Elementary Teacher

Description

The German International School Boston (GISB) is an independent, bilingual school that educates students from preschool through 12th grade. Our school serves children from diverse cultural backgrounds and places great emphasis on social and emotional development as well as German language acquisition. 

An Elementary School Teacher at GISB works under the supervision of the Head of Elementary School (ES) and is responsible for teaching ES classes. Most academic subjects in grades 1 – 4 are taught by a homeroom teacher. The majority of the classes in elementary school are conducted in German by native speakers. English language & literature is also taught by native speakers. Curricula for subjects taught in German align with the school curriculum in Germany and are approved by the German Kultusministerkonferenz (State Secretaries of Education). Curricula for subjects taught in English combine German requirements with Massachusetts’ high state standards.

Your Responsibilities

Classroom

• Instruct with an emphasis on language informed teaching in the German language
• Develop a Semester Plan that supports and enhances student achievement
• Create and maintain an environment where learning by all members of the community is a highly valued activity
• Provide a safe, caring and productive learning environment that fosters well being and respectful behavior consistent with GISB values and mission
• Promote high standards of academic performance through rigorous and engaging classes 
• Use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with current research on learning and child development
• Discuss Individual Education Plans with Special Needs Coordinator
• Execute responsive programming to ensure success in school for students with special needs
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and facilitate interdisciplinary projects and lessons

Organizational

• Maintain accurate records of student’s work and provide feedback to parents/caregivers, including occasional language level assessments
• Complete regular recess and stand-by duties
• Attend Set Up Week and Back to School Week in August
• Organize and implement Student Orientation Days (including one field trip) for your class
• Support ES interns and provide feedback, where necessary
• Exchange information with kindergarten and preschool regarding student transition to ES
• Organize and attend field trips, assemblies, parent breakfast, parent night, Einschulungsfeier

Innovation and School Development

• Participate in a variety of conferences and events for families/caregivers to learn about and engage as full partners in their child’s education (e.g. Parent Teacher Conferences, Back to School, Parent Night, School-wide events during the day and occasionally, on weekends and evenings)
• Attend professional development days and weekly meetings, such as School Development, Section Meetings, General Conferences, etc.

Qualifications

Your Profile

• Completed studies or training in elementary pedagogy, B.A. is required, M. A. preferred. 
• At least two years of experience as a teacher, ideally in a bilingual setting, is required
• Excellent German language skills (C2) and strong English skills (C1), based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required
• Passion for working with young children and the ability to support their development with patience, creativity, and enthusiasm
• A high level of teamwork skills, strong communication abilities, and openness to close, cooperative collaboration
• Intercultural competence to ensure an adaptable and respectful work environment
• High level of motivation, dedication, and innovation in designing impactful learning experiences
• Strong sense of responsibility, reliability, and commitment to the school's values and community

What We Offer

• An inspiring, multicultural work environment with motivated colleagues and engaged families from around the world
• A collaborative and supportive team that values autonomy, independence, creative thinking, and pedagogical excellence
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• A 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
• Opportunities for professional development and lifelong learning
• Assistance with settling into Boston and opportunities for meaningful intercultural exchange
• A full-time position (40 hours per week), with 28 hours dedicated to working directly with children and 12 hours allocated for planning, school development, and administrative time as a classroom teacher 
• Paid substitution hours
• Working hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with flexibility to work from home for non-student facing activities 
• The academic year is 180 days running from August 1 to June 30. Teachers are paid over 12 months
• Generous vacation (October, December/January, February, April and July breaks) 

This position begins August 1, 2025.