IB Design Technology Teacher - Upper School
THE RIDLEY DIFFERENCE
Founded in 1889, Ridley College is a co-educational boarding and day school with over 850 students in JK to Grade 12 from more than 60 countries worldwide. Education at Ridley is 'learner-centred' and inquiry-based, enhanced by the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It places students at the heart of the learning experience and develops curiosity, open-mindedness, and agile thinking and doing. Guided by our vision, we aim to inspire flourishing lives to transform our globe.
We strive as a community to create a culture of belonging on campus based on trust, collaboration and cooperation, and to promote and deepen these shared values in all we do. Joining the team at Ridley means you are committed to life-long learning and development, have integrity and value being of service in a richly diverse community. Attracting, developing and retaining people who thrive in Ridley’s positive education culture that recognizes and celebrates individual strengths is critical to our success.
Ridley College is located on 90 picturesque acres in St. Catharines, Ontario, in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula and is comprised of a stunning blend of century-old buildings housing modernized technology. Our state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities help to reshape the learning experience for future generations of Ridleians and uphold Ridley’s place as a global leader in education.
OVERVIEW
Ridley College invites applications for an exceptional opportunity to join our Upper School as a full-time IB Design Technology Teacher, commencing September 2026. This role is ideal for an educator who approaches teaching as an art form—someone who blends visual creativity, applied sciences, and technology to inspire students to think boldly and design with purpose.
The Design Technology course aims to foster students’ skills in utilizing both new and established technologies to create innovative products. Students will develop the ability to apply design thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise in meaningful, real-world contexts.
As an IB Design Technology teacher, you guide students through the design cycle, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and inquiry-based critical thinking. From fashion design, woodworking and fabrication to laser cutting, 3D printing, and CAD-based design, you will help students transform ideas into tangible creations. Your classroom will be a studio—a space where innovation meets craftsmanship and sustainability.
Beyond teaching, you will contribute to Ridley’s vibrant boarding school community by advising students, leading co-curricular activities, and engaging in the artistic and cultural life of the school. If you are passionate about fostering creativity and preparing students to become thoughtful designers and global citizens, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
• Plan and teach engaging IB-aligned Design Technology lessons (Middle Years Programme/Diploma Programme) that develop conceptual understanding and practical skills.
• Create a dynamic, studio-like learning environment that celebrates creativity and design thinking.
• Deliver IB Design Technology lessons aligned with Diploma Programme standards which includes human factors and ergonomics, resource management and sustainable production, modelling, raw material to final product, innovation and design, and classic design.
• Inspire students to explore diverse mediums and integrate emerging technologies.
• Assess student work with rigour and provide constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and interdisciplinary projects.
• Participate fully in Ridley’s co-curricular program, including coaching, arts initiatives, clubs, and community service.
• Serve as an advisor and contribute to the boarding school experience through house duties and mentorship.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree (Ontario or equivalent) in Design, Technology Education, Engineering, or Industrial Design.
• Ontario College of Teacher certification (or equivalent) for Intermediate/Senior levels.
• IB educator certification with at least five (5) years’ experience teaching the IB Diploma Programme.
• Teaching specialist in Visual, Design, or Media Arts.
Experience & Other Requirements:
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience teaching IB Design Technology curriculum with proven success.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience teaching in a boarding school.
• Expertise in design principles, CAD software, fabrication tools, and project-based learning.
• Strong background in fostering creativity and integrating sustainable design practices.
• Experience leading extracurricular design or arts initiatives.
• Athletics coaching experience is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
OUR OFFER
Ridley College offers a positive and inclusive workplace community with a competitive compensation and benefits package including the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan where eligible; innovative, challenging and rewarding opportunities; a learning environment that promotes professional development and personal growth; active community involvement; and a beautiful campus setting in the heart of Niagara that engages and inspires our employees to flourish.
HOW TO APPLY
As a condition of employment, a satisfactory Vulnerable Persons Screening Report must be provided.
While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.
Ridley College is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible and equitable environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used in order to ensure your equal participation.