Spanish Language Specialist

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Director of Teaching and Learning and in coordination with Division Heads, the Spanish Language Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of a Spanish program designed to introduce students to language learning, foster an appreciation for diverse cultures, and instill in students an understanding of the value of learning new languages. The Center does not currently offer Spanish instruction. The creation of this role is intended to facilitate the development of a Spanish language program that will be integrated into the school schedule as a specialist subject, initially for grades one through three, with the intention to expand the program to cover both early childhood and upper elementary grades as well (Toddler - Sixth Grade).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with School administration on the development of a Spanish program for elementary and early childhood students
• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans for Spanish instruction that include the opportunity for differentiation of instruction for native Spanish speakers
• Develop and procure instructional materials that focus on language skills including speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and positive learning environment that encourages students to practice and communicate in Spanish, and that promotes interest and engagement in the Spanish language
• Introduce and reinforce vocabulary, grammar concepts, and pronunciation through a variety of hands-on and multisensory activities, such as music, art, drama, games, and movement to make the learning experience engaging and memorable
• Incorporate cultural aspects and real-life examples to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures
• Collaborate with other teachers to integrate Spanish language learning across different subjects and create interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students
• Stay updated on current teaching methodologies, resources, and educational trends in world language instruction to enhance teaching effectiveness
• Attend professional development workshops, conferences, and training sessions to continuously improve teaching skills and knowledge
• Participate in faculty meetings and contribute to curriculum development and enhancement initiatives
• Other duties as may be assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be a dedicated and experienced teacher who has leadership experience in Spanish instruction to early childhood and elementary school-aged students. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: BA in language or education. Experience teaching language to young students is required, as is a strong knowledge of Spanish language and grammar. Familiarity with teaching methodologies and resources for early childhood and elementary language instruction.

BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OTHER SKILLS: Demonstrates personal integrity, friendliness, patience, fairness, openness, non-defensiveness, sensitivity, flexibility, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with young learners. Strong organizational and time management skills are required. Demonstrates professionalism through reliability, punctuality, cooperation, and participation in meetings and staff development opportunities, as well as personal appearance and self-care.

Ability to write reports, keep records, and communicate with faculty, students, administration, and parents. Ability to verbally present information clearly and respond to questions from children, parents, colleagues, administrators, and visitors.

Ability to solve practical problems and apply common sense in dealing with everyday and emergency situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, use hands or crouch. The employee may need to occasionally lift and/or move children and classroom equipment of all sizes and up to 40 pounds in the classrooms. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teacher encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to moderate to noisy.