St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic Schools is a Catholic school authority in central Alberta, operating K–12 schools in Leduc, Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, and Lacombe. With a student population of approximately 5000 and a commitment to faith-based, high-quality education, STAR Catholic is a dynamic and growing division.
STAR Catholic is seeking a Division French Immersion Learning Coach to support high- quality French Immersion programming and pedagogy across the division. This role aligns with STAR Catholic's Education Plan and works collaboratively with teachers to embed research-based instruction and assessment practices that promote student success in a bilingual, faith-based context. This is a temporary position with a negotiable start date and an end date of June 30, 2027.
Temporary French Immersion Curriculum, Instruction, and Culture Coach
Role description:
The French Immersion Curriculum, Instruction, and Culture Coach supports the growth and success of French Immersion programs by providing instructional leadership, professional learning, curriculum support, and cultural enrichment opportunities. The coach works collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, and system staff to strengthen immersion pedagogy, enhance student language proficiency, and foster authentic French language and cultural experiences. This role serves as a key resource for educators, helping ensure high-quality French Immersion programming that promotes student achievement and engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Instructional Coaching and Professional Learning
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Provide specialized training and ongoing support for French Immersion teachers.
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Model and promote effective immersion pedagogy and best practices in second-language acquisition.
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Support teachers in creating language-rich learning environments that maximize student use of French.
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Facilitate professional learning sessions, workshops, collaborative inquiry, and coaching cycles.
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Mentor new and experienced French Immersion teachers to strengthen instructional practice.
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Support the implementation of evidence-based strategies for student engagement and language development.
Assessment and Student Learning-
Guide teachers in assessing student comprehension, oral language development, and communication skills.
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Promote the importance of oral language acquisition and proficiency at all grade levels.
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Assist teachers in using assessment data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.
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Support the development and implementation of authentic assessment practices tailored to immersion settings.
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Provide strategies and resources to support students experiencing language-learning difficulties while maintaining immersion program integrity.
Curriculum Development and Resource Support-
Support the implementation of provincial curriculum within French Immersion contexts.
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Translate, adapt, and develop curriculum materials and instructional resources as needed.
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Curate, develop, and maintain a comprehensive French Immersion Resource Bank, including:
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Lesson plans
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Interactive learning activities
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Assessment tools
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Instructional strategies
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Cultural resources
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Assist teachers in selecting and creating high-quality French-language instructional materials.
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Identify and share current research, best practices, and innovative approaches in immersion education.
French Language and Cultural Enrichment-
Promote the integration of Francophone cultures and perspectives across curriculum areas.
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Coordinate and support French cultural activities, events, celebrations, and experiential learning opportunities.
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Foster authentic connections to local, national, and international Francophone communities.
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Support schools in creating vibrant French-speaking environments that encourage language use beyond the classroom.
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Collaborate with community organizations and cultural partners to enhance student experiences.
Program Leadership and Collaboration-
Collaborate with school administrators and external division leaders to support French Immersion program goals.
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Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of French Immersion initiatives.
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Facilitate professional learning communities and collaborative teacher networks.
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Monitor emerging trends and research in French Immersion education and share relevant findings with staff.
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Advocate for excellence in French Immersion programming and continuous improvement across schools.
Qualifications-
Bachelor of Education; Master's degree considered an asset.
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Fluency in spoken and written French and English.
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Valid teaching certification.
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Successful experience teaching in French Immersion settings
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Expertise in second-language acquisition and immersion pedagogy.
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Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment, and instructional best practices.
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Experience facilitating professional learning and coaching adult learners.
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Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Compensation will be in accordance with the current Collective Agreement.