Upper School: Mandarin

While incorporating the essential elements of dignity, the World Language department facilitates the development of linguistic, cultural and global competency skills. Students learn to speak, write, listen and read in the target language to be able to function with confidence in a Spanish, French or Mandarin-speaking country. Proficiency in the world language is measured by assessing the student's ability to perform in real-world situations and non-rehearsed contexts in three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive and presentational.

La Jolla Country Day School seeks a Mandarin world language educator for the academic year. This individual will teach four sections of Mandarin in grades 9-12 at all levels and serve as an academic advisor to a group of students. They will develop and teach language classes at all levels to meet the current and future needs of students. A willingness to plan, lead, or participate in linguistic exchange programs abroad is an added plus.

Essential duties include: (1) classroom instruction and ongoing student assessment; (2) communication with parents, including formal written reports on students several times per year; (3) active, collaborative participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, pedagogy, student assessment, and language promotion.

Typical Education:

The ideal candidate will be a native speaker of the world language they will be teaching. Nevertheless, English mother tongue candidates with near-native Mandarin abilities are also encouraged to apply, so long as the candidate is experienced and has a proven track record of teaching excellence in a middle school and high school setting.

The candidate must hold at least a Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in Chinese Language, Chinese Literature, Chinese History, ESL, English, Comparative Literature, Linguistics/SLA Pedagogy, Teaching/Education or an arguably related field. The candidate must also have passion for innovation and creative problem solving, and have interest and enthusiasm for global and multicultural education.

Typical Experience:

• Three or more years of teaching experience. Previous experience teaching AP or IB curricula is preferred.
• The ability to approach technology implementation from both an institutional and individual level.
• Proficiency in English and knowledge about American adolescent culture.
• Excellent communication skills, supportive attitude, and passion for teaching. The ideal candidates are committed to leading and learning with dignity, with a high level of engagement in anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present. All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance. To be considered for this role, submit your current resume/CV and cover letter detailing your experience and interest in joining our community, and a sample lesson plan.