Foreign Language Instructor (FORSCOM) - Yorktown Systems Group

Summary:

The primary function of this position is to conduct foreign language instruction for military personnel using the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) proficiency level descriptions, as well as current theories and teaching methodologies in the fields of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Adult & Continuing Education.

Specific duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Provide language/culture instruction to students, ranging from basic survival language/cultural awareness orientations of varying lengths (from a few hours to months of instruction); beginning/conversion level language instruction; refresher, enhancement and sustainment language instruction; intensive or 'micro-immersion' type courses; and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) /mission specific instruction for professional military linguists.
• Provide instruction focused on aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, and cultural contextualization skills in the target language/environment, though the degree of focus on each will vary considerable from class to class.
• Prepare an instructional program in accordance with training or other course requirements, assemble materials to be presented, and teach assigned topics in accordance with approved curriculum. Deliver instruction according to provided programs of instruction may include translating materials into the target language for instruction.
• Update lesson plans (e.g., to include current events or examples relevant to the student) according to Government specifications (ILR level, modality, etc.), based on the requesting unit/student's needs.
• Submit written recommendations for curriculum updates to ensure consistency with changes and innovations in latest applicable publications or documents; this potential responsibility does not include developing or updating curriculum, as such activities are beyond the scope of a Foreign Language Instructor’s responsibilities.
• Adapt teaching strategies to account for student differences to the greatest extent possible in their lesson plans, activities, and instruction.
• Introduce students to learning strategies (during initial course orientation) that may assist them during the course, specifically those that are aligned with their preferred learning methods.
• Perform all language instruction with the goal of attaining measurable improvement in linguistic proficiency.
• Employ both individual and small group work irrespective of student proficiency levels.
• Execute other Foreign Language Instructor duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of recent foreign language teaching experience.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Maintain a minimum ILR 4 in each modality to be taught in the target language, as well as a minimum ILR L3/R3/S3/W3 in English.
• Maintain expertise in using methods and materials that facilitate proficiency based (refers to ILR scale level of proficiency in a foreign language), as well as the ability to adapt authentic materials or repurpose traditional language materials using the Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Descriptions to tailor instruction to meet student needs.
• Must be familiar with current strategies and theories that address myriad adult learner individual differences (age, sex/gender, education level, experience level, motivation, rank, socioeconomic status, personal history, etc.).
• Possess experience in word processing using foreign fonts, and familiarity with working in a Windows (MS Office) environment. Instructors shall have experience in using templates to create computer assisted instruction lessons in support of their lesson plans or as stand-alone lessons for homework.
• Possess expertise in integrating audio, video, and computer assisted multi-media into the foreign language classroom.
• Possess experience in the operation and use of a modern classroom and web-based technologies (such as interactive whiteboards and touchscreens, multi-media players, and WebTools) as teaching resources.
• Work in an office environment and conduct professional tasks such as operate computers, projection technology, smartboards, phones, and other instructional/learning devices and materials.
• Job may entail both standing and sitting for long periods of time with regular breaks.
• Ability to use a computer monitor for extended periods of time.

Clearance: May be required to pass and maintain a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) investigation

Location:  FT Riley, KS

Travel: May be required