English as an Additional Language Specialist

POSITION TITLE: English as an Additional Language Specialist

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Director of Student Support

CONTRACT DAYS: 190 days

PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT: Per Employment Contract

DIRECT REPORTS: not applicable

Mission

We challenge, inspire and empower learners to develop their unique potential in our changing world.

Vision

We will lead the way toward a sustainable future.

Values

Balance, Respect, Resilience, Innovation and Courage

VIS Definition of Learning

We learn when we build and apply new understandings and skills in a variety of contexts.

VIS Learning Principles

The following research-based learning principles guide our teaching practice:

Learners at the center: Recognizing learners as core participants and encouraging active engagement.

Learners are unique: Engaging all learners and adapting to individual needs.

Learners have emotions: Understanding the role of emotion and being aware of individual motivations.

Learners have potential: Embracing challenging expectations while understanding individual variations.

Learners are collaborative: Recognizing the value of social interaction to engage with multiple perspectives.

Learners make connections: Linking understandings and transferring learning to new situations.

Learners are reflective: Having a clear purpose, understanding next steps, and using feedback to support growth.

IB Learner Profile:

Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, Reflective

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position supports the developing English academic language proficiency of multilingual learners through

the co-planning and co-teaching cycle, sharing tools and strategies with the broader community, engaging, inquiry-based instruction, and targeted language support across subject areas. The teacher fosters intercultural understanding and global-mindedness while differentiating instruction to meet diverse language needs.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advocate for and create inclusive, safe, and engaging classroom environments that value linguistic and cultural diversity

Collaborate with subject teachers to appropriately scaffold instruction and co-plan lessons that support language development across subject areas

Co-plan, co-teach, and co-assess utilizing knowledge and expertise of English Language Acquisition phases

Provide differentiated instruction to meet the diverse linguistic, cultural, and academic needs of multilingual learners

Use formative and summative assessments to inform instruction and/or recommended scaffolds that help develop students’ proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through authentic learning experiences

Integrate academic language development, transdisciplinary literacy skills, and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills across MYP subject areas

Identify language development goals for students, through the use of robust data, to support their growth through individualized and small group instruction

Support students in co-creating and reflecting on personal language learning goals

Provide timely, actionable feedback to students and families to enhance language proficiency and academic achievement

Fostering a culture of student agency

Collaborate with classroom teachers, Student Support Team members, and leadership to ensure cohesive and inclusive learning experiences

Engage in grade-level, department, and student support team meetings to support whole-child learning

Partner effectively with parents and colleagues regarding student progress and strategies for support.

Contribute to the school’s inclusive learning culture by advocating for equitable access to the curriculum for multilingual learners

Engage in school-wide initiatives, co-curricular programs, and professional learning communities

Uphold the school’s mission, vision, and child safeguarding standards

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, English Language Acquisition, English, or a related field (Master’s preferred)

Teaching certification or license

Minimum two years of teaching experience; EAL experience preferred; IB MYP experience preferred

Strong understanding of second language acquisition and differentiated instruction

Excellent communication and intercultural skills

Collaborative, flexible, and growth-oriented mindset

VALUES

At Vientiane International School, we value diversity, inclusivity, respect for others, integrity, responsibility, empathy,and compassion. The ideal candidate should share these values and attitudes while also being committed to promoting student wellbeing through individualized support that fosters social-emotional growth and academic success.

WHAT WE OFFER:

A supportive, collegial, and innovative learning community.

Professional development opportunities, including IB training.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

The opportunity to live and work in a vibrant and beautiful country of Laos.

If you meet these qualifications and share our values at Vientiane International School, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!