Teacher – Primary

About the Role

This job description aligns with the Teachers’ (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations 1987 (Northern Ireland), integrating regulatory responsibilities with professional duties.

Reports to: Principal

Professional Responsibilities

1. Core Duties (Regulation 5)

A teacher’s role falls under exercise of general and particular professional duties, including:

• Operating under the reasonable direction of the Principal in conducting teaching responsibilities or, where applicable, the employing board.
• Addressing both professional and particular assignments determined by the Principal or designated authority.

2. Core Responsibilities

2.1 Planning & Delivery

• Planning, preparing, and adapting curricula and lessons.
• Teaching pupils based on their educational needs.
• Setting and marking in-class and out-of-class assignments.
• Regularly assessing, recording, and reporting on pupil progress.

2.2 General Contributions

• Promoting pupil welfare by safeguarding health, safety, and social development.
• Offering guidance on education, careers, and social matters.
• Collaborating with parents and external bodies to support children. (Except in unintentional breach of position).
• Participating in curriculum-related discussions and school meetings.

2.3 Assessment & Reporting

• Providing assessments (oral/written), reports, and references. (Avoid contentious reporting if necessary.)

2.4 Staff & Professional Development

• Engaging in performance reviews and training.
• Reviewing teaching methods and uptaking further training opportunities.
• Assisting colleagues in curriculum development, materials, programmes, pastoral work, and discipline.

2.5 Discipline & Health & Safety

• Maintaining order, discipline, and safety at school and during school activities.
• Complying with the employing authority’s safeguarding policies.
• Monitoring assemblies, safeguarding attendance, and supervising pupils.

2.6 Public Examinations

• Participating in exam preparation, assessment, and supervision.
• Administering student challenges and recorded reporting.

2.7 Management & Admin Support

• Supporting recruitment, training, and appraisals of colleagues.
• Coordinating curriculum teams and assisting in governance tasks.
  • Registering attendance and supervising pupils pre-, during, and post-school session.
  • Allocating resources, managing support staff, and equipment.

3. Working Hours & Expectations

• 195 days/year of availability, with no more than 190 days teaching in primary settings.
• Up to 1,265 hours/year, adhering to classroom limits:
  • Primary schools: 25 hours/week in class; additional duties permitted elsewhere.
  • Mid-day supervisory tasks included under exceptions only, unless contractually separate.
• Lunch break:
  • Primary/Foundation: 30-minute break between 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm.
• Exam periods and attendance tracking apply beyond core hours.