Employment Type : Full-Time
Math Teacher Job Summary and Essential Functions: Math teachers develop curriculum and materials using engaging and age-appropriate instructional strategies based on the best practices of the International Baccalaureate; infuse international-mindedness into the curriculum on a continual basis; incorporate hands-on learning activities into daily instruction; conduct classroom instruction in English; communicate closely and encourage parental involvement regarding program goals, classroom activities, homework, school functions and student progress; create a safe and welcoming classroom environment using best practices of Developmental Designs and Responsive Classroom for Middle School; collaborate with other teachers, coaches, or administrators regarding their teaching; maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends, procedures and evaluation processes in language acquisition (for language and immersion teachers); participate in regular planning and staff development; and participate in professional development deemed important to the school and/or to individual teachers. Work environment: We have two beautifully remodeled buildings for Pre-K - 5, including a custom built wing with 14 classrooms, a large gymnasium, and a spacious light-filled media center. We have a plethora of technology and are acquiring a rich array of print and other media resources. Our upper school building, the Headwaters Campus, is approximately 2 miles from the lower school buildings in a growing part of Forest Lake, near the public library, the Sports Center and the YMCA. Opened in September 2014, the Headwaters Campus was custom built for LILA. A 54,000 square foot addition to the Headwaters Campus will be completed in February of 2020, which will include a new auditorium/theater, two-story library, additional classrooms, and a gymnasium that meets MHSL regulations for varsity sports. Travel: Teachers are provided opportunities to participate in training provided in the Twin Cities, across the U.S., and sometimes internationally in the areas of Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate, and Responsive Classroom or Developmental Designs. Occasional travel is required. Diversity: Many of our teachers were born in Mandarin and Spanish speaking countries. Nearly all have traveled extensively, with the large majority having lived in a Mandarin or Spanish speaking country for at least a semester. Professional Development: Lakes International provides professional development for new staff depending on needs and interest, but always including best practices of teachers in the International Baccalaureate programs and building a safe and inviting classroom climate for learning. Working Hours and Vacations: School starts at 7:50 am and releases at 2:12 pm. Teachers are expected to be in school by 7:25, and attend all staff and grade level meetings. Beyond those hours, workload varies by grade, department, unit of study, teacher experience, and the individual students in a teacher's class. As professionals, teachers are expected to put in the time it takes to do a professional job. Some weeks that will be as low as 40 hours, others, as high as 70 hours. In no way should this position be thought of as an hourly position. Vacations include typical US school vacations, with our winter break extended to two full weeks, one week for spring break, 2.5 months for summer break, as well as various vacation days throughout the year. During school breaks, the majority of LILA's teachers travel within the US or abroad. Opportunities to find travel partners are plentiful. Career Track and Advancement: Many leadership positions are available to Lakes International teachers, depending on their interests, efforts, and expertise. Grants to Teachers: The LILA Foundation frequently offers “Inquiry 360” grants to teachers to pursue enriching experiences that they can bring back to share in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to pursue these experiences abroad. Inquiry 360 grants are competitive and are awarded in April for use the following summer. Social functions: We usually start the school year with an all staff gathering August, and have a January staff party with guests as well. Each Friday, various staff members offer well-attended gatherings around sports or exercise, including volleyball, football (soccer), kettle bells, or Zumba. Other social activities abound. Requirements: Preferences: Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is a PreK-12 public charter school educating over 1100 students. The school opened in 2004, added grades 7 - 12 in 2015 and 2016. The school is located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, with authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the PYP, MYP, and Diploma Programme. We offer Spanish and Mandarin language immersion in PreK - 5 and an immersion continuation program in grades 6 - 12, as well as entry points for non-immersion students in a language-rich environment. Teachers are highly involved in developing curriculum and writing materials, as well as decision making at the school. In fact, the school's board of directors has a teacher majority. We enjoy high teacher retention, and frequently have a waiting list of students who want to enter our program. Our Mission LILA prepares tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language immersion and inquiry-driven study. Our Action Statements Achievements & Awards: Our staff works hard, and has a lot of fun in the process. Physical Requirements: This position requires vocal communication, hearing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, use of hands to grasp and feel, and vision abilities including close, distance, and adjusting focus. Lifting/moving required frequently up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds or more. Work occasionally requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and is generally in a moderately noisy location. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: Schedule: Education: License/Certification: Work Location: One location