The essential role of the Catholic school teacher is to bear witness to the Gospel message and to lead students in reflecting on a Christian approach to life, while building the faith community. A teacher should provide students with opportunities to develop their gifts as peacemakers and stewards for the service of the world community. This role is accomplished through instructional techniques and interactive processes that enable students to use their creative talents to become Catholic adults.

 Foreign Language Teacher - Elementary/Middle School

Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English, and to develop an understanding and appreciation of the native culture of the countries where the language is the primary means of communication.

Essential Functions

• Develops and administers a foreign language education curriculum that is age-appropriate and consistent with the school district's goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small-group instruction, as well as 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 a language other than English, including comprehension, grammar and syntax, sentence and paragraph structure, composition, vocabulary, and proper word usage, colloquialisms, communication, and translation of literature to students at an age-appropriate level.
• Develops student understanding and appreciation of the cultures and mores of countries where the language is the predominant or a significant means of communication.
• Collaborates with students and others to prepare materials for inclusion in literary publications, contests, and other venues.
• 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, or 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 district 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 school district policies, and 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.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of the identified language, in terms of grammar, word usage, word denotations and connotations, and literature.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

 Qualifications/Education

• State of Illinois Certification/Professional Educator License as a foreign language teacher in the particular language taught.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

Experience
Prior experience in successful foreign language teaching is a plus.

Salary Range

• $20,000-$50,000 depending on hours, education, and experience

Benefits

• See https://www.rockforddiocese.org/pdfs/accounting/Summary-of-Benefits.pdf?1732140853
• Provided to eligible full-time employees ONLY: Health Insurance, Pension, Vacation, Sick and Personal Days, Holidays
• Provided to eligible full-time AND part-time employees: 403(b) Retirement Plan, Paid Personal Time Off

Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree
• Be appropriately certified or certifiable by the State of Illinois
• Maintain proper documentation and complete recertification process on time
• Meet the requirements for religious instruction as established by the Rockford Diocese within 3 years of initial employment. Once certified, a teacher is expected to earn 18 clock hours of professional development in religious certification workshops every three years.
• Handle confidential and/or official information with discretion
• Keep current on educational research by reading catechetical and curriculum journals and books