Employment

The American School of Rio de Janeiro (Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro - EARJ) seeks outstanding teachers who are committed to professional growth and international education. We encourage applications from individuals who have demonstrated excellent instructional skills, an ability to contribute to curriculum development, and experience in sponsoring extra-curricular activities. New teachers are valuable assets to EARJ because they bring new perspectives and an enthusiasm for working in a new school and exciting culture. Click for Current Job Openings

Our school enjoys a spectacular mountainside setting in a suburban section of beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city and a world-favorite tourist center. The school was founded in 1937 and it currently enrolls approximately 700 students, nursery through grade 12. The school’s student body is almost 70% Brazilian but the number of American and other international students has been growing in recent years. About half of the seniors enter Brazilian universities after graduation and the other half attend college outside Brazil, mainly in the United States.

The school offers three diplomas: American, Brazilian, and International Baccalaureate. In addition to the core academic program, the school’s Experiential Education Program focuses on the development of leadership, community service, outdoor adventure units, and other facets of character development.

EARJ takes advantage of its location through its formal curriculum and through numerous field trips and cultural exchanges. All students in Lower School and almost all students in the upper grades study Portuguese. Many foreigners become completely fluent in the language after a few years of study.

The activities program attracts substantial interest among our students. Student Council, Model UN, National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Destination Imagination, instrumental and vocal music, publications, and a wide variety of athletic teams are some of the school-sponsored activities.

Faculty members demonstrate a strong commitment to the school and its continuing efforts to improve its programs. Many expatriate teachers (those contracted from overseas) remain at the school for extended periods because they appreciate the high quality of the school and because they enjoy living in an exciting, cosmopolitan environment. The city of Rio de Janeiro offers a wide variety of cultural and sporting opportunities, including its ever-popular music and beaches. One never tires of the physical beauty of Rio and the surrounding countryside. Brazilians are among the friendliest people one could hope to meet.

Employment
An initial contract for expat/foreign-hired teachers is for two years. For locally hired teachers, the contract is one year. EARJ offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Details will be provided during the interview process.

School Calendar
The school year begins in late July or early August and ends in mid-June. The December/January holiday is five or six weeks in length. Because this period is summer in South America, it is a good time to travel.

Staff Development
EARJ is committed to the continuing professional growth of its teachers. Staff development opportunities are planned throughout the year. EARJ also provides for partial reimbursement for summer study and other courses. A Masters Degree program is offered on campus.

Applications
Resumes are accepted throughout the year but most interviewing of expatriate teachers takes place at the recruiting fairs organized by International Schools Services, Search Associates and University of Northern Iowa. Letters of inquiry should be sent to graca.mello@earj.com.br.