IB Design & Technology and Visual Arts Teacher

About United Lisbon International School

United Lisbon International School is a modern, innovative, student-centered international school offering rigorous academic programs, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The school emphasizes collaborative learning, guided inquiry, technology integration, and preparing students with the skills, creativity, and values needed to thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

Position Overview

United Lisbon International School is seeking an experienced, creative, and passionate IB Design & Technology and Visual Arts Teacher to join our Secondary School team.

The successful candidate will deliver high-quality teaching in both IB Design Technology and Visual Arts, inspiring students to develop creative, analytical, and problem-solving skills through artistic and design-based inquiry. The role requires a strong understanding of the IB philosophy, effective pedagogical practices, and the ability to create a stimulating, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.

The teacher will support students in developing their artistic voice while also guiding them through the design process, encouraging innovation, research, experimentation, evaluation, and reflection. The successful candidate will foster creativity, technological literacy, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning while preparing students for IB assessment requirements and future pathways in art, design, engineering, architecture, and related fields.

This role is ideal for an experienced educator who is passionate about arts education, design thinking, innovation, and supporting students in achieving their full creative potential within an international learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, high-quality lessons in IB Design Technology and Visual Arts aligned with IB requirements and school curriculum expectations.

• Create a positive, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment that encourages creativity, innovation, experimentation, and inquiry.

• Teach a range of artistic, design, and technological skills using traditional and digital media.

• Support students in developing technical skills, creative confidence, design-thinking strategies, and independent learning habits.

• Guide students through the design cycle, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, evaluation, and reflection.

• Encourage students to explore connections between art, design, technology, sustainability, culture, and contemporary practice.

• Promote critical thinking, problem-solving, visual literacy, and innovation through meaningful learning experiences.

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of students.

• Maintain high expectations for student achievement, engagement, and creative development.

IB Design Technology & Visual Arts Programme and Assessment

• Deliver the IB Design Technology and/or IB Visual Arts curriculum in accordance with IB standards and practices.

• Guide students through the successful completion of Internal Assessments, Process Portfolios, Comparative Studies, Exhibitions, and design projects as required.

• Support students in developing reflective and analytical approaches to both artistic and design processes.

• Ensure students understand IB assessment criteria, expectations, and submission requirements.

• Monitor student progress and provide regular, actionable feedback.

• Maintain accurate records of student achievement, progress, and assessment data.

• Participate in moderation and standardization processes where required.

• Ensure all IB deadlines, procedures, and documentation requirements are met accurately and on time.

• Support students in using industry-standard design software, digital technologies, fabrication tools, and creative technologies where appropriate.

Student Support & Wellbeing

• Build positive and respectful relationships with students, encouraging confidence, creativity, resilience, and personal expression.

• Support students in developing independence, self-management, and ownership of their learning journey.

• Promote a safe, inclusive, respectful, and well-organized studio, workshop, and classroom environment.

• Identify and communicate student wellbeing or safeguarding concerns in accordance with school policies.

• Encourage students to reflect on their learning and demonstrate the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.

Department Collaboration & School Community

• Collaborate with colleagues across Arts, Design Technology, Science, Mathematics, and other subject areas to develop interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

• Contribute to curriculum development, review, and innovation initiatives.

• Organize and support exhibitions, showcases, design fairs, competitions, and arts-related events.

• Promote student achievements within the wider school community.

• Participate actively in school meetings, professional development opportunities, and community events.

• Support extracurricular activities and enrichment programs related to Visual Arts, Design, Technology, Innovation, and STEAM learning.

Communication & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain effective communication with students, parents, colleagues, and school leadership regarding student progress and wellbeing.

• Contribute to departmental planning, resource development, and collaborative learning practices.

• Maintain professional standards and engage in continuous professional learning.

• Keep abreast of developments in design, technology, art education, digital fabrication, sustainability, and emerging creative industries.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing school priorities and student needs.

• Perform additional duties assigned by the Head of Secondary or school leadership.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Recognized teaching qualification and relevant university degree in Design Technology, Product Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, Art Education, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Education, or a related field.

• Proven experience teaching Design Technology and/or Visual Arts, preferably within an international school environment.

• Experience teaching the International Baccalaureate curriculum is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of IB Design Technology and/or IB Visual Arts assessment requirements and practices.

• Experience supporting students with portfolio development, exhibition preparation, and design project work.

• Strong knowledge of design thinking, product design, engineering principles, visual communication, artistic techniques, and contemporary creative practices.

• Familiarity with digital design tools, CAD software, prototyping technologies, and educational technology platforms.

• Experience working with culturally diverse and multilingual student communities.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Attributes

• Previous experience as an IB Design Technology or IB Visual Arts teacher and/or examiner.

• Passion for creativity, innovation, design thinking, and student-centered learning.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to inspire students and encourage independent creative and technical exploration.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and assessment requirements effectively.

• High level of cultural awareness and sensitivity within an international school context.

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to the wider school community.

• Solutions-oriented approach with strong problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Flexible and adaptable approach to evolving educational and technological developments.

Inspire. Design. Create. Make an Impact.

Join us at United Lisbon International School, where passionate educators work together to inspire creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. Help shape the next generation of artists, designers, innovators, and global citizens in a dynamic and supportive international community.

Important Notice: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for shortlisting will be contacted. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive safeguarding screening and background checks in line with international best practices.