We often hear of parents clambering to get their children into a top school but rarely do we hear stories about the competition to work there. There are many reasons why local international schools remain attractive choices for developing a teaching career and the competition for teaching positions is keen. Discovery College, the English Schools Foundation's newest Private Independent School, will relocate from Lai King to Discovery Bay. Thirty to 35 teachers and administrators are sought by the new through-train school for the semester in August. The positions open include a head of secondary, and secondary teachers, a head of primary and primary teachers, team leaders for both secondary and primary, a head of library, a business manager, vice-principal for primary and specialist teachers in Chinese language, performing arts, physical education, design technology/visual arts and English as an additional language/individual needs. A raft of additional positions open this month, ranging from clerical and technical staff to a marketing and communications position. Interested candidates for teaching positions should have at least two years of working experience and a tertiary degree. Although the school followed the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, specific training in the programme - Primary and Middle Years Programmes (PYP/MYP) was not mandatory. More important for student learning, said principal Mark Beach, was the relationship between the teacher and student. He was looking for teachers who can develop effective relationships with students, who are also passionate about teaching. 'If you can find exceptional teachers, the skills of teaching the IB curriculum can be developed,' he emphasised, noting that specific training would be provided for those staff who lack IB experience. Training for all staff included bringing in IB trainers and expert teachers to work with them, on planning, implementation and assessment against the IB curriculum. All teachers would also have an opportunity to regularly attend IB workshops and conferences. 'Two weeks ago I had two teachers at a PYP workshop in Yokohama [Japan], and more will be attending similar training sessions in New Delhi [India] and Hong Kong early next year,' he said. Hiring highly-motivated candidates was one of Mr Beach's priorities. During the interview process, applicants would be asked to recount stories about their own educational experiences. 'Teachers' stories give you a good insight into who they are as people,' Mr Beach said, describing the right person as an innovative risk-taker. Mr Beach felt that a great thing about the new Discovery College would be that all teachers and staff would help shape the school's mission from day one. Yet, this also means the school is wholly untested. 'There no expectations yet enormous expectations.' Hard work would be expected and candidates who can demonstrate an ability to work with a team would be highly regarded. Additionally, all teachers would have responsibilities outside the classroom. Discovery College's new building would also be an attractive place for teaching technology-related subjects and the performing arts. The ICT programme would demonstrate the school's commitment to teaching digital literacy, including hands-on training for students in a full broadcast studio. A digital learning co-ordinator and design technology/visual arts specialist teachers are being sought, while the positions of ICT manager and two ICT technicians would be advertised next month. To complement the massive performing arts centre, (including two theatres, drama studio, understage and backstage areas, a dance studio and music rooms) the school sought performing arts specialist teachers who can work in music, dance and drama. The intention is that as the school grows there would be specialist teachers for each element and a head of the Performing Arts department. 'We [would] prefer someone with a track record of extra-curricular and classroom experience who has managed school productions both small and large scale,' Mr Beach said. The promotion prospects are good too. As the school grows from an initial 600 students to a projected 1,400 students, more leadership and management positions would open up, said Mr Beach. He felt that ESF's reputation as a world-class educational provider would also aid teachers looking to expand their careers beyond Hong Kong. In a nutshell 30-35 teachers and administrators are sought by Discovery College All new staff means everyone will play a part in developing the school's mission The school provides an opportunity for highly motivated educators to make their mark A chance to work in a new modern and eco-friendly school building The school will follow the International Baccalaureate programme although training in IB is not essential Previous teaching experience is needed to apply for a teaching position Candidates should be innovative and creative risk-takers