Elementary Foreign Language Teacher

About the Role

St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Elementary School is seeking a foreign language teacher to teach students in kindergarten through 8th grade on a part-time basis. We are willing to accept a variety of languages other than English, but we prefer the Spanish language.

Essential Functions

• Develops and administers a foreign language education curriculum consistent with Diocesan school goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small-group instruction and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Teaches knowledge and skills in the foreign language, including comprehension, grammar and syntax, sentence and paragraph structure, composition, vocabulary, and proper word usage, colloquialisms, communication, and translation of literature.
• Develops student understanding and appreciation of the cultures and mores of countries where the foreign language is the predominant or a major means of communication.
• Works with students and others to prepare materials for inclusion in literary publications, contests, etc.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student needs, including students with special needs. Conducts individual and small-group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn about current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by school procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and diocesan policies. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies and equipment, and maintains inventory records.

Responsibilities

• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Assign and grade classwork and homework.
• Read books to entire classes or small groups.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine their priorities for their children and their resource needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, diocesan policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment issues, academic problems, and/or special academic interests.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study following curriculum guidelines and requirements of the state, diocese, and school.
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and following approved curricula.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
• Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by the administration.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence for Act 48.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Organize and label materials, and display students' work.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.
• Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
• Prepare and supervise students for Mass and other sacramental preparation.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in a Foreign Language, Education, or a related field.
• Fluency in the foreign language being taught is highly preferred.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, both in English and the foreign language.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Must comply with PA State clearance requirements.
• Must be willing to respect the Catholic Church and abide by our basic morality guidelines.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of classroom management.
• Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and in an outdoor environment.
• Must be able to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in both a normal classroom environment and in an outdoor setting.
• Must have the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.