French Teacher

1. General Position Summary
The French Teacher facilitates the French program for kindergarten through sixth level students in our school.  The teacher should provide an environment that meets the student's needs: physically, socially and emotionally and encourages children embrace the challenge of learning a new language by immersing the children in the cultural aspects of French speaking countries and communities.. Maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for each child and encouraging families to be actively involved in their education, are all part of the job of a French Teacher. The teacher is a representative and advocate for the child and for Montessori education to parents and the community. He/She should communicate clearly concerning issues that are in the best interest of the child and in keeping with Montessori philosophy.

2. Qualifications
   Minimum Education/Certification:

• Fluent in French; both written and spoken language
• Montessori Philosophy training
• Bachelor's Degree required, Education or related field preferred
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR

   Essential Characteristics:

• Meet the child's needs physically, socially and emotionally.
• Maintain an open, loving and cooperative environment for all children.
• Have an inherent love for this stage of development.
• Possess the ability to create and implement specific lessons to meet the varying needs of the children.
• Be a strong model for others who work on the classroom and school community.

   Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in working effectively and positively with a variety of people.
• Ability to creatively problem solve.
• Ability to counsel children and parents.
• Ability to use a computer for record-keeping and communicating with stakeholders.
• Ability to organize materials, coordinate plans with assistants, teaching team and administrators.

 
3. Working Conditions

    Physical Demands:
    Ability to think clearly and act respectfully with children, parents and coworkers. Must be able to sit on the floor, walk, reach, climb, stoop, kneel and lift up to 30 pounds.. 
    Environment:
    Working in a school environment while dealing on a daily basis with children, coworkers, administrations, parents, volunteers and parents.

4. Terms of Employment
    Number of Days for Position: 184 days 11:30am - 3:30pm (non-student days 8:00am-12:00pm), some evening and weekend events
    Salary based on experience and qualifications.

5. Essential Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the development of strong French oral comprehension, speaking reading and writing skills.
• Develop and implement lesson plans to meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.
  
• Conduct observations and assessments to determine academic needs and provide a rich and challenging environment.
• Utilize provided planning time to meet with parents, create lesson plans, change materials, observe children in their Montessori classrooms to learn how to better meet their needs while they are in French, complete record keeping.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate cultural studies into the French lesson planning.
• Partner and communicate effectively with the parents, discussing the progress of their children via class email updates and conferences. 
  
• Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural, patient and, most importantly, kind.
• Promote feelings of security and trust in children by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to the distressed early childhood student and ensure that they are comforted immediately.
• Follow the children and the energy of the classroom rather than conforming to a strict schedule as designed by the adult. 
  
• Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive.  
• Embrace continuous learning by utilizing professional development days and funds to enrich practice.
• Embody the Waco Montessori School mission.

6. Communication

• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy Lessons.
• Work to develop close and effective relationships with families, including opportunities to discuss and understand the child's individual progress.
• Schedule and work with other colleagues to facilitate parent and community events.

7. Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional activities designated by school administration, which may include in-service, parent events, committees, staff meetings, etc.
• Maintain a neat, well organized, and attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
  
• Other duties as assigned.

8. Confidentiality
This position will have access to and knowledge of personal information for students and their families.