Youth Language Instructor

Description

Department: Experience

Reports to: Language and Cultural Programs Manager

Compensation: $35.04/hour

Educational Requirement: Bachelor's Degree

Status: Part-time

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Hourly or Salaried: Hourly

Hours Per Week: 3-5

Hybrid or On Site: On-site

Language Proficiency: Fluent in English and Swedish;

Schedule: Saturday mornings

Who We Are and What We Do:

The American Swedish Institute is a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment, and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden. The American Swedish Institute and the historic Turnblad Mansion have been mainstays for cultural education and engagement in Minneapolis since 1929. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Language Instructor is responsible for developing students’ language ability and cultural competency appropriate for each course level by using various teaching methods that engage students of all learning styles. The Youth Language Instructor will work in our Lilla Skolan program which meets on Saturday mornings throughout the academic year. Lilla Skolan is a language and culture program for students aged 3-6 years old to learn or practice their Swedish accompanied by a Swedish-speaking adult. For every hour of teaching, half-hour of prep time will be paid. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Create a positive and welcoming learning environment for all ASI language students.
• Develop students’ language abilities in the following areas: listening comprehension, oral proficiency, reading comprehension and writing skills appropriate to each course level through different group activities, and other teaching methods.
• Develop students’ understanding and appreciation of the Swedish language, history and culture through the use of interactive activities, sharing of personal experiences, and discussing current and historical events. 
• Use a variety of teaching methods to deliver course content that will satisfy the learning styles of all students. 
• Partner with Language and Cultural Programs Manager to develop course curriculum as well as identify and recommend opportunities to continually improve and expand ASI’s educational offerings. 
• Design and develop lesson plans, supplemental instructional resources, and activities for each class session. 
• Partner with Language and Cultural Programs Manager to select and/or develop learning materials that will satisfy ASI’s course objectives. 
• Perform administrative duties as assigned in a timely fashion, such as submitting bi-weekly timesheets, distributing and collecting course evaluation forms, and other necessary paperwork as determined by the Language and Cultural Programs Manager. 
• Attend and contribute to planning sessions. 
• Encourage on-going participation and learning of the Swedish language and culture by encouraging students to attend ASI activities. 
• Keep the Language Programs Coordinator informed of any scheduling conflicts and/or any possible make-up dates. 
• Step in as a substitute instructor, as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of 2 years language instruction experience, including experience developing course curriculum and delivering language courses using a variety of teaching methods. 
• Fluency or near-native speaking ability in Swedish and English with demonstrated ability to articulate grammatical features of language with ease. 
• Must have extensive knowledge of Swedish cultural norms, history, traditions and other Nordic-related subjects. 
• Ability to adapt to personalities of diverse backgrounds in the classroom. 
• Ability to present information effectively and respond appropriately to questions and concerns from students both orally and in writing. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a positive, professional working relationship with students, colleagues and staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to use multi-media and computer technology to enhance learning.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a team player. 
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Must be available to work Saturday mornings. 
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to perform basic computer skills. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office and program products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. 

EEO STATEMENT 

The American Swedish Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All our employment practices, benefits and programs will be administered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, status with respect to receipt of public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.