FULL JOB DESCRIPTION WITH BENEFITS

This is an exempt, full-time Chinese language position; native or near-native language proficiency required.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate finds resonance with CAIS’s mission to Embrace Chinese, Become Our Best Selves, and Contribute to a Better World; our Core Values of Courage, Curiosity, Inclusion, Kindness, and Perseverance; and our Strategic Vision. As CAIS aims to empower independent, effective, and inspired learners, we look for a candidate adept at student-centered pedagogy such as differentiation, use of assessment to inform teaching, and Workshop-based instruction. Our new team member will collaborate with grade level English partner teachers and enjoy a wealth of professional development opportunities. The candidate will enter an environment that values social emotional learning alongside academic challenge. Within the framework of a strong curricular vision supported by the Chinese Program Director, the candidate will enjoy considerable autonomy in developing the classroom curriculum.

CAIS offers a dynamic dual culture setting, in which faculty are immersed in a culture of language learners. We look for a candidate who will embrace and participate in CAIS’s work to create an equitable, inclusive environment where all faculty, students, and families are supported in their individual identities.

MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS and RESPONSIBILITY

• Teach one section of immersion Chinese and two small group (ie, 2-4 student) sections of MWLP
• Implement the 6th Grade Chinese curricula with a student-centered approach
• Oversee and advocate for a group of 10-12 advisory students, through daily advisory meetings and one advisory class per week
• Develop a positive intellectual, emotional, and social climate within the classroom

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Successfully teach all assigned classes in accordance with age appropriate best practices
• In alignment with the school’s well-established competency based learning (CBL) approach Maintain accurate and complete academic reports that provide a cumulative record of student performance; Prepare evaluations, grades and progress reports according to prescribed procedures and deadlines
• Demonstrate an affirming attitude toward the school, a professional demeanor, a willingness to reflect on professional practice, and a commitment to integrity
• Encompass a positive discipline approach in guiding student behavior
• Develop learning experiences that meet the students' varying needs and interests
• Maintain high standards of respect, courtesy, and mutual consideration with the school community, including with students, staff, and parents
• Serve on faculty committees as needed
• Communicate in a positive, supportive, timely and professional manner with parents (written and verbal) on an ongoing basis
• Attend faculty and division meetings including required meetings/events before the beginning of, during and after the conclusion of the school year
• Exhibit a commitment to professional learning and growth, including training and certification as and ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tester/rater
• Demonstrate openness to observations, feedback, and coaching on classroom instruction
• Participation in the CAIS outdoor education program as needed
• Administrative and supervisory duties outside of class as assigned by the middle school director

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Native or near-native Chinese language proficiency
• Minimum: 2 years classroom experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Commitment to school mission, core values, policies and initiatives
• Experience with curriculum development
• Initial and continued criminal background clearance by DOJ and FBI
• Initial and continued tuberculosis clearance

VALUED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We value, but do not require, the following attributes:

• Teaching credential, Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), or equivalent
• Personal experience with second language acquisition

About Chinese American International School

Founded in 1981, Chinese American International School (CAIS) is the first and one of the most prominent Mandarin-English dual language immersion schools in the United States. Located in the heart of San Francisco, CAIS serves a diverse community of approximately 550 students from Preschool through 8th Grade. As a pioneer in bilingual education, CAIS has earned a reputation for its academic excellence, progressive pedagogy, and commitment to multicultural and multilingual fluency. As the first Mandarin immersion school in the country, CAIS has long been at the forefront of immersion education. Its dual language program is recognized nationally and internationally for its effectiveness and innovation. Students spend approximately half of their instructional time in Mandarin and half in English, beginning with full immersion in the early years and transitioning to a balanced bilingual model in the upper grades. The school employs native Mandarin-speaking educators and follows a co-teaching model to ensure authenticity and linguistic depth.

Connections working at Chinese American International School