Job Description

Elementary Foreign Language Teacher

Part-Time 16 hours a week

City & State: Harrisburg, PA

School: St. Margaret Mary School

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

Basic Job Description: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing the foreign language, and to develop an understanding and appreciation of the native culture of the countries where the foreign language is the primary means of communication.

Reports to: Principal

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 of 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 with 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/Tasks for: "Elementary School Teacher"

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

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 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.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Required)

• Must possess a degree or higher, preferably in 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 teachings of the Catholic Church and abide by its basic morality guidelines.