Wednesdays 12:45-2:45pm. 3 hours per week. 2 hours of instructional time and 1 hour of paid planning. Rooted in Faith. Prepared for Life. Are you fluent in Russian, Mandarin, Hebrew, French, or German ? Are you passionate about helping children discover a new language and culture through engaging, meaningful experiences? The Village Community School of Sarasota is seeking a warm, creative, and enthusiastic Part-Time Foreign Language Elective Teacher, who loves Jesus, to lead a weekly Wednesday-afternoon elective. VCSS welcomes fluent speakers from many different backgrounds. World travelers, homeschool moms and dads, retirees, missionaries, international professionals, native speakers, bilingual community members, tutors, college students, and experienced educators are all encouraged to apply. A teaching degree or certification is not required. We are looking for someone who knows the language well, enjoys working with children, and can make language learning engaging and memorable. VCSS is intentionally different from a traditional classroom. Students learn through conversation, movement, games, stories, music, projects, outdoor exploration, practical application, and real-world experiences,not only through worksheets and memorization. This position reflects the educational mission and hands-on teaching approach established by VCSS.
About VCSS:
VCSS is a Christ-centered homeschool co-op enrichment program designed in the style of a micro-school. Our mission is to raise capable, faithful, and wise young people who love God, serve others, and faithfully steward the world God has entrusted to them.
Our educational model combines:
Biblical formation and Christ-like character Small-group instruction Hands-on and project-based learning Movement and outdoor education Practical life preparation Meaningful relationships Homeschool flexibility and parent partnership We believe every child is uniquely created by God, worthy of deep belonging, and capable of developing skills that prepare them to communicate, contribute, and serve others.
The Opportunity:
The Foreign Language Elective Teacher will introduce students to one or more of the following languages: Russian Mandarin Hebrew French German The goal is to create an encouraging introduction to the language while helping students develop useful vocabulary, listening comprehension, accurate pronunciation, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness. Lessons should be active, age-appropriate, and engaging. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate conversation, games, movement, songs, stories, food, geography, art, traditions, role-playing, and practical scenarios.
Primary Responsibilities:
One hour of paid planning and lead approximately two hours of foreign-language instruction each Wednesday afternoon. Teach vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, conversation, and introductory reading or writing as developmentally appropriate. Create interactive lessons using games, stories, music, movement, visual materials, projects, and cultural experiences. Adapt activities for students of different ages, abilities, and levels of prior language exposure. Establish a warm, organized, respectful, and engaging learning environment. Encourage students to participate confidently without fear of making mistakes. Prepare necessary lesson materials and maintain an orderly classroom. Communicate with VCSS leadership regarding lesson plans, materials, student needs, and classroom progress. Follow all VCSS safety, behavior, child-protection, and classroom-management expectations. Support the Biblical mission, values, and community culture of VCSS. You May Be an
Excellent Fit If You:
Are fluent or highly proficient in Russian, Mandarin, Hebrew, French, or German. Love sharing language and culture with children. Are enthusiastic, patient, encouraging, and comfortable leading a group. Can make learning interactive, memorable, and fun. Enjoy using conversation, games, movement, stories, music, food, art, or cultural projects. Can maintain clear expectations while creating a welcoming environment. Are dependable, organized, flexible, and prepared for each class. Respect the Biblical mission and educational philosophy of VCSS. Want to help children become confident communicators and curious learners.
Required Qualifications:
Fluency or strong professional proficiency in at least one of the listed languages. Ability to speak clearly and model accurate pronunciation. Confidence leading and engaging groups of children. Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Ability to prepare age-appropriate lessons and activities. Dependability and consistent Wednesday-afternoon availability. Willingness to uphold the Biblical mission, values, and educational philosophy of VCSS. Must be able to pass all required background checks, screenings, and child-safety requirements. A teaching degree or current teaching certification is not required.
Preferred Experience and Backgrounds:
Previous classroom teaching experience is helpful but not required. VCSS especially welcomes applicants who are: Native or advanced-fluency speakers World travelers with meaningful language and cultural experience Homeschool moms, dads, or co-op instructors Retired teachers, professors, professionals, or military personnel Missionaries or ministry leaders with international experience International professionals or longtime residents of another country Language tutors, interpreters, translators, or cultural educators College students, graduate students, or community members with advanced language proficiency Experienced in teaching, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, camps, ministry, childcare, or youth programs Familiar with conversational, immersion-based, project-based, or play-based instruction Knowledgeable about the history, geography, traditions, food, music, art, or daily life associated with the language The ability to teach more than one of the listed languages is welcome but not required. What matters most is your language ability, dependability, enthusiasm for teaching, ability to connect with children, and alignment with the Biblical mission of VCSS. Why Join VCSS? Share your language and cultural knowledge in a meaningful way. Teach creatively without being confined to a conventional textbook-only model. Build relationships with students in a small-group learning environment. Join a warm, Christ-centered, mission-driven educational community. Enjoy a limited and consistent schedule of approximately three hours each week. Receive competitive compensation of $30-$40 per hour , depending on experience and language proficiency.
How To Apply:
Please submit: Your résumé or a summary of your relevant experience. The language or languages you are qualified to teach. A brief description of your fluency level and connection to the language. Your experience teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or working with children. A short explanation of how you would make foreign-language learning active and engaging. Any relevant cultural, ministry, travel, professional, or educational experience. Teaching credentials are not required. Come share what you know and inspire the next generation. Join VCSS in preparing capable, curious, and confident young people for life.
