Update0999job:tas

Taipei American School

Taipei, Taiwan

Mandarin Language Program Coordinator

- effective January, 2000 -

The School and Facilities
Taipei American School is a private coeducational day school offering an American education with an international perspective to expatriate kindergarten through grade twelve children. TAS enrolls approximately two thousand one hundred students from fifty countries. There are one hundred and ninety eight full time faculty members. The modern school plant houses a four-story library with more than one hundred and eight thousand volumes, twelve science laboratories, two theaters, six computer laboratories, three gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, a large kindergarten suite and ample general classrooms. There are two athletic fields, a four hundred meter track, and four tennis courts.

Taipei American School is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors elected for three year terms by the parents who form the Taipei American School Association. The curriculum is typically American with additional classes to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate. There is a support program for students with special needs including an ESL department to prepare students for mainstream classes. Instruction is in English. The school is in the process of further developing a K-12, during-the-day Mandarin Language Program for both true foreign language learners and quasi-native (in need of reading and writing instruction) speakers. The school is accredited, kindergarten through grade twelve, by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in the USA.

The Position
In collaboration with the superintendent and principals, the Mandarin Language Program Coordinator is delegated with the responsibility of directing all aspects of the Mandarin Language Department. Specific responsibilities include:

--managing the daily operation of the Mandarin language department to ensure maximum opportunities for student learning
--providing leadership in assessment and development of the written curriculum
--leading the development and implementation of a proficiency-based K-12 Mandarin language curriculum
--overseeing class placement based on students' learning ability
--developing a collaborative, risk taking, nurturing and interdisciplinary environment for faculty and students
--assigning, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating all Mandarin faculty, based-on proficiency-based /authentic language learning practices
--maintaining effective communication with, and support from, all constituencies
--ensuring to the proper and effective projection of the school's image and liaison with local schools and universities for curriculum and teaching practices support
--performing other duties as directed by the superintendent in furtherance of the school mission and strategic objectives
--developing local/TAS Mandarin language program class placement instruments
--developing ongoing faculty training and parent education inservices/seminars
--developing and implementing teaching strategies using instructional technology
--developing a mentoring program to extend student interest in learning and using the language
--assisting in the recruitment of Mandarin faculty

Qualification for the Position

--a demonstrated commitment to proficiency-based language learning research, and practice and assessment of student learning
--demonstrated ability in developing and implementing proficiency-based curriculum, proficiency-based teaching practices, student learning assessment, and professional seminars for Mandarin faculty
--knowledge and experience in current pedagogical practices and an understanding of second language learning and ability to instruct faculty in proper implementation of these practices
--proven track record in promoting and improving Mandarin language oral proficiency
--an ability to communicate effectively and develop support for the Mandarin language program
--an ability to create and nurture an authentic language learning environment - using greater Taipei, Taiwan as a learning resource
--an ability to develop continuity and consistency of Mandarin program implementation throughout the true foreign language and quasi-native speakers learning tracks
--proven leadership skills as a teacher and coordinator of language learning programming
--strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to team management
--an ability to create and maintain high morale within the Mandarin department
--training in oral proficiency interview strategies
--demonstrated ability to resource and utilize a wide range of instructional materials
--and, a good sense of humor

Salary and Benefits
The salary is highly competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits include:

--a housing supplement
--a one time settling-in allowance
--initial and separation airfare as well as annual round-trip airfare to home leave for the principal and dependents
--incoming and outgoing shipping allowance
--free tuition at Taipei American School for school-age children
--medical, life, and long term disability insurance
--retirement plan
--annual, sick, and bereavement leave
--initial two-year contract
--American Club membership
--Use of school vehicle

Procedures for Filing Application
Initial application should consist of a cover letter which includes a statement of the candidate's educational philosophy, a curriculum vitae which includes a listing of all academic qualifications and professional experience, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of referees who are in a position to judge the candidate's performance in each position. University placement papers and transcripts, if available, should be forwarded as soon as possible.

Send inquiries and documents to:
Mark E. Ulfers, Superintendent
Taipei American School
Chung Shan N. Road
Section.6, Shihlin District
Taipei, Taiwan 11135
TEL:886-2-873 9900
FAX 886-2-873 1641