Cover English Language Learning in Primary School

We are looking for a qualified and dynamic ELL Specialist for our international Primary School (ages 4 to 11) to join our Student Support team. At UWC Maastricht the Student Services ELL specialists are responsible for the beginner to intermediate English language development of the students in their care. As well as meeting the language needs of the students, respect for their languages and cultures and their social and emotional wellbeing is an essential part of this role.

Vacancy for teachers with DUO accredited qualifications for our Primary School. We can only appoint local staff with a valid work permit.

The successful profile & qualifications

Commitment

Pursuing the UWC mission requires a commitment from our staff members to the following values:

International and cultural understanding, celebration of difference, personal responsibility and integrity, mutual responsibility and respect, compassion and service, respect for the environment, a sense of idealism, personal challenge, action and personal example.

It should be noted that the school is a dynamic and high energy environment: the satisfaction from working at UWC Maastricht is high – but so are the demands on time and engagement.

Education degree

• Having qualifications to teach English to students up to the age of 12. For example, a completed TEFL or TESL course on top of a teaching degree as a Primary teacher

Tasks

• Work with small and larger groups of students or on an individual basis for extra language support.
• Assist in the development of all linguistic skill areas e.g. understanding, spoken production, spoken interaction, reading, writing, at an age-appropriate level whilst respecting the students’ language(s) background and identity.
• Awareness of the variables at play for each language learner as they make the transition into the new school community, language and culture.
• Help maintain a positive relationship and balance between home and school.
• Implement the in-house developed ELL Foundation Programme for all ELL students across the school and document each student’s progress as part of this process.
• Collaborate with class and subject teachers and provide guidance and support.
• Collaborate with the Student Services teams like ELL and Special education Needs (SEN), and with the leadership team in Primary school.
• Offer guidance and support to teachers to meet the language needs of the students in their contexts.

Professional competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies on a professional proficiency level:

• A thorough understanding of the language acquisition process from beginner to full proficiency trough co-constructive pedagogy.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing and fostering an additive multilingual philosophy.
• Empathy and understanding of multilingual learners and awareness of the variables at play with internationally mobile students.
• Willingness to learn how to incorporate concept-based inquiry, writers and readers workshop and philosophy for children into student learning experiences.

Safeguarding

UWC Maastricht is committed to upholding the highest standards in student safeguarding. Throughout the application process we will be assessing your suitability to work with children and young adults. Prior to an offer of employment being made, UWC Maastricht will check directly with current and past employers about safeguarding.

Terms of Employment

You will get a temporary contract (0.8 FTE) of employment under Dutch law: the initial contract is until 15 July, 2026 and can be renewed after that. This vacancy is a long cover position for maternity and parental leave. The contract can start from January 1 or even sooner, depending on the situation. The salary is according to the Collective Labour Agreement of Primary Schools (CAO PO) between € 3463,- and € 5277,- gross per month based on relevant experience and on full time basis.

To be able to work in the Netherlands, a (foreign) staff member must be able to successfully apply for a Dutch VOG (certificate of good conduct). UWCM will assist in the application process for a VOG.

NOTE: We reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the vacancy deadline. The deadline for this vacancy is September 30, 2025.