InterAmerican Academy (IAA) located in Guayaquil, Ecuador is a private, non-profit day school that offers a challenging, college preparatory curriculum leading to a U.S. high school diploma. IAA is also home to a warm, welcoming, close-knit community that offers the opportunity to learn and grow in a teaching-abroad experience.
Ecuador presents something new to discover every day to those teaching abroad, mostly within short distances. This small Latin American country is made up of four distinct geographical regions: Amazon, Highlands, Coastal, and the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is characterized by impressive biodiversity, rain forests, cloud forests, and natural, protected reserves. Some of the world's most beautiful beaches can be reached within an hour and a half of the school, and the school is located at sea-level in a gated community on the estuaries. The current population of about 18 million inhabitants lives principally in the two major cities: Quito and Guayaquil. Quito, the nation’s capital, and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is characterized by its beautiful, colonial churches and architecture. Guayaquil rests along the Rio Guayas, flanked by boardwalks and the promise of water activities like kayaking, boating, and surfing. Outdoor cafes and restaurants provide lively settings for expats.
The IAA campus is a haven, removed from the noise and bustle of Guayaquil. Those teaching overseas can enjoy the bike paths and walking areas close to the school condominium. While the neighborhood includes several parks and small shops, larger grocery stores and a major shopping mall are a 10-minute taxi drive away. Many expat teachers decide to get a car in order to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer.
IAA’s beautiful, sprawling campus sits at sea level on the road to the world-renowned beaches of Ecuador along the Ruta de Spondylus. Looking out over the grounds, one will find mango trees, a school garden, green areas, and friendly iguanas spending afternoons basking in the sun on the soccer field. The school staff enjoys the use of the fields and the school’s regulation-size swimming pool early in the morning or late in the afternoon to swim laps. On the weekends, groups of staff members and families come to campus to play a variety of sports on the fields and in the covered gathering areas.
As an American International School accredited by Cognia, IAA currently enrolls about 250 students, from nursery to Grade 12, representing more than 15 nations. Students prepare for entrance to colleges and universities around the world, and most seniors choose post-secondary institutions in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Ecuador. IAA faculty comprises 33 professionals with teaching credentials that meet Cognia standards. Both English and Spanish lessons are offered to faculty to work towards dual-language proficiency.
IAA is an inclusive school where teachers deliver differentiated instruction. Programs not only ensure that diverse learning needs are met, but also guarantee that teachers are given the right tools for student success. IAA’s Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS) include co-teaching at different grade levels to support teachers and students in both behavior and academics. The school currently offers curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards and NGSS science standards, among others. Secondary students may pursue Advanced Placement coursework, including AP Capstone Diploma and AP International Diploma. Additionally, IAA provides Tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 support for students with learning and language needs. Flex blocks and Project-Based Learning (PBL) are an integral part of the school-wide schedule offering further personalized learning opportunities. InterAmerican Academy is also one of the few schools in the region to offer a robust Gifted Program for students with high-achieving academic results.
IAA values community service, responsible global citizenship, and promotes the integral development of each student within a multicultural setting. After school, students can choose from extracurricular activities: varsity sports, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, art and music classes, rock bank, aerial silks, and student/faculty-led clubs. Co-curricular offerings include the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Model United Nations. Students participate in local and country-wide sports and MUN tournaments, and IAA’s music and art programs frequently host presentations and exhibits.
IAA hosts an incredible Week Without Walls program where students travel within Ecuador, as well as regionally to places like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. IAA’s Experiential Learning program starts in Kindergarten with students traveling out of the city of Guayaquil starting in 6th grade. The chance to leave our classrooms and explore the world is a big attraction to our school, along with our project-based learning focus, student-led conferences, and exhibitions of learning.
IAA hires certified single teachers and couples with a non-teaching partner. They will consider teaching couples, newly certified candidates as well interns wishing to experience overseas teaching. Teachers must hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. There is no age limit for certified teachers to participate in IAA's intercultural exchange visa program.
The overseas teaching benefits package includes furnished housing as well as allowances for moving, settling in, and annual airfare. For all teaching staff, tuition is free for up to two children. IAA contributes 8% to a retirement plan and provides opportunities for professional development. Worldwide health insurance is fully covered.
To gain access to InterAmerican Academy Guayaquil’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
