Visual Arts Teacher, Secondary

FTE: 1.0 FTE

Job Summary: At Lakes International Language Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, Arts teachers bring the concepts of the arts (Music, Drama, or Visual Arts) to life for their students. Teachers conduct classroom instruction in English; develop curriculum materials using engaging and age-appropriate instructional strategies; infuse internationally-mindedness into the curriculum on a continual basis; incorporate hands-on learning activities into daily instruction; communicate with students and their parents regarding program goals, classroom activities, homework and student progress; create a safe and welcoming classroom environment; collaborate with department and grade level teachers, program specialists, teacher mentor, coordinator, director and other staff regarding teacher performance; maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends, procedures and evaluation processes in art education; participate in regular planning and staff development activities; participate in professional development for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program and Diploma Programme.

Salary Range: $41,000-$56,000

Essential Functions: Grade 6-12 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 or, in specific subject areas and classes, in the target language (Spanish or Mandarin); 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; 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.

Qualifications:

Must have a valid Minnesota teaching license in related grade level and subject area

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education or related field.

Preferences:

Experience teaching/living abroad is preferred.
Teaching experience at the age level of the open position is preferred.
Teaching experience in the International Baccalaureate preferred.

Opportunities:

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.
Work in a diverse culture: 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.
Social functions: Each Friday, various staff members offer well-attended gatherings around sports or exercise. Other social activities abound.
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.
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.

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.

Visual Arts Teacher, Secondary