French Teacher

Summary

Are you looking for an opportunity to join a group of talented educators who are changing the face of education? 

We’re Pear Tree School, and we strongly believe that today’s schools aren’t doing enough to prepare students to succeed in the 21st century. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide parents and children with a new, progressive alternative to the schools of the past.

Our classrooms use theme-based learning – integrating inquiry, project and problem-based learning. Rather than teaching separate subjects, our students learn by doing, by imagining and by collaborating. 

We’re looking for an exemplary French teacher with a passion for progressive education: someone who understands that education needs to change, and who has the skills to bring that vision to the classroom.

If that sounds like you, then we can’t wait to hear from you! 

A day in the life

You’ll be teaching French to combined grade 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 classes. Unlike traditional classrooms, you’ll be teaching French through themes connected to the real world, and often related to the themes in their regular classes. So, you’ll need to think in an interdisciplinary way and collaborate with classroom teachers and the school’s directors to create meaningful lessons and activities.

Theme topics, activities, and learning objectives must be distinct based on the grade groups and language needs of the students.

Most importantly, you’ll be committed to our progressive, whole-child teaching philosophy, and be able to get students and parents excited about everything our school has to offer. 

Because we’re educators ourselves, we foster an environment where teachers have the freedom to innovate in the classroom, and aren’t limited by standard curriculums. We work hard to be on the cutting edge, so you’ll also be working with like-minded professionals who are leaders in education.

We believe in a “whole child” approach to education, so your students will always have everything they need to thrive in your class. 

This role combines with a classroom assistant role where you’ll have the opportunity to work in our regular theme-based lessons with our main classroom teachers, as well as help with recess and lunch duties.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor Degree
• Bachelor Degree in Education (preferred)
• 1+ years of experience teaching at the elementary level (ideally in Canada)
• Experience in multi-grade classrooms and/or classes with a wide range of learners (i.e. different language abilities within one class)
• Exceptional communication skills: face-to-face, phone, and email
• Excellent organizational skills
• Professional level fluency in French (written and verbal)
• Intermediate or higher level of fluency in English (written and verbal)
• Experience using learning technology (SMARTboards, iPads, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Google products (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom) and Educational iPad apps
• High Standards
• Passion
• Empathy
• Growth mindset

Awesome extras:

• Experience with student goal-setting
• Experience with private school culture / families
• Photography skills

Working Time:

This is a full-time, annually contracted position. There are 9 x French teaching hours spread across Monday, Wednesday and Friday, combined with additional hours for in-class support and recess / lunch supervision. Working hours are subject to negotiation based mutually convenient times. However, lessons must take place between our regular school hours (8am – 3.30pm).

There may also be the need to provide teaching coverage in the event of a teacher absence, as well as some teaching required for our Pro-D day camps.

You will be directly answerable to the Pear Tree directors, Alexis Birner and Paul Romani.

Salary & Benefits

This position would offer a salary of $44,000 per school year (September – June) plus health benefits, with a minimum of 2% annual pay increase.

Pear Tree offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes dental, extended health, life insurance, long term disability, and accidental death & dismemberment.

Benefits for either option include:

• Seasonal bonuses (at the end of each term)
• Company Events
• Free Food (with our in-house hot lunch program)

How to Apply

Please submit a customized cover letter and resume in PDF format. Include “French School Teacher” in the subject line. Please also indicate if you have a preference for the part-time or full-time position.

Please ensure that both are tailored to the position that we are advertising, and are checked for spelling and grammar.

We will not review bulk resumes, applications addressed mistakenly to other schools, or poorly presented resumes.

We thank all interested parties. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Highlights From Our Team!

Here are some reasons that our teachers feel would be great reasons to join the Pear Tree faculty:

Mentorship & Support:

• Alexis and Paul consistently make themselves available to help and collaborate with staff (planning meetings)
• Asking questions is encouraged
• Classroom concerns (student or parent) do not escalate as teachers and admin communicate regularly, offering opportunities for advice, next steps, or admin support
• Ongoing feedback reduces the vulnerability of trying new things
• Support you with growth over perfection

Community:

• Supportive and responsive parent community
• Knowing all the students at the school!
• Easy to collaborate with other teachers
• Can connect more with your students, you get to know them extremely well
• Easier to work with small groups
• Know your students’ strengths/areas to improve and can realistically implement strategies to bring out their potential

Small class size:

• Can connect more with your students, you get to know them extremely well
• Easier to work with small groups
• Know your students’ strengths/areas to improve and can realistically implement strategies to bring out their potential