Teacher of Chinese (Starting Aug '27 - 1 Year Contract)

Are you an enthusiastic early-career educator passionate about inspiring young learners and making a lasting impact in an international school setting?
Kennedy School is seeking a dedicated, innovative Teacher of Chinese to join our collaborative and vibrant learning community. In this role, you will do far more than deliver a curriculum, you will craft inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that challenge, support, and empower students of all backgrounds and abilities. We are looking for an educator who holds high expectations for every child, reflects deeply on their practice, and is committed to fostering an environment where every student feels known, valued, and empowered to belong, learn, and thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Learning:
Design and deliver Chinese language and cultural learning engagements aligned with IBO philosophy.
Curate individual learning plans using flexible groupings and differentiated instruction to ensure every student is supported and challenged.
Maintain an organised, student-centered environment and integrate learning technologies to innovate instruction.
Proactively identify and remove learning barriers, providing students with choice and flexible options to demonstrate their learning and growth.
Utilise a variety of assessment methods to highlight student progress and provide constructive feedback to learners and parents.
Professional & Community Engagement:
Build strong, collaborative partnerships with colleagues, parents, and caregivers through clear and consistent communication.
Engage actively in ESF’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program and reflect on teaching practices to drive personal growth and improve student outcomes.
Contribute to school initiatives, guidelines, and shared aspirations.
Schoolwide Responsibilities:
Participate in daily school organisation, department-level initiatives, and schoolwide events or duties as needed.
Assist with or lead in specific areas within the department.
General Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Education or a Bachelor’s degree in any subject with a Postgraduate.
Chinese language expertise.
Certificate/Diploma in Education (PGCE/PGDE).
*iPGCE (assessment only) is not eligible for Teacher Registration status by the Hong Kong Education Bureau.
Understanding and application of the PYP within an international context is most suitable.
Newly qualified teacher or teacher early in their teaching career with experience within a recognised educational institute.
Primary trained.
Knowledge of English is a prerequisite.
Genuine interest and experience in teaching children with different cultural background.
Desirable Qualities
Must have strong knowledge and understanding of the Chinese language and culture from a local and global perspective and demonstrate fluency across all aspects of Chinese language learning.
Understand the needs of bilingual and multilingual learners and can use strategies to engage them in learning.
Proven knowledge and skills of innovative pedagogical approaches to language learning in the international school context
For enquiries, please contact Joanna Lim @ 25795600 or Email: jlim@kennedy.edu.hk
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.
By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.
ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.
In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.
About Us
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.
There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk
About the Team
ESF Kennedy School occupies a pleasant location on the west of Hong Kong Island. It benefits from the use of the swimming and sporting facilities of The University of Hong Kong’s Stanley Ho Sports Centre, which is adjacent to the school. Music, Performing Arts and Physical Education are strengths of the school. A strong interest in environmental and ecological issues is also a theme of the learning.
We offer a high-quality, modern, liberal education based on the IB PYP which is adapted to meet the needs of children living in Asia.
All children receive regular swimming lessons in terms one and three. The school provides daily Mandarin lessons for all students and also offers a very rich and varied extra-curricular programme.
https://kennedy.esf.edu.hk