Work at ACS
- About Us
- Teaching & Working at ACS
- Professional Development
- Working & Living in Lebanon
- HR Office
- Career Opportunities
About Us
We at ACS have a deep connection to each other and our school. For many of us, it is not just a place of employment or learning. It is a second home where we share a set of values and expectations and enjoy mutual support and respect. The deep Lebanese and American roots of this unique institution date to 1905 when the faculty of the American University of Beirut established a school to educate primarily American expatriate children of faculty, missionaries and diplomats. Over the last 120 years ACS has evolved to become a vital and influential player in the Lebanese educational landscape as an exemplar of student-centered, inquiry-based teaching and learning and as early adopters of best practices and innovation. For instance, ACS was the first school in Lebanon to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) degree, the first school to adopt Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the first school to host a TEDx event.
Today ACS’s student body is over half Lebanese. Many of our students stay at ACS for the majority of their primary and secondary school education. As a result, ACS is not your typical international school; rather, it looks and feels more like a US independent school operating overseas.
Watch the video below to hear our teachers, students, and parents explain why they have chosen ACS to be their school and second home in Lebanon.
Why ACS
Teaching & Working at ACS
ACS Beirut provides a unique educational experience for children in grades Nursery through 12, one that is more student-centered and empowering than other schools in Lebanon. Our teachers don’t stand in the front of the classroom and dispense their knowledge to students. Rather, our teachers are experts in their subject areas who use that expertise to collaborate with students in their learning. They are guides, they are referees, they are thought-provokers, and they forge productive relationships with their students. To be a successful teacher at ACS requires the following:
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expertise in one’s subject area
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a willingness constantly to reflect on and tweak one’s practice
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a desire to collaborate with colleagues across the division and the entire school
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an ability to develop supportive, mutually respectful, collaborative relationships with students
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an awareness that parents are partners in the education of their children and that these relationships often require diplomacy, empathy, and the ability to listen
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a commitment to working with students outside of classrooms in activities, clubs, athletic teams, and field trips
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strength to articulate ideas and opinions but also to adhere to the mission, values, vision, and strategic direction of the school
Working as Staff
Our facilities, security, business, human resources, IT, health, admissions, development, academic operations, and digital learning teams play important operational roles. Without them, the school, quite simply, would not function. As a reflection of this, all children of faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission as per our school’s policy.
We know that well-informed staff are more effective staff. We provide opportunities for all team members to learn more about our academic program, pedagogical trends, and strategic initiatives. As important, we encourage ACS staff to get to know the students and to take advantage of opportunities to share their expertise and to volunteer at events. As always, we expect all employees to adhere to ACS core values and to incorporate these into their daily work and interactions with each other and all those in our community.
Professional Development
ACS strives to provide numerous and varied professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. These include regularly scheduled in-service days throughout the year, during which we focus on school-wide or divisional initiatives. We also utilize the expertise of outside consultants as needed to help us home in on a particular aspect of pedagogy, curriculum, or other topic in education. For example, Bridget Doogan recently completed a 4-day “Adaptive Schools” certificate program with 60 of our faculty members.
We send faculty and staff to relevant professional development conferences or more specialized programs. These can be initiated by the school or individual faculty members, and are approved based on the connection to our mission, pedagogical practices, and strategic initiatives. Decisions are made by the Professional Development Committee, which includes the Head of School and other members of the Leadership Team.
As a member of the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA), we benefit from the wide variety of online and in-person professional development opportunities that NESA provides.
Working & Living in Lebanon
ACS is located in cosmopolitan Beirut, a city of approximately 2.5 million residents once dubbed the “Paris of the Middle East.” Arabic is the official language but both English and French are spoken widely. Lebanon is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, splendid scenery, and the warmth and resilience of its people. Within an hours’ drive from Beirut one can access spectacular hiking and skiing, picturesque traditional villages, award-winning vineyards, and ancient archaeological sites dating to the Pheonician, Roman, and Crusader periods. Rafik Hariri airport is only a 20-minute drive from campus, and direct flights to Europe as well as Cairo, Amman and other Middle Eastern capitals, are easily obtainable.
