Japanese Teacher (2027)

Are you passionate about Japanese language and culture, and excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up?

Mercedes College is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the introduction of Japanese as a new language offering in our Middle School. We are seeking an inspiring and innovative educator to establish and grow a vibrant Japanese language program, commencing with Years 7 and 8 and evolving into a Years 7-12 pathway over time.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of language learning at Mercedes College. Working in partnership with the Learning Area Leader: Languages, you will help create a program that sparks curiosity, fosters intercultural understanding and inspires students to become confident global learners

If you are passionate about language education, programme development and creating meaningful learning experiences that students genuinely want to be part of, we would love to hear from you.

• Permanent 0.5FTE position, in the first instance, with strong potential for growth. Applicants with the ability to teach an additional learning area may be considered for a teaching allocation of up to 1.0 FTE.
• Unique opportunity to establish and shape a new Japanese language pathway from Years 7-12
• Join a welcoming, values-led learning community in the Mercy tradition

About Us

Mercedes College is a Catholic co-educational Reception to Year 12 International Baccalaureate World School in the Mercy tradition, located in Springfield, South Australia.

Driven by our vision to be a sustainable, internationally minded, world class school, we develop creative and critical thinkers who become leaders, for life.

Our community is defined by a sense of belonging, high expectations and genuine relationships, and we live our Mercy Values of Compassion, Loyalty, Justice, Integrity, Responsibility and Mutual Respect in the way we work and interact with students, families and each other.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to become the founding teacher of Japanese at Mercedes College.

Working closely with the Learning Area Leader: Languages, you will play a key role in establishing a contemporary and engaging Japanese language program that reflects the College's commitment to academic excellence, international mindedness and student-centred learning.

Beginning with Years 7 and 8, you will design and deliver learning experiences that develop students' language proficiency, cultural understanding and confidence to engage with the world beyond the classroom. As the program grows, you will help shape its future direction, developing a sustainable pathway through the IB Middle Years Programme and into Senior School SACE studies.

This role will suit an educator who is energised by the opportunity to build a program, foster student enthusiasm and create a thriving language offering that becomes a valued part of the Mercedes College experience.

About You

You are a passionate, innovative and engaging educator who:

• Is an enthusiastic teacher of Japanese with strong language and cultural expertise.
• Is excited by the opportunity to establish and grow a new program from the ground up.
• Demonstrates a program-building mindset, with the vision, initiative and commitment to establish a thriving and sustainable Japanese program that students and families value as part of their education.
• Designs engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and intercultural understanding.
• Builds strong relationships with students and fosters a love of language learning.
• Understands how to promote student engagement and participation in language pathways.
• Works collaboratively and strategically with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Has excellent communication, organisational and planning skills.
• Brings creativity, initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports and upholds the Catholic ethos and Mercy tradition of the College.

Highly desirable:

• Experience teaching within the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP).
• Experience developing curriculum and learning pathways.
• Ability to teach an additional subject area, with the potential for an increased teaching allocation.
• Experience in English as an Additional Language (EAL) education.
• Experience teaching Japanese across both Middle and Senior School contexts.

Qualifications and Training:

The successful applicant will be required to hold:

• An appropriate teaching qualification with Japanese language teaching expertise.
• Current Teacher Registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
• Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• RRHAN-EC training (Fundamentals and Masterclass), plus refreshers as required.
• First Aid Certificate HLTAID012.

For further information about the responsibilities, requirements and selection criteria of this role, please refer to the Position Information Document (

How to Apply

If this role sounds like a great fit for you, please click 'Apply' to submit your application by 9:00am, Monday 24 August 2026. 

Your application should include:

1. A cover letter (max. 1 page), addressed to Mr. Andrew Balkwill (Principal), highlighting your experience and alignment to the role, as well as your motivation to join Mercedes College.
2. A CV (max. 2 pages) detailing your qualifications, experience, and 3 referees.
3. Ensure your Working with Children Check (WWCC), First Aid Certificate (HLTAID012), RRHAN-EC and any refresher training certifications, and any other relevant qualification(s).

For confidential enquiries regarding this role, please contact Luisa Dickson, Executive Director, People and Culture on 0413 730 *** or email ***************@mercedes.catholic.edu.au    

🛑 Appointment is subject to Working with Children and Catholic screening clearances. Mercedes College reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.