Hong Kong International School
Hong Kong is one of the most fascinating cities that I have had the opportunity to visit during my years overseas. I spent a week there just before unification with the mainland, and a week was nowhere near enough time. It’s a place that I would love to visit again if the opportunity and finances allow. I’ve always imagined that working there would be quite intense. HKIS sounds like a very complex school that would offer an active teacher many opportunities for professional and personal development.
HKIS is a Christian, co-educational private day school for students from 4-years through 18 years. It provides 
an American-based curriculum. There are over 2600 students on two campuses with over 40 nationalities represented. HKIS was founded in 1966. It is accredited by WASC.
The school has four divisions: Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Middle School and High School.
HKIS has a teacher-student ratio of 1:11. The school has more than 260 faculty members with 230 support staff. Teachers come from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., China, New Zealand, Austria, Honk Kong, and more places. Teachers are involved in extra-curricular activities and supervise educational field trips.
The Elementary School
The Elementary School has small class sizes, an emphasis on multiculturalism, cooperative learning, and project-based learning. There is a wide range of after school activities available.
The Middle School
According to the school website, middle school students at HKIS have some of the best school facilities in Hong Kong. These include: a state-of-the-art computer and video-tech lab, a swimming pool, a gym, an excellent library and a sports field. In addition to the academics that prepare students for the rigorous high school program, there is an extensive variety of activities for Middle School students to participate in.
The High School
HKIS offers a college-prep curriculum, and 90% of its graduates go on to college in the US or Canada with the rest attending university in Asia. In addition to its academic program, the school offers a variety of clubs, athletics and other activities for high school students. The high school focuses on self-motivation, collaboration, and interactive learning.
Professional Development
PD at HKIS has two key elements: It stresses collaborative planning and development of efforts and events that are supported by the budget.
Staff development is aligned with the school’s major goals. Examples are HKIS faculty-led training, weekend workshops, visiting consultants, faculty retreats
Employment at HKIS
Teachers need to have a minimum of two years experience at least a Bachelor’s Degree, certification. Experience overseas is a plus. The school is looking for not only Christian teachers, but teachers of other faiths as well who are interested in exploring the complex questions of faith and spirituality.
HKIS wants teachers who:
- Actively support the school’s mission statement
- Model and foster dialogue and understanding about religious and spiritual identity
- Are passionate about teaching students
- Who work with parents as partners
- Are qualified and experienced educators
- Demonstrate commitment to teamwork and effective communication
- Use the best research-based teaching practices and knowledge of curriculum
Benefits include a retirement plan, medical insurance, professional development support, housing, and relocation allowance. Salary information is not available on the website.
Applications must be received online to be given full consideration. HKIS attends Northern Iowa, Search and ISS fairs. Job openings are posted on the school website as soon as they become available.
