and emotional safety
• Is excited by a blended approach (Reggio, Montessori, outdoor learning) grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Believes in child-centered learning alongside purposeful adult guidance
• Sees themselves as a contributor to a growing school, not only a single classroom
You will take responsibility for a Pre-Primary class, designing responsive learning environments and experiences that support children’s curiosity and independence while building strong early learning foundations.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
• Create a calm, welcoming, and well-organized learning environment aligned with EYFS principles
• Use observation and documentation (Reggio-inspired) to plan learning that follows children’s interests and supports progress
• Incorporate Montessori-style materials and routines to develop independence, coordination, and concentration
• Deliver developmentally appropriate early literacy experiences, including playful and systematic phonics foundations
• Support early numeracy through hands-on exploration, patterning, counting, and real-life problem solving
• Use outdoor learning as an essential part of the curriculum, fostering wellbeing, resilience, curiosity, and care for the natural world
• Support social-emotional development through warm, consistent guidance and Positive Discipline
• Communicate thoughtfully with families and build a strong home–school partnership
•Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen continuity from Pre-Primary into Primary as Hypha grows
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
You are likely a good fit if you:
• Hold a recognized Early Years teaching qualification (QTS, PGCE, EYFS/ECE equivalent, or similar)
• Have experience teaching children aged 3–5 (international experience is a plus)
• Have strong knowledge of the EYFS and how to translate it into meaningful, developmentally appropriate practice
• Are confident teaching early literacy foundations, including phonological awareness and early phonics, in an age-appropriate way
• Understand how to balance child-led learning with clear routines, boundaries, and intentional adult guidance
• Value professionalism, preparation, and pedagogical depth
• Are reflective, open to feedback, and committed to continuous improvement
• Feel energized by nature-based education and are excited to teach outdoors in all seasons
• Communicate clearly and warmly with children, colleagues, and families, and believe in strong home–school partnership
Core Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, engaging lessons aligned to the required curriculum.
- Create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment for diverse learners.
- Assess student progress rigorously and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Participate actively in broader school life, including extra-curricular programs.
- Collaborate with departmental colleagues to elevate instructional strategies.
Candidate Requirements
- A recognized teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
- A minimum of 2 years verifiable post-qualification teaching experience.
- Demonstrable track record of excellent student outcomes.
- A bachelor's degree directly related to your teaching specialization.
- Clear criminal record check spanning the last 10 years of residency.