Middle School Mandarin Teacher

Westside School is seeking a dynamic teacher to join our community school as a Middle School Mandarin Teacher. The Mandarin teacher for Middle School joins a four-person World Language team (Middle School and Lower School Spanish and Mandarin). This role is responsible for delivering and maintaining a curriculum based on Somos level 1 and 2, published by Comprehensible Classroom for the 5th-8th grades. The Mandarin teacher works collaboratively with other classroom teachers and participates fully in the life of the school, serving as an advisor, attending meetings, curriculum nights, school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.Having a solid understanding of best practices in world language instruction is essential, as is the capacity for teaching in a standards-based environment. We are looking for a teacher who is committed to collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches and using technology seamlessly to enhance learning. The person we seek will personalize the experiences for their students and foster a sense of agency for the learners in their care. The learning environment will be co-constructed with their students and be a place where inquiry, success, resilience and agency are nurtured and celebrated.Reports to: Middle School HeadCompensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position. The annual salary range is $63,219 - $93,586 based on experience and education. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees.Start Date: August 17, 2026About Westside School Mission : Westside students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community. Vision : Westside is committed to being a collaborative, inclusive school where learners discover their unique strengths, embrace challenges, and develop a passion for learning, in order to contribute positively to their world.We Are Seeking Teachers Who Are Driven ByA strong belief in Westside’s mission, vision and valuesStudent-centered pedagogiesA love of middle school learnersA focus on trust, relationships, and communityOur Learning Environment Is Characterized AsInquiry-based learningFostering agency in our learners Service-orientedPersonalizedJoyful, nurturing and challengingDiverse, safe and inclusiveProfessional Skills/QualitiesMust possess Mandarin proficiency level of Advanced-Low, though Advanced-Mid or Superior is preferred. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to maintain the target language consistently while effectively managing the classroom and explaining complex concepts.Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to and experience with Comprehensible Input (CI) and Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) methodologies. Knowledge of ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines is required to inform instruction and assessment.Demonstrated commitment to participate in and establish collaborative structuresAbility to provide differentiated instruction for students with varying levels of abilityCommitted to utilizing data to make informed instructional decisionsExperience utilizing technology tools to enhance student learningDemonstrated ability to work successfully in a diverse and inclusive environmentAbility to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers and othersInstructionTeaching and Learning ResponsibilitiesFacilitates the instruction of middle school Mandarin classes in grade (5-8) in a block schedule with 75 minute periodsEstablishes a well-managed learning environment where active, individual learning and progress for all students is the normCollaboratively develop unit plans by employing a backwards planning model that utilizes the identified scope and sequence and content standardsUtilizes data from varied sources (diagnostic, formative, summative, standardized, etc) to inform instruction and develop differentiated learning opportunities for studentsProvides timely feedback to students that is actionable and relevant to their learningMonitors, advises, and assists in the care of students utilizing our Advisory program resourcesEffectively embeds intentional learning experiences focused on developing a child’s approach to their learning and offers ongoing reflective opportunities for our studentsSchool CommunitySupports experiential education programming by chaperoning overnight middle school trips and 8th grade international tripsUnderstands and supports the diversity of the school community and students’ family backgroundsWorks in a positive, cooperative and supportive way with students, parents, co-workers and other stakeholdersCommunicates regularly with parents on matters of school businessEngages in and supports activities that help promote school spirit and sense of communityPromotes opportunities for developing community involvement throughout the wider communityRecognizes the importance of service learning to our community and promotes this with students and the wider communitySchool OrganizationActively participates in meetings they are invited to attendParticipates in professional development opportunitiesSets and engages in professional goal setting that is aligned to mission and vision of the school; engages thoughtfully in the evaluation processReads all staff bulletins for the whole school and their own division; checks and responds to emails within 24 hoursConducts school business at all times in a professional and ethical mannerSafeguards the loss/damage of the school equipment and materials Assists the administration and subject colleagues in covering classes and duties - 5 per school year Qualifications And ExperienceMinimum Qualifications:Minimum Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.Minimum two (2) years of full-time classroom experience teaching Mandarin in an accredited schoolCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in educational settings. Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. Ability and willingness to work collaboratively while maintaining a positive and professional environment. Effective organization, conflict management, and time management skills. Maintain confidentiality of student records. Perform other duties as assigned. Preferred QualificationsA Secondary license or certification for teachingAn advanced degree in educationRecent and relevant professional development in teaching and learningDiversity StatementWestside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Application ProcessCandidates wishing to learn more about Westside School should visit the school website: LINK .Interested candidates should send an application to: employment@westsideschool.org . The review of files will begin immediately upon receipt.The Application Should IncludeCover letter of application.Resume Educational philosophyA list of references (at least 3), including names, positions, current employment and contact email addresses. One of those should be the current supervisor.