Preschool Teacher (3-4 year olds)

Job Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements for PreK Teacher

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with young children in a group setting (daycare, preschool, or international school).
• Native English speakers only.
• Warm, patient, and nurturing attitude with children.
• Ability to plan for lessons in allotted prep-time and work together with assistants and colleagues.
• Punctual, dependable, and professional communication, and able to manage schedules, emails, projects and communications with parents.
• Legally eligible to work in Japan.
• Has or willing to obtain IB PYP certification (salary bonus for teacher already holding the cert)
• Is able to manage emotional and physical well-being at work.

Job Description

Position Overview

Oakwood Tokyo International School seeks a dedicated and creative Lead PreK Teacher to join our international early childhood program. The successful candidate will design and deliver an engaging, inquiry-based curriculum that nurtures the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically — in alignment with IB early years principles and Oakwood’s play-based learning philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop and implement age-appropriate, inquiry-driven learning experiences aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.
• Design engaging AP (Afternoon Program) lessons that reinforce morning learning through hands-on, creative, and exploratory play.
• Foster curiosity, independence, and critical thinking through purposeful play and guided discovery.
• Create and maintain a balanced classroom environment that promotes both structured and free-choice learning opportunities.
• Incorporate literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies themes naturally into children’s everyday experiences.

Child Development & Assessment

• Observe and document student progress to inform instruction and communicate developmental milestones.
• Prepare and present student evaluation reports for parents, including narrative summaries and growth portfolios.
• Support children’s social-emotional development through positive guidance and empathy-based interactions.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with assistant teachers and support staff to ensure smooth daily operations and consistent implementation of routines.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents regarding student progress, classroom events, and school activities.
• Participate in schoolwide events such as Sports Day, Seasonal Celebrations, and the School Show.
• Engage in weekly planning meetings and contribute to the development of the IB-aligned curriculum map.

Health, Safety, & Compliance

• Supervise children responsibly at all times, maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment.
• Follow all Japanese childcare regulations, school health protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Support the school’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, and respect for all cultural backgrounds.