Elementary Cultural Acclimation Specialist

Position Summary / Job Goals:

The Elementary Cultural Acclimation Specialist provides support to elementary students who are learning English and transitioning to life in the United States. This support focuses on three key areas: school and cultural adaptation, social integration, and language acquisition. 

The role supports teachers and students by implementing innovative and high-impact teaching practices that promote student achievement in cultural understanding, social adjustment, and language development. The specialist works collaboratively with faculty across the Elementary School division to identify instructional strategies that best support students who are adjusting to a new cultural and academic environment.

This role contributes to the school's vision of developing resilient and creative global citizens by helping students successfully integrate into the school community while maintaining accurate records of student progress and supporting instructional improvement. 

Qualifications / Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid teaching certificate preferred.
• Completion of student teaching through a university degree program or teacher training/certification program.
• Training in effective instructional methods related to cultural adaptation, social development, and language acquisition.

Experience / Knowledge:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of teaching experience.
• Knowledge of instructional strategies for English language learners and students adapting to new cultural environments.
• Experience supporting culturally responsive instruction and differentiated learning approaches.
• Strong understanding of instructional coaching strategies and collaborative teaching practices.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for reports and presentations.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work with diverse nationalities and cultures.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess program effectiveness and student progress using data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong time management and organizational skills.

Attributes:

• Strong commitment to supporting students transitioning to new cultural and educational environments.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively with teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
• Results-oriented with the ability to align efforts with identified goals and performance measures.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills within a diverse international community.
• Flexible, organized, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic school environment.
• Passion for working in a purpose-driven educational environment that supports student growth and wellbeing.

Reports to / Evaluated by:

Lower School Director and Assistant Director.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support and Student Development:

• Support elementary students transitioning to the United States by providing cultural, social, and language adaptation support.
• Develop and implement individualized learning plans for students learning English to support language acquisition and academic success.
• Develop and facilitate social support groups for students adjusting to new cultural environments.
• Plan and implement instructional strategies that help students adapt to the academic expectations and cultural environment of the school.
• Plan sequences of lessons that introduce knowledge and skills in a coherent way so that students deepen understanding, make connections, and master increasingly complex skills.
• Collaborate with teachers to identify teaching strategies that best support English language learners and internationally transitioning students.
• Provide support to teachers in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students adapting to language and cultural changes.
• Communicate regularly with parents to support their partnership in their child’s education and provide updates on student progress.
• Build strong relationships with students to support their social integration and wellbeing within the school community.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, interventions, and support strategies.

Instructional Coaching and Program Support

• Collaborate with campus leaders and faculty to design and implement instructional initiatives that support language acquisition and cultural adjustment.
• Support teachers through instructional coaching practices such as in-class coaching, peer observation, learning walks, co-teaching, and modeling effective instruction.
• Assist teachers in implementing research-based instructional practices that improve student learning and classroom environments.
• Build teacher capacity in areas including inquiry-based instruction, differentiated instruction, culturally responsive practices, universal design, effective classroom management, cross-curricular planning, and assessment practices.
• Assist with the design and implementation of high-quality professional learning opportunities in partnership with campus specialists and leadership.
• Use multiple sources of data to inform instructional decisions and identify areas for improvement in student support programs.
• Develop coaching plans for teachers to support instructional growth and improved student outcomes.
• Maintain documentation of coaching observations, support plans, and shared feedback.
• Create and maintain positive relationships with members of the school community.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.
• Continually seek ways to improve the instructional support program for students transitioning to the United States.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by school leadership.
• Standard working hours for this position are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

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