Language and Literature Teacher 23/24

Job Description

Job Summary and Essential Functions: Teachers develop curriculum and materials using engaging and age-appropriate instructional strategies based on the best practices of the International Baccalaureate; infuse international-mindedness into the curriculum on a continual basis; incorporate hands-on learning activities into daily instruction; conduct classroom instruction in English; communicate closely and encourage parental involvement regarding program goals, classroom activities, homework, school functions and student progress; create a safe and welcoming classroom environment using best practices of Developmental Designs and Responsive Classroom for Middle School; collaborate with other teachers, teacher coaches, or administrators regarding their teaching; maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends, procedures and evaluation processes in middle school education, conduct regular planning and staff development; and participate in professional development deemed important to the school and/or to individual teachers.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Must have a valid Minnesota teaching license in Elementary Education or 5 - 8 or 5-12 English Language Arts or equivalent (or the ability to earn permission to teach in MN prior to the start of the school year)
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education or related field.

Preferences:

Experience teaching/living abroad is preferred.
Teaching experience at the age level of the open position is preferred.
Teaching experience in the International Baccalaureate MYP is preferred.
Experience with Developmental Designs and Responsive Classroom is preferred.

Physical Requirements:
This position requires vocal communication, hearing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, use of hands to grasp and feel, and vision abilities including close, distance, and adjusting focus. Lifting/moving required frequently up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds or more. Work occasionally requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and is generally in a moderately noisy location. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Institution Description

Opportunities:

Travel: Teachers are provided opportunities to participate in training provided in the Twin Cities, across the U.S., and sometimes internationally in the areas of Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate, and Responsive Classroom or Developmental Designs. Occasional travel is required.
Work in a diverse culture: Many of our teachers were born in Mandarin and Spanish speaking countries. Nearly all have traveled extensively, with the large majority having lived in a Mandarin or Spanish speaking country for at least a semester.
Social functions: We usually start the school year with an overnight staff retreat in August, and have a January staff party with guests as well. Each Friday, various staff members offer well-attended gatherings around sports or exercise, including volleyball, football (soccer), kettlebells, or Zumba. Other social activities abound.
Professional Development: Lakes International provides professional development for new staff depending on needs and interest, but always including best practices of teachers in the International Baccalaureate programs and building a safe and inviting classroom climate for learning.
Career Track and Advancement: Many leadership positions are available to Lakes International teachers, depending on their interests, efforts, and expertise.
Grants to Teachers: The LILA Foundation frequently offers “Inquiry 360” grants to teachers to pursue enriching experiences that they can bring back to share in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to pursue these experiences abroad. Inquiry 360 grants are competitive and are awarded in April for use the following summer.

Benefits:

Medical Insurance
Nice HealthCare (The Clinic that Comes To You) provided with enrollment in Medical
Dental Insurance
Employer contribution of 8.755% of gross pay to individual’s Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) account
Flexible Medical and Child Care Spending Accounts
50% Discount for on site preschool or before and after school child care
Life (if scheduled 35 or more hours per week)
2 Personal Days
14 days of sick leave per year