Youth Language Instructor

American Swedish Institute•Minneapolis, MN

just now•Onsite

About The Position

The American Swedish Institute (ASI) is a cultural gathering place that shares experiences related to culture, migration, the environment, and the arts, with enduring links to Sweden. Founded in 1929, ASI and the historic Turnblad Mansion serve as cultural education and engagement hubs in Minneapolis. ASI's mission is to inspire curiosity, embrace creativity, and grow community by exploring the past, present, and future of Swedish culture. The organization values relationships, curiosity, diversity, and stewardship. The Youth Language Instructor is responsible for developing early childhood students’ Swedish language ability and cultural competency through play-based, developmentally appropriate activities. This role engages students of all learning styles and works within either the Lilla Skolan (for Swedish-speaking children aged 3-6, accompanied by an adult) or Svenska Skolan (for students aged 7-14 learning or practicing Swedish) programs, which meet on Saturday mornings during the academic year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of 1 year's language instruction experience, including experience developing course curriculum and delivering language courses using a variety of teaching methods.
Experience teaching preschool and working with early elementary age children.
Fluency or near-native speaking ability in Swedish and English with demonstrated ability to articulate grammatical features of language with ease.
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 observe, document, and assess students’ progress.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a positive, professional working relationship with students, parents, colleagues, and staff.
Demonstrated ability to use multimedia and computer technology to enhance learning.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a team player.
Strong organizational skills.
High level of patience, energy, and enthusiasm for keeping young children motivated and engaged.
Must be available to work Saturday mornings.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

Create a positive and welcoming learning environment for preschool children to learn Swedish.
Develop students’ language abilities in listening and speaking through different group activities, play-based curriculum, and preschool teaching methods.
Develop students’ understanding and appreciation of the Swedish language, history and culture using interactive activities, sharing of personal experiences, and discussing current and historical events that is developmentally appropriate.
Use a variety of preschool teaching methods and incorporate play to deliver course content that will satisfy the learning styles of all students in a supported environment.
Partner with Language 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 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.
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.
Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing personal bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all visitors and program participants.