La Scuola seeks a part time Italian Specialist to support Italian language development in grades K–5 for the upcoming school year. The specialist will be an integral member of both the teaching team and Student Support Group and will be responsible for strengthening Italian language acquisition and literacy development across the Elementary Division.

The Italian Language Specialist collaborates closely with homeroom teachers, educational specialists, pedagogical leadership, and administrators to ensure students develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Italian within our immersion, International Baccalaureate (PYP), and Reggio Emilia–inspired framework.

This part time position (50%) reports to the Director of Student Support & Counseling and the Elementary Director working in close partnership with the Student Success Group, Pedagogical Leadership Team and faculty to support each student’s individual language needs.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Plan, organize, and provide targeted Italian language instruction across elementary grades. Instruction must align with and complement the immersion program and ensure students meet or exceed language development benchmarks.
• Develop and deliver lesson plans using a broad range of differentiated instructional strategies that support oral language development, literacy acquisition, and written expression in Italian.
• Plan and support the implementation of assessments of students' Italian language proficiency in collaboration with teachers using formative and summative tools to evaluate progress in language acquisition and literacy development.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of student growth and language progress.
• Collaborate with homeroom teachers to integrate Italian language development within Units of Inquiry and across content areas.
• Engage in weekly co-teaching, including small group instruction and station-based learning.
• Observe teachers and provide feedback and guidance in supporting language acquisition goals in the classroom.
• In partnership with the Student Success Group and Pedagogical Team, design and implement targeted language interventions for individuals and small groups.
• Support students’ executive functioning, developmental needs, and social-emotional growth as they relate to language acquisition.
• Foster a nurturing, structured, and language-rich environment with high expectations that promote student responsibility, confidence, and engagement in authentic Italian communication.
• Contribute to family communication, including progress updates and conferences as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the school.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Language Acquisition, Linguistics, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years teaching experience preferably in an immersion or bilingual setting. 
• Experience with bilingual education, International Baccalaureate (PYP), and/or Reggio Emilia philosophy strongly preferred.
• Native-like fluency in Italian required; strong English proficiency required.
• Demonstrated expertise in elementary literacy development and second-language acquisition.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for a range of language learners.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Desired Competencies

• Deep understanding of language acquisition and learning differences, with the ability to design and implement appropriate accommodations and differentiated strategies.
• Collaborative mindset with demonstrated success working in interdisciplinary teams within dynamic school environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and sound professional judgment in addressing academic and developmental challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong follow-through, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive and professional communication skills, including experience partnering effectively with school leadership and families.
• Knowledge of student support systems and designated instructional services (e.g., speech and language, occupational therapy) and the ability to collaborate effectively with specialists.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and reflective practice.
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural responsiveness in working with students and families.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.