ACS is fortunately located just meters from the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and next to the American University of Beirut, the country’s and region’s top university and hospital system. Within a short walk are a variety of cafes, shops and essential services, as well as the Corniche – a seaside promenade ideal for walking and jogging. The nearby neighborhoods of Achrafieh, Mar Mikhael and Saifi offer a sophisticated array of upscale boutiques, bistros and cultural venues within historical, pedestrian-friendly settings.
Overseas hires will find the following video and Instagram feeds especially useful as a means of gaining insight into ACS and Lebanon.
@LebanonByDann
@LorientToday
@LebanonTrail
HR Office
The Human Resource Department led by Director Jocelyne Diab Bitar is the campus resource center for professional services and information in the areas of recruitment, benefits, compensation, training and development, employment records, employment processes and transactions, personnel policies and legal compliance, and employee relations. Its goal is to provide prompt and comprehensive services to all employees, thereby supporting the school’s overall operations and mission.
Career Opportunities
At the American Community School Beirut, we firmly believe that quality education is highly dependent on both the recruitment and development of a talented and a vibrant Faculty and Staff. We place critical importance, and expend considerable energy, on the recruitment and training of our Faculty and Staff.
Each year we work hard to intentionally recruit and retain an outstanding group of Faculty because we care deeply about our mission. Thinking about living and working in Lebanon at ACS means advancing understanding of this fascinating and important region of the world. It means exploring Beirut and the beautiful countryside, knowing the Lebanese people, to being in close proximity to the Mediterranean and its wonderful climate, and working closely with interesting colleagues and motivated and talented students.
- Search Associates
- The International Educator
- University of Northern Iowa
- Global Recruitment Collaborative
Our vacancies are updated online through the HR Office as they become available. We use our own forms as well as those professional sites you may be listed on as a teaching professional. Annually, we subscribe to several international teaching search firms, as we look for qualified teachers worldwide.
Leadership Opportunities
Faculty Opportunities
Lower School Arabic Teacher (Grades 2 to 5)
JOB SUMMARY
The Lower School Arabic Teacher collaborates with Arabic teachers in Grades 2 to 5 to create and support meaningful learning experiences for students. This role focuses on co-teaching, where the teacher partners in planning, instruction, and assessment to strengthen student learning in Arabic.
The teacher supports students’ development of Arabic reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, while fostering a positive attitude toward the language and its cultural context. The role includes fostering a supportive classroom environment, aligning instruction with school standards, and supporting students' academic and social growth.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as a positive role model for students.
- Co-teach Arabic lessons in collaboration with classroom Arabic teachers across Grades 2 to 5.
- Support the planning and delivery of engaging and developmentally appropriate Arabic instruction.
- Work closely with teachers to design lessons that build foundational language skills and confidence.
- Support small group instruction and provide targeted support to students with varying proficiency levels.
- Help create a classroom environment that promotes participation, curiosity, and a love of learning.
- Assist in differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Support the use of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress.
- Help track student learning and contribute to instructional adjustments.
- Maintain clear communication with colleagues regarding student progress and needs.
- Collaborate regularly with the Arabic Team and the Arabic Coordinator to ensure alignment and consistency.
- Integrate age-appropriate technology to support language development and engagement.
- Participate in professional development opportunities.
- Contribute positively to the Lower School community and school-wide activities.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language.
- Teaching credential or degree in Education preferred.
- Experience working with elementary age students, ideally in Grades 2 to 5.
- Experience in co-teaching or collaborative teaching models is preferred.
- Familiarity with standards-based curriculum.
High School Arabic Teacher
JOB SUMMARY
The Arabic Teacher creates and structures meaningful learning experiences for High School students in collaboration with colleagues, parents, and school leadership. The teacher is responsible for delivering a rigorous and engaging Arabic language program that develops students’ proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The teacher supports students in reaching high academic standards while fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a deep appreciation of the Arabic language. The role includes contributing to a positive classroom and school culture, aligning instruction with school standards, and supporting students’ intellectual and personal growth.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as a positive role model for students.
