Youth Language Instructor

Department: Experience

Reports to: Language and Cultural Programs Manager

Compensation: $35.04/hour

Educational Requirement: None

Status: Non-Exempt

Hourly or Salaried: Hourly

Hours Per Week: 3-5

Hybrid or On Site: On-site

Language Proficiency: Fluent in English and Swedish;

Schedule: Saturday mornings 9 am-Noon Svenska Skolan runs during the school year with two terms running from September-November (fall term) and February-May (spring term). 

Who We Are and What We Do:

The American Swedish Institute is a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment, and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden. The American Swedish Institute and the historic Turnblad Mansion have been mainstays for cultural education and engagement in Minneapolis since 1929. 

OUR MISSION: The American Swedish Institute’s mission is to inspire curiosity, embrace creativity, and grow community by exploring the past, present, and future of Swedish culture.

OUR VALUES:

Relationships: The relationships we cultivate, both locally and globally, are at the core of our work. We build bridges across cultures and generations as we foster community and sustain lasting relationships over time.  

Curiosity: We believe that being open to reflection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas can lead to innovation and transformation. We offer unique, varied experiences that pique curiosity, invite participation, encourage new ways of thinking, and deepen learning.  

Diversity: We believe that communities that hold and embrace diversity and change are vibrant, joyful, and resilient. We engage with the complexities, creativity, and impacts of the interconnections among cultures and histories. 

Stewardship: We value our individual and shared histories, honoring what has come before while remaining open to what is to come. We preserve this historic site and cultural center as well as the heritage, practices, and artifacts of Swedish and Swedish American cultures so all generations may explore and be inspired by them. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Language Instructor is responsible for developing early childhood students’ Swedish language ability and cultural competency through play-based, developmentally appropriate activities that engage students of all learning styles. The Youth Language Instructor will work in either our Lilla or Svenska Skolan program which meet on Saturday mornings throughout the academic year, depending on experience and interest from candidates. Lilla Skolan is a program for Swedish-speaking children aged 3-6 years old, accompanied by a Swedish-speaking adult. Svenska Skolan is a Swedish language and culture program for students aged 7-14 to learn or practice their Swedish.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Create a positive and welcoming learning environment for preschool children to learn Swedish.
• Develop students’ language abilities in listening and speaking through different group activities, play-based curriculum, and preschool teaching methods.
• Develop students’ understanding and appreciation of the Swedish language, history and culture using interactive activities, sharing of personal experiences, and discussing current and historical events that is developmentally appropriate to 
• Use a variety of preschool teaching methods and incorporate play to deliver course content that will satisfy the learning styles of all students in a supported environment.
• Partner with Language Programs Manager to develop course curriculum as well as identify and recommend opportunities to continually improve and expand ASI’s educational offerings. 
• Design and develop lesson plans, supplemental instructional resources, and activities for each class session. 
• Partner with Language Programs Manager to select and/or develop learning materials that will satisfy ASI’s course objectives. 
• Perform administrative duties as assigned in a timely fashion, such as submitting bi-weekly timesheets, distributing and collecting course evaluation forms, and other necessary paperwork as determined by the Language Programs Manager. 
• Attend and contribute to planning sessions. 
• Encourage on-going participation and learning of the Swedish language and culture by encouraging students to attend ASI activities. 
• Keep the Language Programs Coordinator informed of any scheduling conflicts and/or any possible make-up dates. 
• Step in as a substitute instructor, as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are core functions of all positions at the American Swedish Institute. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone's responsibilities:

• Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing personal bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff. 
• Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all visitors and program participants.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of 1 year's language instruction experience, including experience developing course curriculum and delivering language courses using a variety of teaching methods. 
• Experience teaching preschool and working with early elementary age children.
• Fluency or near-native speaking ability in Swedish and English with demonstrated ability to articulate grammatical features of language with ease. 
• Must have extensive knowledge of Swedish cultural norms, history, traditions and other Nordic-related subjects. 
• Ability to adapt to personalities of diverse backgrounds in the classroom. 
• Ability to observe, document, and assess students’ progress.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a positive, professional working relationship with students, parents, colleagues, and staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to use multimedia and computer technology to enhance learning.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a team player. 
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Must possess high level of patience, energy, and enthusiasm for keeping young children motivated and engaged.
• Must be available to work Saturday mornings. 
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; bend, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk, see, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and equipment, and furniture, up to 25 pounds, move over uneven surfaces and lift objects overhead.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the staff member assigned to this position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The American Swedish Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.