Host Claremont's Spanish Teaching Assistant

We would like to introduce you to a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, Spanish language development, and support of Claremont by serving as a host family for a teaching assistant from Spain this school year. Through a program of the Spanish Embassy, Claremont will welcome to its staff a young professional in the field of education. Working 20 hours/week, the assistant will supplement and enhance the teaching of Spanish in a variety of capacities. This will be the 18th year that Claremont has participated in the program.

The assistants are provided a stipend by the Embassy of Spain, but the Claremont Immersion School community is expected to provide their room and board for the academic year. We are asking you to consider opening your home to an assistant for half of the school year, with the goal of two host families splitting the year. The benefits are many, including:

• An in-home Spanish resource.  Assistants may provide help with homework, read to the child(ren) in Spanish, and lead Spanish-only dinners, among other activities.
• An international friendship.  By hosting an assistant, you are starting a potentially long-term relationship with someone from Spain – someone who may be able to host you should you visit their country some day.
• An important contribution to Claremont Immersion School.  By offering room and board to an assistant who is a free resource to Claremont, you are making a generous donation to support your child’s school.

 Below are some logistical details you may find helpful:

• Your obligation is free-living accommodations and meals.
• The assistant is not a nanny.  He or she is a part of the family, however, and can be expected to take on his/her share of household responsibilities (e.g., occasional child care, help with cooking, and other chores).
• The assistant should be given his/her own bedroom, but there is no expectation he/she will have a private bathroom.
• APS has approved the assistant's riding the school bus to commute to school.  Other options for the commute are walking, biking, or catching a ride with a driving parent (you or a neighbor). You should also keep in mind whether your location allows him or her to move around the region easily during non-working hours. Assistants will benefit by being close to a Metro train station or bus stop, as they will not have cars.
• Your family and the assistant will each receive a $200/month stipend from the Claremont PTA.

Contact Jenn Araoz, VP Education and Green Initiatives (jennifer.facsina@gmail.com) if you are interested in hosting.