IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator is responsible for leading the implementation, coordination, continuous development, and successful delivery of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at Gobind Sarvar School Edmonton. Reporting to the Principal, the incumbent provides instructional leadership, ensures compliance with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Standards and Practices, and supports teachers in delivering a high-quality inquiry-based educational programme.

The PYP Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between Gobind Sarvar School and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and academic excellence while supporting student achievement and the School's mission, vision, and values.

The PYP Coordinator may be assigned a reduced teaching load based on the operational needs of the School. In addition to classroom teaching responsibilities, the Coordinator is expected to provide instructional leadership, mentor teachers, coordinate curriculum planning, facilitate professional learning, oversee programme implementation, and ensure the School's continued compliance with IB requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Leadership

• Lead the implementation, coordination, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
• Ensure the School remains compliant with the International Baccalaureate Programme Standards and Practices.
• Coordinate the Programme of Inquiry (POI) and support curriculum planning across all grade levels.
• Lead the School through IB authorization, verification, evaluation, and reauthorization processes.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Gobind Sarvar School and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
• Promote the IB philosophy, Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATL), and inquiry-based learning throughout the School.
• Schedule and facilitate weekly collaborative planning meetings with teachers to support curriculum planning, programme implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare meeting agendas, record meeting minutes, assign action items, and monitor progress on agreed initiatives.
• Monitor the implementation of the PYP across all grade levels and provide guidance to teachers where required.
• Prepare and submit monthly progress reports to the Principal outlining programme implementation, achievements, challenges, recommendations, and next steps.
• Maintain accurate records of all PYP meetings, action plans, programme documentation, and supporting evidence required for IB authorization and evaluation.

2. Curriculum & Instruction

• Support teachers in implementing inquiry-based teaching and learning aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with both Alberta Education curriculum requirements and the IB PYP framework.
• Guide teachers in developing and reviewing Unit Planners, transdisciplinary units, and the Programme of Inquiry (POI).
• Promote best practices in teaching, learning, assessment, and student engagement.
• Support curriculum review and continuous programme improvement initiatives.

3. Teacher Coaching & Professional Development

• Provide instructional coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional support to teaching staff.
• Meet regularly with teachers individually and collaboratively to provide guidance on curriculum planning, assessment, and inquiry-based instruction.
• Observe classroom practices and provide constructive feedback to support professional growth.
• Coordinate and facilitate IB professional development sessions, workshops, and internal training.
• Support new teachers in understanding the IB philosophy, Programme of Inquiry, assessment practices, and the IB Learner Profile.
• Identify professional learning needs and recommend appropriate training opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and reflective professional learning culture throughout the School.

4. Student Learning & Assessment

• Support teachers in implementing IB assessment philosophy and practices.
• Monitor student learning and programme effectiveness through collaborative review and data analysis.
• Promote student agency, inquiry, international-mindedness, and the development of the IB Learner Profile attributes.
• Collaborate with teachers to improve student achievement and learning outcomes.
• Support the development of inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all learners.

5. Compliance & Programme Documentation

• Maintain all IB programme documentation, policies, procedures, and records.
• Coordinate documentation required for IB authorization, evaluation, verification, and annual programme reviews.
• Ensure programme documentation remains current, accurate, and aligned with IB expectations.
• Monitor implementation of School policies related to assessment, inclusion, language, academic integrity, and safeguarding.
• Ensure all curriculum documentation is maintained and readily available for internal and external review.

6. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain effective communication with students, parents, staff, and School leadership regarding the IB Primary Years Programme.
• Organize parent information sessions, workshops, and orientation sessions related to the PYP.
• Collaborate with School leadership on strategic planning and programme development.
• Represent Gobind Sarvar School professionally at IB conferences, meetings, networking opportunities, and professional learning events.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the International Baccalaureate Organization and external educational partners.

7. Teaching Responsibilities

• Teach a reduced classroom assignment, as determined by the Principal, while fulfilling programme coordination responsibilities.
• Plan, prepare, deliver, and assess engaging learning experiences consistent with the Alberta curriculum and the IB Primary Years Programme.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and inquiry-based classroom environment.
• Maintain accurate student records, assessments, progress reports, and communication with parents.

8. Leadership & School Improvement

• Collaborate with the Principal and School Leadership Team to achieve the School's strategic goals and continuous improvement priorities.
• Participate in curriculum planning, accreditation activities, and School improvement initiatives.
• Provide the Principal with monthly written reports summarizing programme implementation, teacher support activities, curriculum progress, professional development initiatives, meeting outcomes, accomplishments, identified challenges, and recommended next steps.
• Maintain records and minutes of all PYP meetings and ensure action items are followed through in a timely manner.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, and positive school culture.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Principal that are consistent with the nature and scope of the position

• Extensive knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), its philosophy, standards, and practices.
• Strong understanding of inquiry-based learning, concept-based curriculum, transdisciplinary teaching, and assessment.
• Knowledge of the Programme of Inquiry (POI), IB Learner Profile, and Approaches to Learning (ATL).
• Excellent instructional leadership, coaching, facilitation, and mentoring skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, project management, and documentation skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain programme documentation, and facilitate effective meetings.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with teachers, students, parents, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and educational technology platforms.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Education (required)

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Alberta Professional Teaching Certificate (Interim or Permanent).
• IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) professional development and/or certification is strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience teaching within an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme.
• Previous experience as a PYP Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional Coach, Grade-Level Lead, or educational leader is preferred.
• Experience leading curriculum development, collaborative planning, teacher mentoring, and professional learning communities.

Employment Requirement

• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check prior to employment and as required thereafter.
• Eligibility to work in Canada.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all students.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, values, and educational philosophy of Gobind Sarvar School.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Gobind Sarvar School reserves the right to amend or modify this position description to meet operational requirements.

Gobind Sarvar School is an equal opportunity employer. As a faith-based independent school, employees are expected to support the School's mission, values, and workplace practices, including wearing a School-approved head covering while on School property and adhering to the School's vegetarian food policy.