Elementary and Early Ed English Teacher in Watertown, Massachusetts at German International School Boston

Working at GISB

German International School Boston is a bilingual independent school serving students aged 2.9 to grade 12. Learning at GISB is a multilingual, multicultural experience; graduates earn both a U.S. high school diploma and a German international Abitur. Working at GISB means being part of a school community where every role actively contributes to the overall experience of our students and families. As a private, mission-driven institution, we place a strong emphasis on academic excellence, community, and relationships, with the goal of creating a school where students and families choose to join us and remain with us throughout their educational journey. We value colleagues who take initiative, collaborate across teams, and engage with the life of the school. This can take many forms, from participating in events and supporting school development to contributing ideas and experiences that strengthen our community.

Job Summary

An Elementary and Early Education English Teacher at GISB works under the supervision of the Early Ed and Elementary School Section Heads and is responsible for teaching in grades K - 3. Most academic subjects in grades 1 – 4 are taught by a homeroom teacher. The majority of the classes in elementary school are conducted in German by native speakers. English language & literature are taught by native English speakers. Curricula for subjects taught in German align with the school curriculum in Germany and are approved by the German Kultusministerkonferenz (State Secretaries of Education). Curricula for subjects taught in English combine German requirements with Massachusetts’ high state standards. Using a variety of methods appropriate to the particular group of learners and the school, the teacher prepares instruction based on established curricula and frameworks as well as those goals defined internally by the school.

The English Teacher will instruct students in the fundamentals of the English language, including reading, comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening skills across a range of language and proficiency levels. They design engaging, standards-based curriculum that acknowledges and supports students navigating between English and German, grade assignments, and assess student progress while maintaining a positive, structured classroom environment. They collaborate closely with German colleagues to support cross-linguistic literacy development and to position English instruction effectively within a German-language immersion environment. The role requires a deep understanding of how English learning in this context differs from an English-dominant school setting, and includes working closely with families to communicate progress, set realistic expectations, and address concerns about English language development and academic readiness.

Using a variety of instructional approaches appropriate to the developmental stage and needs of their students, the teacher designs and delivers lessons based on established curricula and frameworks, as well as school-defined learning goals. Instruction balances academic rigor with differentiation, fostering both subject mastery and language development within the immersion setting.

The role requires an understanding of teaching and learning within a multilingual, multicultural community and a commitment to supporting students as they navigate both German and English academic environments.

Depending on the candidate, this position can be part-time or full-time with a range of available schedules.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate, and standards-aligned instruction
• Differentiate and adapt instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including multilingual students
• Create a structured, safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment
• Build strong relationships with students and support their social, emotional, and academic development
• Foster a positive classroom culture that promotes respect, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student learning and progress
• Support and organize class or grade-level events, field trips, and outings
• Contribute to a consistent and aligned student experience across campuses, supporting a cohesive school culture and shared expectations
• Engage with parents/guardians through clear, proactive, and ongoing communication to support individual student development
• Take ownership of the classroom experience for students and families, contributing to a positive, consistent, and engaging environment that supports student retention and satisfaction

Operational Responsibilities

• Complete all required school trainings by the start of the school year (e.g., bullying prevention, mandated reporting, first aid, safety procedures, cybersecurity) in alignment with school policies and legal requirements
• Participate in professional development and required meetings, including Section Meetings, General Conferences, Back-to-School Week, Professional Development Days, and other school-wide gatherings
• Provide student supervision throughout the school day, including lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and other assigned duties
• Engage in ongoing professional learning and remain current with educational best practices
• Plan and deliver instruction aligned with curriculum goals, including the development of semester plans that support student learning and achievement
• Collaborate with colleagues and the Student Support Team, including contributions to Individual Learning Plans, as applicable
• Participate in family-facing events such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and other school activities
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in field trips as part of the grade-level program
• Maintain classroom or program materials and learning environments, including student displays that reflect and celebrate learning
• Follow school-wide systems, processes, and guidelines to ensure consistency and clear communication across the school
• Fulfill assigned working hours within the school day (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and maintain flexibility to support school needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and peak periods during the school year

Must-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Literacy, or a related field, with a strong foundation in early literacy development
• At least 2 years of classroom teaching experience in English Language Arts and/or literacy instruction
• Experience designing and delivering targeted instruction in small groups, including supporting English learners and students with diverse language backgrounds
• Training/experience with Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy program
• Experience with Wilson and Letterland
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Familiarity with children's literature
• Experience with equitable grading practices and effective classroom management
• Background in differentiation and inclusive education, including supporting diverse learning needs
• Confidence using educational technology and digital learning platforms
• Experience working closely with families and building strong school-home partnerships
• Passion for working with young children, with creativity and patience
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset
• Intercultural competence and ability to work in a diverse environment
• High level of motivation, reliability, and commitment to the school's values and community
• Willingness to contribute to extracurricular activities or after-school programs

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in international or German international schools
• Familiarity with both German (e.g., KMK/Abitur) and U.S. curriculum frameworks
• Experience in an independent or private school setting in the United States
• Experience supporting multilingual learners or language acquisition (DaZ/ELL)
• Experience with project-based or inquiry-based learning approaches
• Prior involvement in school development, accreditation, or quality assurance processes
• Experience organizing school events, field trips, or student programs

Compensation and Key Benefits

• An inspiring, multicultural work environment with motivated colleagues and engaged families from around the world
• A collaborative and supportive team that values autonomy, independence, creative thinking, and pedagogical excellence
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• A 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
• Opportunities for professional development
• Paid substitution hours
• The academic year is 180 days running from August 1 to June 30
• Staff are paid semi-monthly over 12 months
• GISB operates across two campuses. Occasional travel between campuses is an expected part of the role and may be required for meetings, general conferences, professional development, or other school-related responsibilities. Such travel is considered part of the employee’s regular duties
• Generous scheduled school breaks throughout the year (October, December/January, February, April, and summer), which provide time for rest, planning, and professional responsibilities. Occasional availability may be required to support school needs