Founded in 2009, the Abaarso Network enables transformative change in Somaliland, East Africa, through educating and empowering the human capital needed to achieve ethical and effective development. The Network includes three world-class educational institutions that provide high-potential students with critical access, support, and leadership development: Abaarso School of Science and Technology, Barwaaqo University, and Kaabe Schools.

Barwaaqo University, founded in 2017, is located in Baliga Cas village outside the capital city. The mission of Barwaaqo is to empower Somalilanders/Somali women to become professionals who drive development throughout their community.

Faculty at Barwaaqo University are responsible for the academic, social-emotional, and character development of the young women who attend our school, empowering them to become the professionals and drive development through their communities. They have three main areas of responsibility: classroom instruction, student life, and peer support or duty to the community.

Faculty are actively involved in nurturing scholars and leaders through academic and student life programming in order to prepare them for the world of work in Somaliland. Faculty work directly with the students inside and outside of the classroom, leading them to success through teaching, coaching, advising, mentoring, disciplining, and evaluating.

Academic Education

Teach approximately 16-18 hours each week on dates determined by the master schedule. (Increased responsibilities in other areas often result in reduced teaching hours).
Manage a group of approximately 20-25 students. Build professional relationships with students in the classroom and understand who they are as people.
Create a safe, nurturing environment for students with clear expectations for student work and behavior.
Create individual, structured lesson plans, building on existing plans from a curricula library hosted by the school where possible and necessary; align all course content with the curriculum pathways shared by the Director of Academics.
Keep comprehensive and clear records of lessons, including notes of what activities worked well and those that didn’t for future course teachers.
Plan and use a variety of activities and learning methods to differentiate for and engage students; use student-centered, interactive lessons.
Create materials and assessments for the classroom and/or draw from the bank of materials
within the google drive database.
Assign daily homework to students unless otherwise agreed with supervisor and provide feedback using grades, written notes, and rubrics. Teachers should expect to spend 6-10 hours a week grading and providing feedback.
Record grades into the online student database during regular intervals as determined by the Director of Academics.
Record daily attendance of students in class using the online academic database.
Write written reflections on student performance, the course design and content, and teaching methodology suggestions for their groups of students.
Be available for students to seek extra help or enrichment through weekly office hours.
Review background subject knowledge if needed before each lesson.
Seek advice and help from supervisors as needed to make sure course content is appropriate for student literacy levels, culture, and religion. Vet all videos and lesson materials before use in the classroom.

Student Life Education

Build a sense of community through student meetings and events.
Lead 10-12 students in a structured advisory program, which meets regularly according to school policy. This includes preparing lessons, discussion topics or exercises to explore topics determined by a mentorship guide.
Provide academic and social-emotional mentoring to student mentees outside of structured time to make sure no one “falls through the cracks”.
Report student disciplinary infractions (academic and student life) to their appropriate Director in a timely manner. Participate in disciplinary hearings as needed.
Supervise one extracurricular group 2-3 hours a week; the group activity or club will be determined in consultation with the student leadership team and your supervisor, and may include an athletic team, student club, affinity group, or community service.

Peer Support and Duty to the Community

Assist with the planning and execution of enrichment activities/events, based on committee membership.
Participate in all regular or special events (Group meetings, Exam supervision, Socials, Project Days, Alumni Day, Graduation, Programs for special visitors, etc.).
Write recommendation letters for students applying for jobs and provide advice on student performance to the Alumni network.
Share duties or chores as required by the Head of School, such as clean-up days, teacher compound care, etc.
Assist with monitoring student behavior and sanitation as needed, providing support to student leaders; report major problems to the Director of Student Services.

Professional Development

Continually develop as a teacher and professional using the resources, workshops, and
suggestions given by the administration.
Attend all faculty meetings, departmental meetings, and year group meetings for announcements and professional development workshops.
Attend regular weekly academic check-ins with the Director of Academics.
Develop a community of learners through visiting other classrooms for peer observations and provide follow-up feedback.
Attend meetings on time, taking notes, with a professional attitude and open mind. Be a role model for students and faculty members.
Show respect and understanding for Somali culture and Islam at all times.

The successful candidate will

Be educated to bachelor degree level.
College major, minor, or significant experience in subject material for their course
Have an understanding of East Africa context, particularly education sector and fragile settings
Be experienced in managing a team of adults in an academic setting
Have experience in Student Assessments
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Results-oriented, entrepreneurial; takes initiative and is undeterred by ambiguous situations

Abaarso School of Science and Technology jobs

General Teacher - Barwaaqo University