Elementary teachers teach all core subjects (math, English, science, social studies, science, and Bible) plus computers. All classes (except daily Spanish classes and a few social studies classes) are taught in English. Weekly chapel or small groups support the biblical emphasis. A full-time bilingual teacher aide supports with supervision, parent communication, and other academic and non-academic tasks. All students are involved in service projects (retirement centers, orphanages, daycare centers, schools) throughout the year., and we regularly have missions emphases to encourage our students to consider their part in the Great Commission. Specials teachers teach PE, art, music, Spanish, library skills, and Colombian social studies so homeroom teachers average 2 planning periods a day. Learning Center team members (counselor, ELL specialist, occupational therapist, speech therapist) help with special student cases. Regular meetings are held with the elementary principal and the elementary team for support and continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Teach classes as assigned on the master schedule.
• Be informed as to the academic, spiritual and social development of each student.
• Employ those instructional aids, methods and materials that provide for creative teaching.
• Follow the prescribed curriculum.
• Update, fill in and continually polish curriculum guides.
• Model and enforce the guidelines in the student handbook. Strive for keeping professional and high standards throughout the school.
• Maintain regular communication with parents regarding each student's academic progress (progress reports, quarterly report cards, scheduled parent-teacher conferences and other parent- or teacher-initiated contacts), and take initiative to communicate with parents regarding concerns.
• Post homework and grades at least weekly on RenWeb

Specific Teaching Tasks:

• Prepare adequately to accomplish objectives established for the classes assigned.
• Plan broadly through the use of semester plans and objectives and more concretely through the use of daily lesson plans.
• Maintain adequate and accurate records of attendance, grades, resources, and other pertinent information to meet the requirements of ACSI, the Colombian government, the school administration, and the teacher's own need for knowledge of student progress.
• Make homework assignments for drill, review or enrichment in ways that promote student responsibility and the development of self-study skills and which stay within ECA standards.
• Request from department chairperson or principal additional instructional aids and materials for classroom use as needed.
• Use field trips, guest lectures, and other media as well as varied activities for creative and interesting teaching.
• Maintain proper discipline in the classroom and on school premises to promote a positive teaching environment and good interpersonal relations.
• Consult with resource people and available specialists to meet special needs of students who are gifted, have a learning disability or have ESL/ELL needs.

Non-Teaching Tasks:

• Attend and participate in scheduled department meetings, general faculty meetings, committee meetings, Board/faculty activities, PTF meetings, faculty prayer times or devotions, and other functions of the school when related to the teacher's area of responsibility. Advise the Director or principal if it is necessary to miss a scheduled meeting.
• Accompany grade level on field trips planned for them unless otherwise clarified.
• Administer standardized testing when needed.
• Take advantage of opportunities for professional development by continuing to read both within and outside one's own area of teaching, attending workshops and conferences, and by taking graduate courses of study when possible. ? Supervise student activities as assigned.
• Communicate all teaching concerns to the department chairperson, principal, Academic Director or Director.
• For pre-arranged absences the teacher is responsible (with help from the office and/or principal) for finding a substitute. Approved reasons include school or professional activities, necessary legal, health, or bank appointments, or mission obligations. Substitute plans must be left with the principal and the substitute coordinated and communicated.
• In the case of emergency absences (illnesses, accidents or other urgent occurrences), notify the principal, Director or office and they will find a replacement.
• Fulfill office deadlines for turning in grades, forms, and communicating fines, etc.

Our missionary teachers all receive a small salary or stipend in pesos that covers most living costs, but they are encouraged to raise several hundred dollars a month to help cover travel expenses, debt repayment, savings, and emergency needs. Furnished apartments are subleased to teachers and there is a strong community of support for foreign staff.  ECA does all paperwork, maintenance, and other needed apartment support. All of the foreign staff apartments are within walking distance of each other and of a major mall. The neighborhood has multiple parks and small shops including bakeries, fruit stores, meat/cheese shops, hair salons, etc. Complete Colombian medical insurance is provided while in Colombia, and ECA provides support (setting up appointments, translation, etc.) for any medical situation. On school days, lunches and transportation to and from school are provided. Spanish classes are required and free for all staff until arriving at a fairly bilingual level. Teachers need to provide the appropriate paperwork, but ECA pays for the work visa and Colombian ID card costs. Missionary staff with children at ECA have free tuition.

ECA is accredited by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and MSA (Middle States Association) as well as being approved by the Colombian Ministry of Education. All teachers are expected to work toward their ACSI certification while at ECA, completing the Philosophy of Education requirement within 3 years of serving at ECA.

Come invest in our community dedicated to providing a quality education, challenging one and all to invest in God's kingdom, and stepping into opportunities to serve. We focus on families in ministry, and our vision is to biblically equip students to be bilingual servant-leaders ready to transform their world as they follow Jesus.