Elementary Teacher

Elementary Teacher, Challenger School Foundation

About the Position 

Challenger School is looking for excited and smart people to join its elementary school teams in Idaho. This job is a great chance to work at a school that teaches students important life skills, responsibility, confidence, and independence. The classes are fun, and fast-paced, and already have a proven curriculum in place, making learning enjoyable for both students and teachers. One thing that stands out about this job is that you don’t need a teaching degree or certificate. Challenger offers a paid training program to teach you everything you need to know about their curriculum and teaching methods. This is a great way to grow as a teacher in a supportive environment. You can also specialize in areas like computers, P.E., art, or middle school teaching, which makes the role more interesting and rewarding.

Question & Answer

How did you find this position?

I found this job on Indeed, it was hard to find teaching jobs at the moment, especially in the area I am interested in.

Summarize the Minimum Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors. 

The minimum qualifications for this role include experience working in a classroom setting, passing a background check, effectively collaborating with students and their parents, and preparing lesson plans and teaching lessons on a daily basis. For a language major key skills would include strong communication abilities, an understanding of educational practices, and the ability to tailor lesson plans to different learning styles, which could be highly useful when teaching language-related topics. Additionally, the ability to build relationships with students and parents can foster a supportive environment.

Summarize the Preferred Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.

The preferred qualifications highlight strong communication skills, attention to detail, cultural awareness, and adaptability. For language majors, these skills are highly relevant. Strong communication is essential for effectively teaching and engaging with students, while attention to detail helps in lesson planning, grading, and language instruction. Cultural awareness is particularly important for language majors, as it enhances understanding of diverse perspectives, especially in language and cultural studies. Adaptability allows for adjusting teaching methods to suit various student needs and learning environments.

What are some other skills that are important for success in this field? Where possible, try to highlight the skills listed on page six of the 2021 Association of American Colleges and Universities Report, How College Contributes to Workforce Success.

To be successful in this field, a few skills are really important. Problem-solving is needed because teachers often deal with unexpected problems and have to come up with solutions to help students learn better. Time management helps balance teaching, planning, grading, and other tasks. Leadership is about guiding students and creating a positive classroom environment. Ethical judgment means making fair responsible decisions when working with students and families, especially when sensitive issues come up. Being able to use what has been learned in real-world situations is also crucial, especially in language teaching, where practical communication is key.

What might be helpful to prepare for a language major to prepare for this field or position (think about courses at Boise State, graduate school/certificates, other types of PD, internships, work experience, etc.)?

To prepare for a teaching job as a language major, there are several ways you can get ready. Taking education-related courses, like a minor in education or a TESOL endorsement, can teach you how to manage a classroom. Studying linguistics or child development will help you understand how students learn, especially when it comes to language. If you want to further your education, graduate school or a teaching certificate could give you more skills and credentials.  You can also take part in workshops or online courses that focus on teaching strategies or classroom management. Gaining hands-on experience is key, so look for internships, student teaching opportunities, or tutoring jobs. Even working with kids in after-school programs or as a camp counselor can help you develop important skills like patience and communication. Improving your language skills, especially if you’re bilingual, will make you a stronger candidate. It’s also helpful to learn about cultural diversity and how to use classroom technology. All of these experiences and skills will prepare you for success in the teaching field.

How is proficiency in another language useful or important in this position?

It is incredibly useful in a teaching position, especially in a diverse classroom. It allows you to communicate better with students who speak other languages at home, making them feel comfortable and supported. It also helps build strong relationships with parents who may not be fluent in English, allowing for clear communication about their child’s progress.

How is the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds useful or important in this position?

Being able to communicate and work with people from different cultures is very important for teachers, especially in diverse schools. It helps create a welcoming classroom where all students feel understood and respected. When teachers connect with students from various backgrounds, they can better support their unique learning needs.

Anything else interesting to share about the position?

It focuses on student growth, they help kids learn important life skills like being responsible and confident.

Paid Training Program: You’ll get paid while learning how to teach with their special training, so you don’t need to know everything already.

About the author

name: Anna Martinez

institution: Boise State University

My name is Anna Martinez and I am a student at Boise State University, studying Secondary Education in Spanish. I am from Idaho Falls, Idaho and I am hoping to peruse a career in education.