Lead Teacher

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

For 80 years, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to more than half a million refugees. Since 1939, LIRS has transformed lives, with the support and hard work of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States - from sea to shining sea.

LIRS is a national organization with a budget of over $88 million per year, and over 100 staff nationwide. Widely recognized for our expertise in implementing federal programs on behalf of refugees and migrants in the United States, LIRS resettles refugees, reunites children with their families or provides loving homes for them, conducts policy advocacy, and advances the protection and rights of vulnerable migrants.

Headquartered in the beautiful Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore we provide services nationwide through a network of staff and affiliates. As we continue to grow, we search for the best candidates and offer excellent benefits including flexible work hours, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, professional development funds, parental leave, a 403(b) with organizational match, and more!

The Lead Teacher is primarily responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the appropriate instructional program in an elementary or secondary learning educational setting that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. This individual will also lead a team of teachers and teacher aides within the program while ensuring all direct reports fulfill the requirements of their position in alignment with the needs of the program.

DUTIES

• Lead the educational team in creating a trauma-informed and safe learning environment for UC as well as creating a welcoming environment for foster parent engagement around the child's educational needs;
• Plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning;
• Plan, schedule, and facilitate educational curriculum in compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements;
• Direct, lead, and supervise the teacher aide;
• Develop schemes of work, lesson plans, and tests that are in accordance with the established procedures;
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment;
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities;
• Prepare the classroom for class activities;
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities;
• Effectively utilize relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction;
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the program;
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development;
• Observe and evaluate the child's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health;
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order during educational sessions;
• Manage staff vacation and time off schedules to ensure coverage in the classrooms at all times;
• Participate as a team member and attend meetings with treatment team members to discuss children's behavior in the classroom, if necessary;
• Work closely with the program leadership to provide weekly updates on students;
• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by ORR;
• Participate in school activities, staff, and treatment team meetings;
• Effectively communicate the necessary information to the assigned case manager, clinician, foster parents, and supervisor regarding student progress, concerns, or needs on a regular basis;
• Ensure agency policies and procedures are enforced through employee evaluations, conference requests, timesheets, and reimbursement vouchers;
• Attend internal and external trainings, and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's level degree in Education or equivalent field of study from an accredited college;
• Active certification by the relevant governing authority;
• Prior work experience teaching English as a Second Language with Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certification or other appropriate accrediting body and additional training to meet the special needs of UC;
• At least three (3) years of experience working in a similar role;
• At least one (1) year of work experience supervising others;
• Must be CPR, First Aid, and AEC certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire;
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish;
• Demonstrates ability to work with students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds;
• Demonstrated ability to teach students English and all other basic educational topics;
• Must be flexible and creative in a diverse work setting;
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized;
• Highly motivated and self-managed;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends, as needed;
• Active motor vehicle license, clean driving record, and a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Commitment to LIRS's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners; commitment to refugees and immigrants.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.