Position:               Chinese Teacher 

                            World Languages Department/Putnam Avenue Upper School

                                               

Putnam Avenue Upper School Community:

At the Putnam Avenue Upper School, we believe that all of our students can and will be successful in and out of school and beyond, no matter what their circumstances are. We believe that our students are headed towards the “Good Life.” That is, we believe that our students will be college-ready and will become successful and contributing members of society with the best possible quality of life. In order to live the “Good Life,” students will develop a sense of mastery of our core values of passion, pride, and ownership with balance and perseverance.

 

The Opportunity:

PAUS is seeking to hire an exceptional Chinese teacher for the 2024-25 school year. The PAUS Chinese teacher develops curriculum for all levels of Chinese in Gr. 6-8 in close collaboration with the Chinese Immersion program. The Chinese teacher develops daily lessons that incorporate ACTFL standards with a focus on proficiency-based communication. The PAUS Chinese Teacher coordinates curriculum development working closely with the JK-8 Chinese Instructional Coach, PAUS Chinese Immersion teacher and other Chinese colleagues in the JK-12 program. In the World Language Program, there is a focus on all skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing; and there is also a cultural component. All instruction will be facilitated within a heterogeneous classroom using flexible groupings. The successful candidate will have experience planning, implementing, and adapting curriculum based on the ACTFL standards. Leveraging a strong belief that all students are capable of achieving at the highest levels, the teacher will provide multiple access points and scaffolding within instruction and assessment for a wide range of learners. The teacher is also expected to maintain open communication with parents and counselors/housemasters, contribute to the functioning of the JK-12 World Language development as well as the PAUS faculty.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Empower a diverse group of learners to develop intellectual curiosity, a love for the target language, and an appreciation of its culture by fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment. 
• Work closely with the Head of School and the District World Language Coordinator to ensure that all required units are taught.
• Leverage and support students in using technology, Chromebooks, and Google Docs, in Chinese instruction.
• Incorporate a variety of assessment strategies in order to inform and modify instruction, as well as target intervention and enrichment needs. 
• Attend department meetings and other faculty meetings as scheduled.
• Partner with families to include them in each student’s learning and development, guided by a profound understanding of the importance of this connection.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Chinese Teacher you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Two or more years of Chinese teaching experience at the high school level with a proven track record of promoting high achievement in the classroom.
• Experience writing lesson plans with clear, attainable learning goals and aligned activities.
• Experience using a range of assessments to analyze student learning to inform instruction.
• Understanding of the developmental needs of adolescent learners and the strategies to meet those needs through the curriculum.
• Understanding of the difference between a growth and a fixed mindset and how to support the development of a growth mindset in world language learners.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Experience leading instruction in urban school settings.
• Experience using a proficiency approach based on ACTFL standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a diverse staff and student body. 
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Chinese. 
• Successful completion of a practicum in Chinese.
• Massachusetts State certification in Chinese. 
• A strong work ethic, alongside a commitment to doing whatever it takes for students to excel.

Cambridge Public Schools is committed to slowing and/or stopping the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as a condition of employment with Cambridge Public Schools, all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no later than their first day of work. Written requests for either a religious exemption from this requirement based on sincerely held religious beliefs, or for a medical exemption based upon clear documentation from a medical provider should be submitted to the attention of the Chief Talent Officer.

 

 

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity.

 

 

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.