Careers

Position Details

General Summary

McDonogh School is posting an anticipated opening in the Upper School World Languages Department for the 2026-2027 school year.

McDonogh School is seeking an energetic, intellectual, and caring individual to teach Upper School Chinese across all levels (introductory through advanced). The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in teaching Mandarin Chinese language and culture, creating an immersive learning environment that develops students' proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Compensation for this position will generally be offered in the range of $55,000 - $70,000. Individual offers will be specific, and based on education, experience, and benchmarking parameters.

Essential Functions

• Teaching and Curriculum Development
• Inspire, engage, and encourage students in the study of Mandarin Chinese language and culture
• Create an immersive and dynamic classroom with high expectations for both the language and cultures of Chinese-speakers
• Demonstrate creativity and authentic cultural experiences in unit and daily planning towards developing experiential language and cultural learning
• Work effectively in a student-centered learning environment
• Teach diverse learners through varied instructional strategies and best-practice approaches
• Value and promote the importance of process and effort towards students' academic growth and achievement
• Focus on language proficiency and oral communication, while developing students' literacy in Chinese characters
• Guide students in developing AI literacy, including understanding ethical use of AI tools in writing and research, and cultivating critical thinking about AI-generated content
• Develop, revise, and prepare students for presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal performances of understanding
• Use interpersonal, performance, and interpretive rubrics for grading of performance assessments
• Collaboration with Colleagues
• Work closely with colleagues teaching the same courses to ensure similar student experience with content, expectations, and assessments
• Collaborate with World Languages department members towards achieving department goals that support student success
• Participate actively in the broader McDonogh community through school activities, events, and initiatives both within and outside the World Languages department
• Support school-wide initiatives and policies, including the digital device policy
• Student Support and Mentorship
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, providing academic guidance, social-emotional support, and mentorship through the Upper School advisory program
• Build meaningful relationships with students that extend beyond the classroom
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and concerns
• Professional Growth and Contribution
• Exhibit a strong desire for continuing professional growth as a World Language educator
• Utilize professional growth opportunities to continually develop as an educator, including but not limited to, observing classes taught by colleagues both within and outside of the World Languages department
• Act in accordance with and overtly support the school's mission, vision, and values
• Exhibit professional standards of presentation, punctuality, professional courtesy, and discretion
• Respond flexibly to the evolving needs of the School, which may include service learning coordination, athletics coaching, club advising, assigned supervision duties, and other responsibilities as determined by the Head of the Upper School

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language, East Asian Studies, Education, or related field (required). Master's degree in Chinese Language, Education, or related field (preferred).

Additional Experience

• Demonstrated ability to teach Chinese language across multiple proficiency levels
• Experience living, working, or studying in Chinese-speaking regions is strongly preferred
• Experience teaching character recognition and writing alongside spoken language
• Experience working in a student-centered learning environment, with practical experience using comprehensible input, TPRS, and/or an immersive communicative approach
• Familiarity with proficiency-based assessment and the ACTFL standards
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary language teaching methodologies
• Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese (required)
• Prior teaching experience at the secondary level (preferred)

Additional Requirements

• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion
• Ability to successfully work with and within a culturally and academically diverse student body, staff, and community
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Mandarin Chinese
• Experience teaching in a neurodiverse learning environment (preferred)
• Interest in developing or maintaining cultural exchange opportunities or partnerships with schools in Chinese-speaking regions (preferred)
• Must be able to comply with background checks, including fingerprints, as required by the agency and / or state regulations
• Must possess personal qualifications including flexibility, patience, professionalism, and physical and mental health consistent with the demands of the position
• Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
• Willingness to participate in co-curricular activities (athletics, clubs, or other programs)

Working Conditions

Evening and occasional weekend hours may be required for parent meetings, school events, or professional development. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting or carrying of equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position requires the ability to move around campus throughout the day.