LOTE (French) Teacher

Étoile Academy teachers are responsible for executing on the mission by ensuring that all students improve academically and demonstrate our core values. Teachers are responsible for providing high-quality, data-driven instruction and instructional support to all learners. They are responsible for collaborating with colleagues, including special education teachers, to ensure all students get the accommodations and modifications needed to master the standards. This is a full-time teaching position for LOTE French Electives (5th-8th).

Étoile Academy is seeking a passionate and dynamic French Teacher to lead engaging, student-centered instruction in alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Languages Other Than English (LOTE). The TEKS for French outline specific knowledge and skills students should acquire, covering areas such as communication, culture, and connections to other disciplines. The ideal candidate will foster a love of language and culture while developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French.

This position may require travel between two campuses to teach grades 5-8 as part of our commitment to ensuring high-quality instruction for all students.

Additionally, Étoile Academy organizes an annual student trip to France, where selected students and staff have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the French language and culture. The French Teacher will have the unique opportunity to serve as a leader and chaperone for this trip, providing invaluable cultural experiences and fostering connections beyond the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Student Learning:

• Develop and implement engaging, standards-based French lessons aligned with TEKS and best practices in language acquisition.
• Focus on communication skills, cultural understanding, and interdisciplinary connections as outlined in the TEKS for French.
• Utilize differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including Emergent Bilingual learners (EB) and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages student participation and cultural appreciation.
• Incorporate technology and interactive resources to enhance language instruction.
• Assess student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing timely feedback and interventions as needed.
• Implement state learning standards and Etoile Academy Charter School approved high quality curriculum and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations for all.
• Submit weekly lesson plans in advance as determined by school leaders for feedback. 
• Implement formal and informal assessments to track each individual student’s progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly and update the gradebook weekly. 
• Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet all students’ needs. 

Classroom & School Culture:

• Maintain high behavioral and academic expectations aligned with Étoile Academy’s core values of Respect, Excellence, Ambition, Community, and Hard Work (REACH).
• Establish strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a supportive learning environment.
• Implement positive classroom management strategies that foster a safe and structured space for learning.
• Contribute to school-wide initiatives, such as advisory/intervention programs, extracurricular activities, or community events.
• Learn, master, internalize, and effectively deliver grade-level curriculum, core content objectives, and instructional materials while maintaining appropriate rigor and utilizing selected texts.
• Communicate students’ progress with students and family on a weekly basis. 
• Implement our clear and consistent behavior management system and build a strong sense of community in the classroom. 

Collaboration & Professional Development:

• Participate in weekly professional development, instructional coaching, and data-driven planning meetings.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers, instructional leaders, and support staff to enhance curriculum and student outcomes.
• Engage in continuous learning and improvement through research-based best practices in language education.
• Help shape and develop a school wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment for each student. 
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with colleagues, students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect for the communities in which they identify.  
• Participate in weekly check-ins, grade-level meetings, live-coaching in the moment by instructional leaders, before, during, and after-school duties, and school wide meetings and functions. 
• Engage in district approved personal learning and development (summer/year-long).
• Effective facilitation and personal use of technology as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work related tasks. 

We look for team members who embody our REACH values listed below:

• Open to sharing and implementing feedback with reverence and professionalism for the work (Respect).
• Authentic care for student results and effective teaching (Excellence).
• Setting a higher bar for yourself and others each day (Ambition).
• Honest contribution and collaboration to the community (Community).
• Do what is needed to achieve results (Hard Work).
• Believes in education as a profession and holds oneself to a high level of conduct and professionalism.
• Minimum of 40+ hours spent at school per week. 
• Additional responsibilities may include: after-school tutoring or Saturday school and are based on the needs of our students.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution is required (French, Education, or related field preferred).
• Certification: Texas teaching certification in LOTE (Languages Other Than English) preferred – French or ability to obtain certification within two years.
• Experience: Prior teaching experience preferred, especially in a K-12 setting. Demonstrated success in fostering student achievement and language acquisition.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong knowledge of TEKS for French and language proficiency standards.
  • Commitment to student success and a growth mindset.
  • Ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff.
  • Effective classroom management and instructional strategies.
  • Flexibility to travel between two campuses as needed.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. District life insurance.
• Participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.