Job Description

Lausanne Collegiate School

Eighth Grade Language & Literature

Maternity Leave (January - May)

Lausanne Collegiate School seeks an eighth-grade Language & Literature teacher for maternity leave from January to May 2027. There are approximately 75 eighth-grade students and 915 students on campus.

Lausanne Collegiate School is a coeducational, college-preparatory school serving students from age 2 (Early Explorers) through 12th grade, an International Baccalaureate World School located in Memphis, Tennessee, whose student body represents more than 70 countries. Lausanne develops the individual intellects, talents, creativity and character of boys and girls through student-centered teaching, global diversity, and encouraging, challenging and engaging learning. Its mission is “to prepare each of its students for college and life in a global environment.” 

Lausanne enjoys the reputation of having a premier combination of excellent academic, athletic and artistic programs. The success of the nurturing environment created by "The Lausanne Way" and the unique process approach to education offered through Lausanne’s innovative, student-centered, college-preparatory and global education for boys and girls has resulted in tremendous success for our graduates. 

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of teaching experience preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
• Master’s Degree preferred
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) experience preferred
• General knowledge of curriculum and instructional best practices for adolescent students
• Strong communications, public relations and interpersonal skills
• Strong passion for adolescent students and understanding of developmental milestones 

Individual Responsibilities:

• Responsible for teaching all students in eighth grade, five sections
• Serve as an eighth-grade advisor
• Implement plans for the curriculum programs assigned
• Work cooperatively and maintain professionalism with the grade level team, full Middle School faculty and staff, and the parent community 
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning in an IB setting
• Manage student behavior in the classroom
• Implement individualized learning plans
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents and the community
• Build impactful and meaningful relationships 
• Participate in meetings and committees as assigned 
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior 
• Typical divisional duties (carpool, lunch, free time) are assigned as needed
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and stand
• Proficient in using technology in the classroom to engage students and explore the curriculum
• Support the school’s mission and vision statements, and the Lausanne Way
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Head of Middle School 

Course Description:

The eighth-grade Language and Literature curriculum focuses on developing critical reading, analytical writing, and effective communication skills. The four MYP assessment components are Analysis, Organization, Producing Text, and Using Language. Students will strengthen their ability to interpret, analyze, and articulate their understanding of various texts on community and global issues across literary genres, including short stories, novels, poetry, and drama. A key component of this course is mastering thesis statements and the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) writing structure. Students will craft strong claims, select relevant textual evidence, and provide clear reasoning that connects their evidence to their arguments. Textual analysis will be emphasized, encouraging students to use close reading techniques to identify key literary elements and gather evidence to support their interpretations. Students will identify and analyze central themes in literature, connecting them to real-world issues and personal experiences. Annotations will serve as a valuable tool for deeper understanding and preparation for discussions and essays. Students will also be expected to use MLA formatting, including proper in-text citations and Works Cited pages, to ensure academic integrity and proper attribution of sources. Alongside this, fostering civil discourse will be an essential aspect of the classroom environment. Students will be encouraged to express their opinions respectfully, listen to others, and engage with different perspectives. Through classroom discussions, debates, and group activities, they will practice empathy, critical thinking, and effective communication. The course reinforces grammar through IXL, and vocabulary is included as an integrated study throughout the year, including both domain and text-specific terminology.

Start Date: January 2027 - May 2027

Lausanne’s Commitment to Diversity : Lausanne is a community that will never tolerate any form of discrimination, intolerance or ignorance from its students, faculty/staff/administration, parents or any other Lausanne community members. We promote diversity and inclusion within all areas of our community. Therefore, as an educational institution, Lausanne’s goal is to foster a community that evokes positive change in the world. 

If interested in applying, please send a resume and personal statement/educational philosophy 

to the Head of Middle School, John Donecker. 

jdonecker@lausanneschool.com

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