Middle School French Teacher

The Pennington School • Pennington, NJ

30d • $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pennington School is seeking a highly engaging and passionate Middle School educator to teach French. Reporting to the Head of Middle School, this teacher will facilitate student enrichment in the learning of the French language and Francophone culture. Candidates should possess a developmental understanding of and appreciation for working with students in this age group. The School seeks a teacher who will embrace a student-centered approach to learning and guide students toward personal and collective goals in skills, habits of mind, and understanding. Class sizes typically range from ten to sixteen students. The ideal candidate will belong primarily in the Middle School division but will also teach an Upper School French class.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in French or a related subject area; master's degree preferred
• Proven experience teaching French; experience at the middle-school level is required, and experience with high- school students is helpful
• Advanced proficiency in French, equivalent to near-native fluency, with excellent written and oral communication skills in both French and English
• Knowledge of pedagogical strategies specific to middle-school students
• Experience with French/Francophone cultures from work or study abroad, and a commitment to making culture a fundamental part of teaching
• Have the ability to teach a Middle School Humanities (English, History) or Technology course, if the need arises.
• Ability to differentiate teaching to work with a range of learning styles
• Ability to create a safe environment in which students can take risks and be themselves
• Experience integrating technology into the French curriculum in highly effective ways
• Growth mindset, strong organizational skills, and a desire to be an active member of a community that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The ability to occasionally lift files and storage boxes, walk up and down stairs, attend meetings in varying locations throughout campus, and continually use computers and related office equipment is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest in organizing and attending trips abroad with students
• Candidates interested in residential opportunities are encouraged to indicate their interest during the application process.

Responsibilities

• Teach Middle School French courses and one Upper School French course
• Promote French and Francophone cultures as a cornerstone of teaching practice and facilitate experiences for student enrichment in the French language and culture
• Collaborate with the World Languages department on shared goals, scope and sequence, curricula, and programming.
• Favor a linguistic-communicative approach in which sustained interactions promote higher proficiency levels
• Create personalized, student-centered, and highly engaging learning experiences
• Stay current in the academic field to ensure the use of up-to-date pedagogy, current materials, and best practices
• Lead a Middle School advisory group and meet with advisees and their parents for conferences
• Write narrative comments for report cards and maintain professional communication regarding student progress
• Send regular communications home using our Learning Management System regarding student progress and, if necessary, behavior
• Proctor one or more study hall(s)
• Lead or co-lead the equivalent of two after-school activities during the school year
• Develop and practice cultural competence and a commitment to fostering the School community
• Demonstrate warmth, respect, humor, teamwork, and industry in interactions with students, parents, and colleagues
• Attendance at School events is required, which may include occasional weekends and evenings, Middle School Retreat, Back-to-School Night, School dances and community events, end-of-year overnight trips, and Admission events.
• Lead at least two extracurricular and/or athletic endeavors per year

Benefits

• The Pennington School offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as life, short-term, and long-term disability programs, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level