Chinese Immersion Kindergarten Teacher, School Year 2024-2025

Lakes International Language Academy - Forest Lake, MN

Full-time - Entry Level

Forest Lake, MN

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Chinese Immersion Kindergarten Teacher at Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is responsible for delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum to students in Mandarin. This role requires the teacher to utilize best immersion teaching practices to ensure that students not only grasp the content but also enhance their communication skills in a second language. LILA emphasizes a holistic approach to education, valuing academic, social, and emotional growth equally. Teachers are expected to understand each child as an individual and work diligently to meet their unique needs. Collaboration among colleagues is a cornerstone of LILA's culture, fostering close relationships and shared ideas for lesson planning and student engagement. In this position, the teacher will conduct classroom instruction across all subjects in Mandarin, develop engaging curriculum materials, and incorporate hands-on learning activities into daily lessons. The teacher will also communicate closely with parents to encourage their involvement in the educational process, discussing program goals, classroom activities, and student progress. Creating a safe and welcoming classroom environment is essential, as is maintaining knowledge of current trends in language education. Participation in regular planning and professional development activities is also a key component of this role, particularly in areas related to language immersion and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.

Responsibilities

• Conduct classroom instruction of all subjects in Mandarin.
• Develop curriculum materials using engaging and age-appropriate instructional strategies.
• Infuse international-mindedness into the curriculum on a continual basis.
• Incorporate hands-on learning activities into daily instruction.
• Communicate closely with parents regarding program goals, classroom activities, homework, and student progress.
• Create a safe and welcoming classroom environment.
• Collaborate with grade-level teachers and other staff regarding teaching practices.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends in language education.
• Participate in regular planning and staff development activities.
• Engage in professional development for language immersion and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education or related field.
• Valid Minnesota teaching license or ability to obtain one prior to the start of the school year.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin, both oral and written.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience teaching or living abroad.
• Teaching experience at the age level of the open position.
• Experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.
• Experience with Responsive Classroom.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities based on needs and interests.
• Leadership positions available for teachers based on interests and expertise.
• Grants for teachers to pursue enriching experiences, including competitive 'Inquiry 360' grants.
• Social functions and gatherings to foster community among staff.