Finnish Summer Camp Credit Teacher

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Finnish Summer Camp Credit Teacher works at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, during summer 2027. The teacher plans and teaches Finnish language classes, assesses student progress, and supports participants earning high school credit. Working alongside Village leadership, the teacher helps create immersive cultural experiences and contributes to the day-to-day life of the Village.

The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time. Residential staff work 14–16 hours per day, with overnight supervision responsibilities, and may work up to seven days per week. The teacher lives in a cabin with children as part of a counseling team, supervises and interacts with students during meals, and leads games, Cabin Council, and other activities. Other duties include maintaining student records, communicating with the Credit Facilitator, supporting cultural presentations and activity periods, and completing assigned tasks. Residential employment may include provided housing and meals; paid training and orientation are also listed among seasonal employment perks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent.
• Experience teaching the target language and culture.
• Hands-on experience working with adolescents aged 14–18.
• Conversational and written proficiency in the target language.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to model them for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations.
• At least 16 years of age to be considered for a staff position; applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be at least 18.
• Ability to work in a busy, noisy communal environment, establish appropriate professional relationships, exercise good judgment, manage personal needs, and interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Nice To Haves

• Previous Concordia Language Villages or summer camp experience.
• Teaching licensure.
• Experience as a teacher in the target language.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach Finnish language classes and assess student progress.
• Maintain accurate grade records and complete mid-session progress reports and final evaluations.
• Communicate with the Credit Facilitator about the progress of credit participants in classes and elective courses.
• Live in a cabin with children as part of a counseling team and provide supervision.
• Lead games, Cabin Council, and other activities to create a cabin community.
• Supervise and interact with students during meals.
• Assist with other aspects of Village life, including cultural presentations and activity periods.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the dean and leadership staff.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and assist with setting up, preparing, and maintaining the Village.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior and support the health and welfare of villagers.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Meals provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Paid training and orientation.
• Applicable tuition discounts for children attending Concordia Language Villages.
• Opportunities for professional development, intercultural learning, and language immersion.
• J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level