Buckley is committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore new languages and cultures. Our Lower School (grades K-4) emphasizes developing a love for learning while building strong academic foundations. We believe that learning a second language helps children become global citizens with a deep appreciation for diversity and the world around them.
Position Overview: Buckley is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Lower School French Language Teacher to join our vibrant and collaborative team. The French teacher will introduce young learners to the French language through engaging, interactive, and developmentally appropriate activities that foster both language acquisition and cultural appreciation. This teacher will integrate content learning with language development via activities where the main topics come from the regular curriculum content areas (i.e., social studies, mathematics, science) so that language is acquired in a meaningful context. In addition, this teacher will join the expanded team of teachers who lead differentiated small reading groups.
Key Responsibilities:
Language Instruction: Teach French to students in grades 1-3 through immersive, hands-on, and play-based methods that develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills supported by visuals, songs and games.
Curriculum Development: Plan and implement French language lessons that are aligned with the school’s curriculum, focusing on age-appropriate materials and activities that encourage language fluency.
Assessment and Feedback: Regularly assess student progress and provide constructive feedback. Use a variety of formative assessments to track language development and adjust instruction as needed. Write report cards twice yearly (narratives and checklists).
Cultural Exploration: Integrate cultural elements into lessons, exposing students to French-speaking countries’ customs, traditions, geography, and history.
Classroom Management: Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students feel confident and motivated to explore the French language.
Collaboration: Work closely with fellow teachers, staff, and administrators to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to student learning across subjects.
Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional learning and stay current with the best practices in language teaching and childhood education.
Responsibilities:
Teach two small-group reading groups.
Assess, monitor, and analyze student progress using formal and informal assessments.
Tailor reading instruction to the group and individual student needs.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to support differentiated literacy instruction.
Stay current with research-based practices and emerging trends in reading education.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, French, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Education or Teaching is a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of teaching French in a language immersion or foreign language setting, at the elementary school level. Experience with FLES or TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodologies is a plus.
Language Skills: Native or near-native proficiency in French, with an ability to engage students in conversation and provide authentic language input.
Passion for Teaching: A genuine passion for working with young learners and fostering a love of language and culture.
Communication Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work well with students, parents, and colleagues.
Cultural Competency: Sensitivity and understanding of cultural differences, with a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Technology: Comfortable using educational technology to support instruction and student learning.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and a resume to jobs@buckleyschool.org and type "Lower School French & Reading Teacher” in the subject line.
A meaningful cover letter is required to apply which should detail how your relevant skills and experience align with the job requirements, specific examples of accomplishments that demonstrate your abilities, and highlight any unique skills that will make you stand out as the best candidate for the job. No calls please.
The Buckley School in the City of New York is an independent day school for boys located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The school has two divisions: Lower School (K-4) and Upper School (5-8 + Academy Year), with a current student body of 373 pupils and 104 faculty and staff members. The Head of School is Gregory J. O’Melia, the sixth head to be appointed since the school's founding in 1913.
Buckley is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC). Additionally, it is a charter member of the Manhattan Private Middle School League and the Metropolitan Private Middle School Track and Field Association. The school's motto is “Honor et Veritas” (Honor and Truth). Its official seal is a shield.