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Last Updated: 4/30/2024 2:08:02 PM EST

School Overview

Discovery School is an independent school that specializes in meeting the needs of children with learning disabilities. Students have individualized education programs that balance challenge with success, build self-confidence, and self-esteem. Student progress is closely monitored, and teaching staff communicates regularly and openly with parents.

Discovery School student

Why Teach at Discovery School?

Discovery School is one of only a few Ministry of Education designated Special Education Schools in the province. We employ 25 staff and 5 therapists who work with our 75 students.

 

Discovery School students and teacher

OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

A non-denominational school with Christian values and virtues, Discovery School strives to develop the child as a whole being. Specialized learning strategies combined with a small class size suit young learners discouraged by the demands of the regular classroom.

Draw for Employees

Discovery School recognizes the importance of hiring and developing great educators, student/teacher relationships, and smaller class sizes.

 

Discovery School students and teacher

We recognize the importance of great teachers

Discovery School’s administration and Board recognizes that to have great teachers and great students, the School needs to provide both with opportunities to grow and excel. Research shows that teachers are the most important school-related factor that influences student achievement, and Discovery recognizes that that by investing in their staff.

Professional development is the most effective way to ensure that educators continue to build their skills and improve their practices throughout their careers. It is also the most appropriate way to support teachers in moving forward with the School’s strategic plan.

All associated expenses for internal and external presentations, seminars, workshops, and conferences are covered by the School. Staff involvement in both provincial and ministry opportunities, and innovative projects, are encouraged.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE

There are very few schools that provide a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, and also staffs an education assistant per class. We believe that helping students reach their potential is highly rewarding. At Discovery School, you can watch struggling students build on their aggregate success and achieve their dream of graduation.

Teachers at Discovery School find their time at the school immensely fulfilling. That is because every teacher in our school plays a pivotal role in our students’ success.

Not only are teachers able to build profound and rewarding relationships with students, but they are also able to build deep relationships with mentoring colleagues.

Community & School Culture

When parents research, speak to community professionals, teachers, and parents they come to know our reputation in the community. Our parents report time and time again how Discovery School has been life-changing for each of their children and their families.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Discovery is a Grades 1 to 12 school located in Victoria, BC and has a diverse socioeconomic student community.

Students travel from Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sooke, Esquimalt, Sidney, and the Western Communities to attend our school. We have had students travel from as far as Duncan, the Gulf Islands, Lower mainland, and internationally to attend our school.

Our parents report time and time again how Discovery School has been life-changing for each of their children and their families.

OUR UNIQUE PROGRAM

The main focus of our program is to build academic skills in a positive, nurturing atmosphere. Individual Education Plans are developed for each student, and each student works at his or her own level and pace in their academic, adapted or modified special education program.

Although Science, Social Studies, P.E., Fine Arts, Computer Education, and Applied Skills are important to our curriculum, we place considerable emphasis on the core skills of Math and English. We also focus on developing self-esteem, organization skills, work habits, and strategies training in our classrooms.

At Discovery, we value a teacher’s ability to use a variety of instructional techniques while employing a variety of teaching styles. Our staff are kept up-to-date and trained in several teaching programs and methods so that we can match the right program or method to each student’s learning preferences and needs.

Living and Working in Victoria

Because of Victoria’s excellent bus system and an extensive network of biking routes, you can get around Greater Victoria quite easily without a vehicle. Victoria has all the amenities of a large city, e.g. two large hospitals, recreation centres, banks, grocery stores, shopping centres, and more. There are also numerous social groups, volunteer opportunities, and societies that one can choose to join.

LIFESTYLE AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The quality of life offered to residents of this beautiful city is hard to match, even on a global scale. You can choose to live in a metropolitan, suburb, or farm area—Victoria has it all! The city is a relatively large city with a slower pace feel and boasts Victorian decor, downtown bike lanes, and horse-drawn carriages. BC’s capital is only a ferry ride away from Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, and the Gulf Islands.

Victoria offers a mild climate and the most spectacular landscape. The ocean and nearby lakes mean a variety of beaches, water sports, and activities can be enjoyed year round. In addition, there are numerous hiking trails and biking paths to enjoy. There’s also skiing opportunities nearby in Central Vancouver Island.

VICTORIA IS BC’S CAPITAL AND THE CITY OF CULTURE

There is an abundance of culture to be explored, such as the Parliament Buildings, Royal British Columbia Provincial Museum, Fort Rodd Hill National Historical Site, Victoria Art Gallery, Victoria Symphony, Craigdarroch Castle, Butchart Gardens, Chinatown, Maritime Museum, Butterfly Gardens, Victoria Bug Zoo, the Royal Theatre, and the McPherson Theatre. BC’s capital has countless tourist attractions, restaurants, and amenities to explore.

Salary and Benefits

Discovery School has a three-tier pay scale rate for teachers and an hourly rate for special education assistants.

More details

Our staff receive an extended health and dental plan after six months. Insurance starts after six months and includes Group Life, AD&D, Dependent Life, Critical Life, and Long Term Disability. The RRSP employer-matching plan starts after one year.

WE FUND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR OUR STAFF

All professional development fees and lodging costs are paid by the School. Associated travel and food costs are reimbursed by the School, based on per diem.MORE

Application Requirements

Applicants are asked to apply with a cover letter, resume, a list of three professional references from current or former supervisors, two professional letters of reference, and an official university transcript.

For those applying for a teaching position, please also include copies of your teacher evaluation reports and/or student practicum reports, BC teaching certificate, and TQS card.

Preference is given to applicants with experience in Special Education.