Mandarin Immersion Teachers
4 positions: 2 kindergarten, 1 first grade and 1 second grade
(full-time salaried position with full benefits package, beginning August 2010)
(potential for part-time contract work beginning February 2010)
Opening in August 2010 in Denver Colorado, the Denver Language School (DLS) will offer a K8 full immersion program focused on excellent academic preparation for all students. Families
will choose either the Mandarin or the Spanish Immersion Program. DLS will open with
kindergarten, first and second grades and add one grade each year until eighth grade. The core
academic day will be from 8 am to 3 pm daily, with an extended day program from 3 pm to 5 pm
daily. Classroom teachers will teach during the core academic day and will have stipend
opportunities to work in the extended day program or to support curriculum, newsletter and web
page translation.
DLS seeks a highly-motivated, professional teaching faculty. DLS teachers will enjoy a
collaborative environment, financial support for professional development and immersion
conference and workshop attendance, and a voice in materials and textbook choices for the
school.
For August 2010, the Denver Language School seeks two kindergarten, one first and one second
grade Mandarin Program teachers. DLS is also accepting resumes for teachers who may wish to
join the school in later years. Teachers must be fluent in spoken Mandarin and written Chinese.
Teachers must have experience teaching elementary content courses in Mandarin. Should the
Denver Language School have difficulty locating appropriate candidates from within the U.S.,
we will consider sponsoring a VISA application for foreign candidates.
Mandarin Program Classroom Teachers’ responsibilities will include the following:
 Instruction—
o Maintain a language immersion atmosphere using native (or native-like)
Mandarin speaking skills at all times;
o Be thoughtful about the use of instructional time to maximize student learning
opportunities;
o Intentionally and thoughtfully plan instruction that engages students in their
learning;
o Collaborate with Mandarin program colleagues to provide an excellent and full
immersion program for Mandarin program students;
o Commit to the Mandarin immersion model by ensuring all visible print, signage,
materials, adult conversation and instruction is in Mandarin (emergency signage
will also be in English); and
o Plan instruction that encourages students to talk with their peers about content
regularly and consistently in Mandarin throughout the instructional day.
 Assessment—
o Together with the Instructional and Curriculum Coordinator, develop a schedule
for student portfolio, notebook and exhibit preparation and development;
o Plan student interventions based on individual student performance data;
o Administer regular writing prompts, site word assessments, and running records
of student reading—all in Mandarin;
o Use formative and summative assessment data to inform Mandarin instruction;
and
o Actively use a Mandarin word wall and the Mandarin classroom library.
 Participate as an active, engaged member of the school community—
o Communicate regularly with students’ parents and families;
o Attend all school exhibits;
o Design and maintain a class webpage for students and parents in both English and
Mandarin including homework, class projects, upcoming parent conferences and
volunteer opportunities, and a materials wish list.
o Support the school-wide Positive Behavior Incentives Plan, incorporating the
rewards and consequences into daily classroom routines and keeping track of
student points; and
o Participate in the development and adaptation of: Mandarin arts and social studies
curriculum, a Mandarin reading assessment and a Mandarin assessment of content
knowledge. Also assist with the adaptation of any materials only available in
English, for a FLES program or for a foreign language program so they are
appropriate for a Mandarin immersion program.
 Professional development and improving teaching practice—
o Meet with the Head of School and/or Instructional and Curriculum Coordinator
following observations and reflect thoughtfully on recommendations for
improving practice;
o By the end of the first year of hire, attain an elementary teaching license from the
Colorado Department of Education;
o Participate in all school-sponsored professional development, for the first year
this will include: Immersion teaching, Professional Learning Communities and
Positive Behavior Incentive System; and
o Participate in a Professional Learning Community weekly.
 Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
 Teaching experience in a Mandarin instruction setting; preferred: at least three years
teaching elementary content in Mandarin.
 Completion of a teacher education program; preferred: US teaching license or certificate,
preferably as an elementary teacher.
 Experience working with a racially diverse, low-income population.
 Fluency in Mandarin.
 Sufficient English fluency to participate in staff meetings, communicate with parents and
to pass the Elementary Education Content Praxis II exam required by the Colorado
Department of Education for an elementary teacher license.
Hire date: February to June 2010
Start date: August 2010 with opportunities for part-time work beginning in February.
To apply for this position, please send a resume, any certification information, evidence of
completion of a teacher preparation program, transcripts, 3 letters of reference and a cover letter
explaining why you are interested in this position, to:
Danielle@denverlanguageschool.org
Or
Danielle Carrigo
Head of School
The Denver Language School
7350 E. 29th Avenue, 3rd floor
Denver, CO 80238