Shu Ren International School (Shu Ren) is a private co-education day school with campuses in Berkeley and San Jose, California that is authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Shu Ren students from pre-K to Grade 5 are taught in both Mandarin Chinese and in English. The school is committed to delivering an enriching and engaging environment that focuses on inquiry-based learning, multilingual and multicultural education, and development of the whole child. The school says,
We derived our name from the Chinese proverb, "It will take 10 years to grow a tree, but a lifetime to cultivate a person’s potential.
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Shu Ren currently enrolls 170 pre-K-5 students, most of whom come from the U.S. The teaching staff of 35 includes 17 from the United States. Teaching internationally at Shu Ren is possible as the school can employ non-US citizens.
Experiential learning combined with curriculum is essential for making the IB curriculum and Mandarin immersion environments come alive for students who link classroom lessons, knowledge, and skills with events, individuals, or experiences outside of the classroom. Enjoying opportunities to learn from hands-on activities, students have benefited enormously from the school’s proximity to the California Academy of Science, Berkeley Public Library, Angel Island, The Marine Mammal Center, The Exploratorium, Muir Woods, and other exciting destinations around the Bay Area. Some students have had the chance to travel as far as China for experiential learning! Near and far, these trips inspire an enthusiasm for learning and the need to ask relevant and meaningful questions.
Shu Ren International School takes pride in providing a challenging environment for students to develop Mandarin language proficiency. Mandarin language homework assistance is available to all students from kindergarten through Grade 5, and many students can take part in enrichment programs in both Mandarin and English after school.
In addition to language enrichment, a variety of after-school activities are offered. Early childhood education students may choose paper art, creative movement, yoga, soccer and science. Choices for elementary school students include chess, homework club (available daily as needed), art impact, Mathletes, Kidtrepreneurs, soccer, and more! Offerings change based on interest and teacher availability each semester.
The school also offers Shu Ren International School Vacation Camps, which allow students continuous exposure to Mandarin language. Children spend time in camp immersed in Mandarin in a warm and friendly environment of mixed-ages. They also learn concepts and hone communication skills in Mandarin that are truly applicable to their everyday lives within the greater Mandarin language community.
Shu Ren can hire single teachers but would consider couples, including those with a non-teaching partner. They will also consider newly-certified candidates, seasoned teachers lacking a credential, and interns. Non-U.S. Citizen candidates must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. While there is no age limit to obtain a work visa, candidates must have a current teaching certificate to apply.
The benefits package includes a moving allowance, depending on the circumstances, of up to $2,000. Additionally, the school provides a 4% company match of the teacher's salary to a retirement fund if the teacher chooses to participate. Shu Ren covers full tuition for a teacher’s first child and lower tuition for each additional dependent. The school covers 80%–100% of the local health insurance premium for employees, depending on the plan they choose. This includes life, dental, and long-term disability. Professional development will be provided. This package allows for some savings, in addition to the retirement plan. There may be local employment opportunities for non-teaching partners.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
