Play Mandarin 玩中文 is looking for an energetic, creative and compassionate Part-Time TheraArt® Mandarin Teacher to join our growing team, with the potential to develop into a full-time role.
This role is part of our Thera Series 療癒系列課程, a therapeutic-inspired programme combining art, music, dance, drama, movement, sensory play and Mandarin guidance.
Our TheraArt® Class focuses on creative expression through art, movement, drama and sensory activities in a safe, supportive and relaxed environment. Mandarin is gently integrated into activities and interaction, helping children express themselves, build confidence and absorb Mandarin naturally without pressure.
We are looking for someone with a background or strong interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Therapeutic arts
- Art therapy-inspired education
- Creative wellbeing
- Dance or movement
- Music and rhythm
- Drama and storytelling
- Sensory play
- Child psychology
- Emotional learning
- SEND support
- Early years or primary education
- Mandarin teaching
The right candidate should have experience working with children in person, ideally between 4 and 11 years old. Experience in Mandarin teaching is highly desirable, but we are also open to candidates with strong creative arts, wellbeing, child development or therapeutic-inspired education backgrounds who are fluent in both Mandarin and English.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting children’s emotional expression, creativity, imagination, relaxation, confidence, focus and self-regulation through Mandarin, art and play.
Main Focus of the Role
The teacher will support and deliver Play Mandarin’s TheraArt® and Thera Series programmes, including:
- TheraArt® creative Mandarin classes
- Art, movement, music, drama and sensory-based Mandarin activities
- Emotional expression and confidence-building activities
- Relaxed, child-centred Mandarin learning
- Weekend classes
- Weekday after-school classes
- Holiday camps
- 1-to-1 sessions
- Family workshops and cultural events
- Creative curriculum and teaching material development
Working Pattern
This is a part-time position with potential for full-time.
Working days and hours may include:
- Weekend classes
- Weekday after-school classes
- Holiday camps
- Occasional workshops, events or family programmes
- Online or 1-to-1 sessions where needed
Working hours will depend on class allocation, programme needs and the candidate’s availability. There may be opportunities to increase hours and responsibilities over time.
MUST
- Fluent in both Mandarin and English
- Able to read and write Chinese
- Experience working with children in person
- Warm, patient and confident with children aged 4–11
- Strong interest or background in therapeutic arts, art, movement, music, drama, sensory play, creative wellbeing, emotional learning or child development
- Able to create a safe, calm and supportive classroom environment
- Responsible, punctual and reliable
- Must have a valid UK working visa valid for over 1 year
Preferred / Advantage
- Experience teaching children aged 4–11
- Experience creating lesson plans, curriculum or class materials
- Mandarin teaching experience
- Art therapy, therapeutic arts, dance/movement, music, drama, counselling, psychology, SEN/SEND, early years or education-related qualifications
- Chinese teaching certificates, PGCE or early years qualifications
- Ability to sing, dance, tell stories, lead creative games or guide sensory activities
- Experience supporting children’s emotions, confidence, social skills or self-expression
- Ability to read and write both Traditional and Simplified Chinese
Responsibilities
- Design and deliver creative Mandarin lessons using art, movement, music, drama, storytelling and sensory play
- Support children’s Mandarin learning through relaxed, play-based and creative activities
- Help children explore emotions, build confidence and express themselves in a safe environment
- Prepare lesson plans, teaching materials and creative activity resources
- Teach students in TheraArt®, weekend classes, after-school classes, holiday camps, 1-to-1 sessions and workshops
- Maintain a positive, calm and engaging classroom environment
- Manage classroom behaviour for groups of up to 12 students
- Observe children’s participation, emotional responses and learning progress during class
- Communicate with parents about students’ learning progress when needed
- Collaborate with the team to develop Thera Series curriculums and wellbeing-focused Mandarin programmes
- Support Play Mandarin events, camps and cultural workshops when required
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Creative and imaginative
- Warm, caring and emotionally aware
- Patient with young children
- Calm and observant
- Confident in leading group activities
- Flexible and willing to learn
- Responsible and detail-oriented
- Passionate about Mandarin, culture, children’s education and wellbeing
- Comfortable using art, movement, music, drama or storytelling in class
Pay: £25.00-£40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Flexitime
- Free or subsidised travel
- Language training provided
Work Location: In person
