MIDDLE SCHOOL - TEACHER OF ENGLISH & SOCIAL STUDIES (2021-2022)

One 6th grade and two 7th classes. English Language Arts and Social Studies. Additional roles may include advisory, clubs or electives, study skills, learning support, leading projects, and/or coaching a sport. 

• Integrated Humanities approach within a bilingual curricular model
• Ongoing collaboration with colleagues teaching subjects in French and English
• Efficient curricular execution (given fewer dedicated hours within a blended bilingual curriculum)
• Prior international and/or bilingual school experience a plus
• Bilingual in English-French or English-other a plus.

ABOUT SDFAS

• Independent, co-educational dual language, ~350 students PK-8. Spacious campus at top of beautiful  Mount Soledad in La Jolla. 
• Founded in 1988, we are a unique, dynamic school moving each year toward greater and greater excellence. We offer a compelling combination of small size, bilingual international programs, and dedication to social-emotional learning and nurturing the whole student. A recognized leader in international education among San Diego private schools and within the French-American school network. 
• Accreditations: French Ministry of Education (one of 52 in US and 500+ worldwide outside France), California Association of Independent Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

SDFAS EDUCATOR COMPETENCIES:

Cultural competencies. Demonstrated cross-cultural, inter-relational and active listening competencies; commitment to building and sustaining a school culture centered around best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, familiarity with and skilled at recognizing implicit biases with the classroom and in designing lessons and curriculum materials.

Pedagogy. Employment of brain-based approaches, growth mindset teacher language, best practices in differentiated instruction and assessment and teaching to multiple intelligences, this to individualize the educational experience in ways that ensure learning and growth for every student; understanding and engagement of foundational education theories.

Stages of human development. Knowledge of developmental stages of teaching and learning, experience with children and able to demonstrate highly effective skill sets in the domain of classroom management, pacing, and efficient use of classroom time with students.

Curriculum, unit, lesson and project design. Use of backward planning in designing curricular units (formative and summative); Engagement of students (and colleagues) in project-based teaching and learning, cross-disciplinary units and multilingual educational endeavors; consistently taking into account, referencing and making connections to the realities of the world of their generation and lived experience.

Academic teaching and social-emotional learning.  Ability to employ effective student-centered teaching approaches that integrate into academics a focus on activities that cultivate social and emotional skills as well as competencies in the domain of diversity, equity and inclusion

Educational technology. Expertise in integrating educational technology to advance and enhance curricular objectives and support highly effective teaching, learning and collaboration (preferably within a one-to-one Chromebook program using Google Suite and Classroom, GoGuardian, and other leading applications)

Professional development.  Intrinsic motivation and desire to further grow and develop as professional educators by seeking ever greater knowledge and deepened teaching and learning skill sets through workshops/seminars, reading/research, peer review, professional networking, piloting innovative projects, taking risks, and constantly practicing self-reflection and collaborating with colleagues.

Communication with parents. Collaborate and build trusting relationships with parents by regularly reporting observations and facts about academic performance, social and emotional skills, and behavior or mindset issues. Effective management of difficult conversations (favoring telephone or video-conference over email; modeling healthy communication; seeking and offering solutions, requesting assistance and input).

ACQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Passionate, engaged, flexible and patient whole-person educator and life-long learner for whom teaching children and helping people develop and grow is a veritable calling
• Autonomous, proactive, self-starter who values clarity at all levels and possesses superior social-emotional and relationship building skills
• Previous training in - or a willingness to learn, through training provided by the school - Social Emotional Learning pedagogical skills (such as positive discipline, Responsive Classroom, Visible Learning, etc) is required
• For French Program positions, native-level French fluency is required, ability to communicate in English is desired; for English Program positions, native-level English fluency is required, ability to communicate in French is a plus
• Functions well in a paced and at times high pressure teaching and learning environment; adapts well to and assists others in adapting to and coping with uncertain and/or changing circumstances; possesses a sense of humor and regularly engages skill sets in self-care, stress-management and/or mindfulness.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Excellent benefits and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience:

• Compelling mission and core values
• Dedicated and supportive faculty, staff and administration
• Medical, dental and vision benefits (100% of premium covered) 
• Annual 403B matching up to 5% of base salary after 2 years of employment
• Annual vacation time of 14 weeks
• Annual professional growth & development opportunities
• Responsive Classroom® training

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send an email to the attention of Mark Rosenblum, Head of School (employment@sdfrenchschool.org) with a single PDF scan in attachment comprising:

• Cover letter (one-page maximum)
• Teaching resume (one-page maximum)
• Statement of second language teaching philosophy (one-page maximum)
• Two letters of professional reference (one must be from the current or most recent direct supervisor).
• Sample lesson plan, assessment tool, teaching video, unit overview or link to a digital teaching portfolio or teacher web page.