Becoming a Faculty Member
Thank you for your interest in the Iringa International School! We are excited to tell you more about our school and Iringa, Tanzania. Below you will find some background information on the school, and the teaching and living environments for faculty of the Iringa International School.
The School
The Students. IIS has a small but diverse student body, with a rich variety of religious and cultural backgrounds, representing more than 15 nationalities. Most of our students are multi-lingual. With the overall enrolment ranging between 80-90 students, classes rarely have more than 12 students, allowing the teacher to develop individualized, student-centred learning opportunities. Many students complete their entire schooling, from pre-school to O-levels, with us, while others join us for shorter periods while their families are in Iringa.
Language of Instruction. IIS is an English-medium school.
School Year. Our school year follows a Northern Hemisphere calendar, starting in late August and finishing in late June. There are 39 weeks of school spread over three terms. Holidays include 3-4 weeks in December, mid term breaks and 7 weeks in July-August. There are also public holidays observing both Christian and Muslim religious days.
National Exams. Primary students in P2 have the option of taking End of Key Stage 1 exams from the UK. All students take the National End of Key Stage 2 and 3 exams from England, and Cambridge IGCSE exams at the end of Senior 5 (Year 11). Most graduates at the IGCSE level qualify for ICE (the International Certificate in Education). Students can choose to sit the IGCSE exams in Mathematics; Combined Sciences or Physics, Chemistry, Biology; Business Studies; English as a First Language or English as a Second Language; English Literature; French as a Foreign Language; Swahili; Art and Design; History and Geography.
Entrance exams. Class placement is based on the student’s age. There are no entrance exams for Primary students. Seniors must pass the Key Stage or End of Year exams for their classes or they may be required to repeat a year. New admissions for the secondary have a placement assessment.
Scholarships. We have free and/or reduced tuition for children of teachers and administrative staff working at the school. There are three scales of tuition.
Teaching & Resources
Teachers. The school has 9 full-time teachers and two part-time teachers, representing 6 nationalities. Team work and collaboration is encouraged.
Teaching Aids. Every classroom has blackboards and/or whiteboards, as well as basic stationery supplies. For A/V equipment, teachers share CD/tape players and a TV with DVD/VCR. Teachers have access to a photocopying machine, an overhead projector, and a computer lab. Internet access is being made available to the school this year. The school has a modest science lab with basic equipment, such as Bunsen Burners and a magnifying glass.
Library. There are over 5,000 books, not counting classroom library books, in our small campus library. All classes have a small selection of required reading and, in the primary, small class libraries in their classrooms as well. The school is developing long term plans for expanding our library and classroom resources.
Class Books. All classrooms have books sent from England that are compatible with the National Curriculum, such as Arc en Ciel (French), Shakespeare guided student readers, Great Expectations (w/York Notes), The Oxford English Programme 1, 2, 3. and other materials for each year.
Teaching Hours. Teachers are required to teach from 8 to 3 pm four days a week, and from 8 to 1:30 pm on Fridays. Upper Primary is from 8 to 2 pm, Middle School (Senior 1-5) is from 8-3.
Subjects/Duties. Secondary teachers are assigned by subject. Primary teachers teach all subjects to their primary class, and often have at least one senior class (e.g. music or IT) to teach as well. In a small school like this, we all pull together for the students!
All teachers are expected to be involved in extra-curricular activities at a minimum of one hour a week after school, and take on Boarding supervision up to an accumulated two weeks per school year. Teachers also share break duty on a rotational basis.
Contracts. Two year renewable contracts are preferred, although occasionally one year contracts are offered. Modest salaries provide a comfortable income compared to the cost of living in Iringa. Contracts are from August 1st to July 31. There is a medical allowance as part of the contract, and teachers are offered an economy-fare flight at the completion of two-year contracts.
Housing. Teacher houses are among the most sophisticated in town. They have hot water, screen doors, refrigerators and a stove/oven. The average home prices are not regulated, but teachers’ subsidized rent (usually in a shared apartment/house with private rooms for each teacher) range from $50-100 per month. Teachers who prefer to find their own accommodation are welcome to do so.
Life in Iringa
Getting There & Away. New teachers are expected to pay their own way to Iringa. Two-year contracts are entitled to one economy fare ticket at the end of every two years. Iringa is a 7 hour bus ride from Dar es Salaam.
Leisure time. Iringa is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. The stunning scenery of the Southern Highlands provides numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and even horse back riding. Nearby features include Isimila Stone Age Site and the Ruaha National Park. Iringa town, the regional capital, is a good place for a family. It is quiet and peaceful, has a large market and numerous small shops within easy walking distance where one can get basic amenities, friendly cafes, and easily accessible internet and communications technology.
Climate. The climate is very moderate (evening low of 45 f in dry season; day time high of 85 f in rainy season), and generally very pleasant year round.
Medical Care. There are no advanced medical institutions in town, but there is a safe and clean Aga Khan hospital which follows international medical standards for hygiene and sanitation. One should pay close attention to cleaning produce and water, using bug repellent, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Med-Evac assistance is available to those who pay for coverage.
Security. The school and the housing each have security guards. In general, Tanzania, particularly Iringa, is quite peaceful and safe.
