Upper Elementary Dual Language Spanish-Side Teacher (4th grade)

The mission of ICS is to integrate the diverse languages and cultures of the communities we serve by teaching all students in two languages—in Spanish and English or in Portuguese and English—and helping children develop an appreciation of other cultures. Children learn to work collaboratively from their multiple experiences and backgrounds, striving towards high standards of academic achievement. Everyone is part of a community of learners, engaging in inquiry about the world, themselves, and others. Teachers at the International Charter School value bilingualism and multiculturalism. They strive to foster a life-long love of learning in students. They demonstrate high levels of knowledge, skills, abilities, and commitment to teach their students to become effective communicators who will use verbal, written, artistic, and technological forms of communication to give, send, receive, and interpret information in two languages: English and Spanish or English and Portuguese. They participate as members of a community of learners and are reflective. They contribute as members of a collaborative work environment. They build on the assets of their students and foster an environment free of bias, prejudice and bullying. Specific Responsibilities of the Teachers: 1. Implement the educational program for children at the International Charter School: Utilize first and second language acquisition methodologies and strategies in our dual language bilingual model, and language development assessment and strategies. Plan and implement the program of study that meets individual needs, interests, and abilities within the ICS’s curriculum framework. Implement curricular goals and objectives using effective teaching techniques and materials, in a well-planned and organized fashion, to support students learning in an inclusive manner by differentiating instruction. Demonstrate the ability to use techniques to develop reading, writing, mathematical, science, and social studies skills. Integrate Information and Communication Technology skills in a meaningful way. Facilitate the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and reflective development of students that is informed by the way children develop emotionally and cognitively. Plan high quality instruction based on current standards. Use and create ongoing authentic and formal assessments to monitor children’s growth, development, strengths, and needs, that inform instruction (e.g., rubrics), and to provide feedback on a regular basis to students and parents/guardians. Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner teachers. 2. Create a classroom environment conducive to learning: Develop a caring classroom climate that adheres to The Responsive Classroom approach. Consistently create, teach, implement and monitor classroom and school wide expectations in a proactive and responsive manner. Model pro-social behavior. Maintain an organized classroom with all materials accessible to children. Communicate maintenance and repair needs to the appropriate parties. Foster independence in students. 3. Partner with families of the International Charter School: Interact with families in a caring and professional manner. Informally interact with parents on a frequent and regular basis to and to information on the child’s learning processes. Conduct parent/teacher conferences three times a year and prepare Individual Learning Plans and Progress Reports for this purpose. Attend Open Houses and other family functions. Integrate families’ contributions to the curriculum as appropriate, maximizing the socio-cultural assets each child brings to the classroom. 4. Participate in the governance, evaluation, and development of the International Charter School: Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss various aspects of the program. Work collaboratively with other teachers, families, community members and the Director to develop and implement projects, policies, vision, mission, regulations, and rules of ICS. Contribute to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the International Charter School. Communicate concerns and ideas with colleagues, parents, students, and community in a positive, solution-oriented manner. Participate in developing and revising curriculum. Take initiative to work on grade-level or school-wide development or concerns. 5. Be aware of and contribute to program support and record keeping requirements. Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law and ICS policies. Administer state and school mandated assessments. Show flexibility in meeting the International Charter School’s scheduling and emergency needs. Assist in training support staff, volunteers and substitutes. Maintain confidentiality. Keep informed by reading school communications. Respond to requests for information in a timely manner. 6. Participate in ongoing personal and professional development. Conduct ongoing self-evaluation to identify areas for continual improvement. Participate in annual personal and professional review to set goals for the next year. Keep certifications current. Solicit feedback from students, families and colleagues to evaluate their own teaching. Take responsibility for your own professional growth by participating in professional development activities provided by ICS and actively seek out ways to improve teaching practice. Utilize the coaching model, peer observation, and mentoring resources to improve upon one’s own practice. Complete ICS sponsored Guided Language Acquisition and Design Level 1 training, Responsive Classroom Level 1 Training, Science of Reading course if not already trained in these areas.