Position purpose

Seasonal summer camp Mandarin teachers will consistently create and deliver immersive Mandarin language and cultural programs while safely and professionally managing groups of up to 16 campers within a teaching team.

Position details

Each summer, Terra Marin School offers a prestigious language immersion Mandarin Mania Camp for ages 3-4 and 5-8. This year, we are looking for bright, enthusiastic, and dedicated Mandarin instructors interested in short-term (summer season) or long-term (year-round) teaching positions at our school. Currently, we are seeking Mandarin teachers for the following timeframes:

Necessary capabilities for success

• A passion for working with young people
• An openness to professional development and continuous learning
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A pleasant approach to work and, ideally, a sense of humor (:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Mandarin and English
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Education or ECE
• 12 ECE units or equivalent
• A minimum of 2 years teaching experience
• Knowledge and skills with hands-on wildcrafting or survival skills, tracking, mapping, hazards of the region, bird language and local flora and fauna identification desired
• Exercise good communication skills with parents and youth, excellent organizational skills and professionalism
• Strong group management and safety skills required
• First Aid/CPR certified (Terra Marin can provide assistance in earning these certifications is needed)
• Proficient technology skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office

Essential duties and responsibilities

Facilitation

• Actively engage in the implementation of the school's curriculum and educational mission of Mandarin immersion and Reggio Emilia-inspired practices and values
• Educate students on the semantic and syntactic aspects of the Chinese language through content-based inquiry in a Mandarin immersion setting
• Use Mandarin to interact with and provide instruction to TK-8th grade students in Mandarin class in order to assist children in becoming proficient in Mandarin
• Organize Chinese calligraphy classes for students and parents, in which participants receive instruction on how characters are formed and grouped, fundamental brush strokes, and Chinese sentence formation for grades 2nd to 8th
• Prepare students to understand and deliver presentations for parents, colleagues and community members on traditional Chinese cuisine, music, art and poetry
• Develop and maintain a classroom atmosphere centered on intellectual inquiry and student engagement
• Foster classroom community through inclusionary, compassionate and supportive practices
• Establish a strong classroom diversity culture for learning that is positive, inclusive, restorative and contributes to the school community

Planning

• Share knowledge of, and further research, key Chinese holidays, such as the Moon Festival, Chinese New Year, the Grave Sweeping festival, the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival; and plan traditional celebrations for students and community members
• Collaborate with co-teachers, plan and implement curriculum through the project approach, that reflects a balance of the children's interests as well as teacher interests/provocations
• Demonstrate appropriate planning and preparation for Mandarin instruction
• Engage in self-reflection and professional development through goal setting, professional development opportunities and ongoing dialog with division directors

Professionalism

• Overtly support and act in accordance with the school’s mission and values
• Arrive punctually at 8:30 am and stay until 4:00 pm every day (some exceptions may apply.) Please contact your supervisor to make arrangements for early departure/late arrival or days off.
• Create weekly written summaries and take pictures of daily activities to share with Camp Directors for parent newsletters
• Mentor assistant instructors and counselors in training during programs and planning
• Uphold professional standards of personal presentation, punctuality, professional courtesy and discretion
• Honor the confidentiality of school and student information
• Communicate effectively with students, families and colleagues

Safety

• Assist camper needs and remind them to practice self care such as: reapplying sunscreen or bug spray, drinking water, eating food and taking bathroom breaks
• Follow guidelines and protocols as described in the Terra Marin employee handbook