English as an Additional Language Specialist
About This Role
POSITION TITLE: English as an Additional Language Specialist
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Director of Student Support
CONTRACT DAYS: 190 days
PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT: Per Employment Contract
DIRECT REPORTS: not applicable
Mission
We challenge, inspire, and empower learners to realize their unique potential in our evolving world.
Vision
We aim to lead the way toward a sustainable future.
Values
Balance, Respect, Resilience, Innovation, and Courage
VIS Definition of Learning
Learning occurs when we construct and apply new knowledge and skills in various contexts.
VIS Learning Principles
Our teaching practices are guided by the following research-informed learning principles:
Learners at the center: We recognize learners as active participants and encourage their engagement.
Learners are unique: We strive to engage all learners and adapt to their individual needs.
Learners have emotions: We acknowledge the importance of emotions and are mindful of individual motivations.
Learners have potential: We embrace high expectations while recognizing individual differences.
Learners are collaborative: We value social interaction and the engagement with diverse perspectives.
Learners make connections: We encourage linking knowledge and transferring learning to new contexts.
Learners are reflective: We ensure a clear purpose, understanding of next steps, and use feedback to promote growth.
IB Learner Profile:
Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, Reflective
POSITION OVERVIEW
The focus of this position is to elevate the English academic language skills of multilingual learners through cooperative planning and teaching, sharing resources and strategies with the broader community, engaging students through inquiry-based learning, and providing specialized language support across a range of subjects. The educator will foster intercultural awareness and global viewpoints while customizing instruction to meet diverse language needs.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create and nurture inclusive, safe, and dynamic classroom settings that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.
Collaborate with subject area teachers to effectively scaffold instruction and co-create lessons that promote language development across various disciplines.
Participate in co-planning, co-teaching, and co-assessing, utilizing expertise in English Language Acquisition phases.
Deliver tailored instruction to meet the varying linguistic, cultural, and academic requirements of multilingual learners.
Employ formative and summative assessments to inform instruction and propose scaffolding strategies that improve students’ proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through authentic learning experiences.
Integrate academic language development, transdisciplinary literacy skills, and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills throughout MYP subject areas.
Set language development goals for students, using comprehensive data to support their progress through individualized and small group instruction.
Assist students in collaboratively creating and reflecting on their personal language learning goals.
Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and families to enhance language proficiency and academic performance.
Cultivate a culture of student agency.
Work together with classroom teachers, Student Support Team members, and leadership to ensure cohesive and inclusive learning experiences.
Engage in grade-level, department, and student support team meetings to promote holistic learning.
Collaborate effectively with parents and colleagues regarding student progress and support strategies.
Contribute to the school’s inclusive learning environment by advocating for equitable curriculum access for multilingual learners.
Participate in school-wide initiatives, extracurricular activities, and professional learning communities.
Comply with the school’s mission, vision, and child safeguarding standards.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in Education, English Language Acquisition, English, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Teaching certification or license.
Minimum of two years of teaching experience; EAL experience preferred; IB MYP experience preferred.
Strong understanding of second language acquisition and differentiated instruction.
Excellent communication and intercultural skills.
Collaborative, adaptable, and committed to professional growth.
VALUES
At Vientiane International School, we uphold diversity, inclusivity, respect, integrity, responsibility, empathy, and compassion. The ideal candidate should embody these values and be dedicated to enhancing student wellbeing through personalized support that nurtures both social-emotional growth and academic success.
WHAT WE OFFER:
A supportive, collegial, and innovative learning environment.
Professional development opportunities, including IB training.
A competitive compensation and benefits package.
The opportunity to live and work in the vibrant and beautiful country of Laos.
If you meet the qualifications and resonate with our values at Vientiane International School, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!