- Plan and deliver engaging and standards-aligned Arabic instruction at the High School level.
- Teach Modern Standard Arabic with accuracy and depth.
- Design lessons that promote critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.
- Create a classroom environment that supports student engagement and independent learning.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs and proficiency levels.
- Assess student progress using a variety of formative and summative assessments.
- Monitor student learning and adjust instruction to improve outcomes.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress and attendance.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with students and parents.
- Collaborate with the Arabic Coordinator and the Arabic Team to develop curriculum and align instructional practices.
- Integrate technology to enhance language acquisition and engagement.
- Participate in ongoing professional development.
- Contribute to school life beyond the classroom through activities, clubs, or events.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Arabic Language.
- Teaching credential or degree in Education.
- Minimum three years of teaching experience in an international or independent school setting.
- Successful experience teaching High School students.
- Familiarity with U.S. or standards-based curriculum.
School-Wide Choral Teacher
Overview
We are seeking a passionate and experienced School-Wide Choral Teacher to invigorate and inspire choral singing across all grade levels, from Early Childhood (EC) to High School (HS). This individual will collaborate closely with music and band teachers at every level to develop a cohesive and comprehensive choral program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in working with students in a school setting, extensive experience in leading choirs, and a drive to develop and elevate the choir program within the school community. Additionally, the Choral Teacher will organize after-school activities, including choir rehearsals and performances, aimed at engaging students, teachers, and parents in the joy of singing together.
Choral Program Development
- Collaborate with Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School music and band teachers to develop a school-wide choral program that aligns with the overall music curriculum.
- Design and implement engaging choral activities and repertoire suitable for students across different age groups and skill levels.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to express themselves through choral singing and develop a lifelong love for music.
Choir Rehearsals and Performances
- Lead regular choir rehearsals, focusing on vocal technique, musicality, and ensemble performance skills.
- Prepare students for various performances, including school concerts, assemblies, community events, and competitions.
- Collaborate with other music teachers and instrumental ensembles to incorporate choral music into larger-scale performances and productions.
After-School Activities
- Organize and lead after-school choir activities, including rehearsals, sectional practices, and vocal workshops.
- Establish additional opportunities for students, teachers, and parents to participate in choir-related activities, such as community sing-alongs, choral clinics, and workshops.
Student Development and Preparation
- Provide individualized support and instruction to students to help them develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and performance confidence.
- Mentor and guide student leaders within the choir, fostering a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and dedication.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate choral singing into the academic curriculum and enhance interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Vocal Performance, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Extensive experience in leading choral ensembles in a school setting, with a proven track record of preparing students for performances.
- Strong vocal and conducting skills, with a deep understanding of vocal pedagogy and choral techniques.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, colleagues, and parents.
- Passion for music education and a commitment to developing students' love for singing and appreciation for choral music.
Middle and High School Music Teacher
Job Summary
The Music Teacher leads the Middle and High School Music Program. This role focuses on building students’ musical skills, creativity, and confidence through both classroom instruction and performance.
Instruction and Program Design
- Plans and delivers a structured music program across grades.
- Teaches vocal and/or instrumental music based on program needs.
- Designs lessons that include performance, theory, listening, and creative work.
Ensembles and Performance
- Leads ensembles such as choirs or bands.
- Runs rehearsals focused on technique and musicality.
- Prepares students for concerts, assemblies, and events.
Student Growth
- Assesses progress and provides clear feedback.
- Supports a range of ability levels and builds student confidence.
- Fosters a positive and inclusive classroom culture.
Co-Curricular and Collaboration
- Leads after-school activities such as rehearsals or clubs.
- Collaborates with arts staff and contributes to school events.
- Communicates effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education. Master’s preferred.
- Teaching Experience in Middle or High School Music.
- Strong vocal or instrumental skills with ensemble experience.
- Strong classroom management and communication skills.
- Commitment to a high-quality, student-centered music program.