At Academia Cotopaxi (AC), we prioritize people. They breathe life and purpose into our organization: teaching, interacting, leading projects, developing, learning, growing, and supporting every facet of our community. Every member of our staff embraces our Mission, striving for ever higher levels of professionalism, ethics, and respect in all endeavors.
We firmly believe in our ability to positively impact society—and the world—through education. This includes educating our students, staff, and the wider community. We value continuous learning and seek individuals with growth mindsets: open to new experiences, willing to challenge assumptions, explore new avenues, and bring innovative ideas to discussions and projects.
Quality education is paramount to us, and we consider both formal training and practical experience when selecting candidates to join our school. Within these pages, you will discover why choosing AC and experiencing Ecuador could be the right decision for you.
At AC, we cherish our community and invite those who wish to be part of an evolving community and a school undergoing transformation to join us.
Gina Del Hierro
Director of Human Resources
We have a history of success, guided by our school mission and core values. We embrace change as a key feature of life. We know what we value and believe in, and we know where we want to go in the future as we evolve to meet the demands of a fast-paced, ever-changing world. We are a school in motion, continually evolving and improving to ensure that we provide the best for our community.
We are led by a Board of Trustees who love the school and believe in our future. Our Board of Trustees oversee the fiduciary, strategic and generative elements of our school’s future. Three external accreditation organizations assure excellence in learning– the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the International Baccalaureate (IB) as well as the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education. We are officially sponsored by the US State Department of Education and deliver a US High School Diploma, the IB Diploma, as well as the Ecuadorian diploma.
Three-Two-One – This is our community. Our Elementary School includes both our IMAGINE bilingual preschool program, and our full English-language immersion program from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Five. Full English immersion continued in Middle School from Grades Six through Grade Eight and High School from Grade Nine through Twelve. These smaller learning communities, within the broader school setting, provide the perfect size for developmentally appropriate learning for our different age groups. Every student feels that this is their school and that there are adults here who know them and who care about their well-being.
We promote learning for all members of our community – students, parents, faculty and staff alike. We are proud of being learners, and we enjoy collaborating with one another to refine good ideas and make them better together. Our Principals are instructional leaders who promote reflection for the improvement of teaching and learning. At our school, there is always something new going on and we never stop learning! We like it that way!
English is the medium of instruction at Academia Cotopaxi. Learning to speak, listen, read and write well in English is of highest priority for us. We are proud of our many bilingual/multilingual students and we want to ensure that they communicate confidently in English while celebrating and honoring their linguistic heritage.
We welcome students from diverse cultural, ethnic and language backgrounds and accept students from across the spectrum of learning differences. We believe that all people have intrinsic value and we promote awareness, understanding and respect for diversity. We are also an international community, with 35 nationalities from around the world. Being globally-minded is a quality we cultivate throughout our school.
We are wireless and connected. Using up to date digital tools and social media platforms enhances learning for everyone. Technology is part of our daily lives and helps us to master new skills such as creativity, innovation, media literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability.
More than 80% of our teachers have Master Degrees and more than 60% have graduated from an English Language University outside of Ecuador. We have a balance of both local and international teachers and low teacher-student ratios to support personalization.
Parents are the most important people in a child’s life, their first teachers. Partnership with parents is crucial for a child’s future success. At our school, parents can expect to be included, welcomed and vital to our school’s and their children’s accomplishments
We believe that schools become stronger and more resilient when everyone has a voice and is valued. We seek and welcome feedback at all levels as part of our campaign for continuous pursuit of excellence.
Academia Cotopaxi is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age or national origin in relation to hiring, salary, benefits, retention or promotion at the school.
The school will hire only the best, most highly qualified and experienced professional staff available. Preference is given to candidates with overseas experience, specific experience with the International Baccalaureate programs, and/or ability to coach or supervise other extra-curricular activities that are part of the school program. Other qualifications are based on research into effective teaching and assessment, collaborative skills, and other characteristics indicating a history of effective work with young people similar to those we serve.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
A valid teaching certification/license recognized internationally.
A specialization or coursework in elementary education or the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is highly preferred.
Experience:
A minimum of 3 years teaching experience at the elementary level, ideally with upper elementary students (Grades 3–5).
Proven experience implementing the IB PYP framework, including inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary teaching.
Experience teaching in international schools or diverse cultural settings is a significant advantage.
Experience managing learning support and differentiation in the classroom.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or a closely related field.
A teaching certification or license in art education (preferred).
Advanced studies or certifications in Maker Education, Design Thinking, or STEM integration.
Language
Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional language skills are an advantage.
Experience:
2–5 years of teaching experience in visual arts or related fields at the elementary level, with proven expertise in engaging young learners.
Experience integrating art with design and technology in innovative, project-based, or inquiry-driven environments.
Familiarity with international curricula (e.g., IB PYP, Reggio Emilia) and a strong emphasis on art-centered education.
Experience managing cases of Child Protection / Child Safeguarding
Education:
A master’s degree in Counseling, Child Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
Certifications in child-centered therapy methods, such as play therapy, art therapy, or attachment-based counseling, are highly valued.
Training in innovative approaches like mindfulness for young children, SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), or neurodevelopmental frameworks (e.g., Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model) is an advantage.
Experience:
3–5 years of experience working with children aged 12 months to 5 years, ideally within an international or child-centered, inquiry-based educational setting.
Proven ability to implement SEL and behavioral support programs in collaborative environments with parents and educators.
Familiarity with pedagogical approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or other constructivist models that value the whole child.
International mindset
At least 3 years teaching experience with Special Needs Education
Master’s degree preferred
Native or Proficient use of English
Experience with PYP and IB/DP is preferred
We have no open positions at this time
If you would like to apply or refer candidates for possible future opportunities, please use this LINK to submit your application.
Visit us regularly to see any future openings posted here.
If you want to apply or refer candidates for these positions, please forward this
Remember that we have a referral bonus if the candidate you refer ends up being hired.
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