Discovering Talents Academy, a fast-growing Nursery and Primary School in Gwarinpa, Abuja, offers first class education from preschool to primary levels. Discovering Talents Academy uses the Blended Nigeria-Montessori curriculum in Early Years and a Blended Nigeria-British curriculum at the primary level.
Discovering Talents Academy does not only focus on best practices in the teaching and learning process, it also builds talents in a wide range of skills and this in a short while affirms their ego and builds their confidence. At Discovering Talents Academy we believe that every child is unique and talented, this drive leads us to establishing rich skill aquisition programmes for students.
The Diction Teacher at Discovering Talents Academy (DTA) is responsible for cultivating clear, articulate speech, correct pronunciation, and confident oral communication skills in primary school pupils.
This specialized role involves guiding students to master phonetics, intonation, and expressive delivery, ensuring they communicate effectively and with poise.
The Diction Teacher plays a crucial part in upholding DTA's mission to "create an atmosphere of fun where kids can enjoy being kids" and its vision to "discover and bring out the uniqueness in every child," by specifically enhancing Diction and promoting Skill Acquisition in verbal communication within the SHRID niche.
Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, engaging lessons focused on phonetics, articulation, intonation, rhythm, and expressive speech.
Implement DTA's SHRID niche, particularly focusing on:
Mastering Diction to ensure clear and precise pronunciation and enunciation.
Driving Skill Acquisition in public speaking, presentation, and conversational fluency.
Applying Individualized Teaching strategies to address specific speech patterns, accents, or confidence levels of each child.
Collaborating with Literacy Teachers to reinforce pronunciation during Reading sessions.
Utilize a variety of teaching methods, vocal exercises, tongue twisters, role-playing, and performance opportunities to make diction learning interactive and enjoyable for all pupils.
Set clear learning objectives for each lesson and provide constructive feedback to students to support their vocal and communicative progress.
Prepare pupils for internal performances, public speaking events, and school assemblies.
Assessment & Reporting:
Design and administer appropriate assessments to evaluate student progress in articulation, pronunciation, vocal projection, and overall communicative clarity.
Analyze assessment data to identify common challenges, inform instructional adjustments, and provide targeted support to students.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student attendance, speech progress, and performance grades.
Prepare comprehensive progress reports for parents, highlighting linguistic achievements and areas for development in diction.
Classroom Management & Environment:
Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment conducive to vocal practice and confident self-expression.
Implement effective classroom management strategies to ensure an orderly and respectful atmosphere during diction lessons.
Encourage active participation, verbal practice, and a willingness to experiment with new sounds and speech patterns among students.
Ensure the classroom is equipped with necessary resources for vocal exercises and recording (if applicable).
Student Welfare & Support:
Monitor the confidence and willingness of students to speak in public, identifying and addressing any anxieties or concerns promptly.
Provide individualized support and encouragement for students who require additional assistance in overcoming speech challenges or building confidence.
Collaborate with parents, support staff, and other teachers to ensure holistic development and address student needs related to communication.
Serve as a Form Tutor/Class Teacher as assigned, overseeing general welfare and academic progress of a designated class, which may include teaching other subjects.
Professional Development & Collaboration:
Actively participate in departmental meetings, school-wide professional development sessions, and training programs, particularly those related to phonetics, elocution, and communication skills.
Collaborate with other teachers (e.g., Literacy, French, Music) to integrate diction practice across the curriculum and ensure consistent reinforcement of clear speech.
Contribute to school events and activities that provide platforms for students to practice their public speaking and presentation skills.
Utilize the DTA software for academic tracking, communication, and appraisal processes.
Policy Adherence:
Strictly adhere to all DTA policies and procedures, including those related to punctuality, dress code, safety, and ethical conduct.
Uphold the professional standards and values of Discovering Talents Academy at all times.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in English Language, Linguistics, Communication Studies, Performing Arts (with a focus on voice/speech), or Education with a specialization in Diction/Elocution.
A Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) is an added advantage.
Experience: Minimum of [e.g., 2-4] years of proven experience teaching diction, elocution, or public speaking to children at the primary school level.
Subject Matter Expertise: Strong knowledge of phonetics, articulation, intonation, and effective communication techniques. Excellent command of spoken English with clear pronunciation.
Technological Proficiency: Proficient in using educational technology and relevant software for vocal exercises and presentations. Experience with school management software (e.g., DTA software) is an advantage.
Communication: Exceptional verbal communication skills, with a clear, articulate, and engaging speaking voice. Ability to explain complex phonetic concepts clearly.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues, and to inspire confidence in young speakers.