Part Time Spanish Specialist

Job Description 

Spanish Teacher

The Spanish Teacher reports directly to the Director of White Rock Montessori.  All employees of White Rock Montessori School are expected to abide by the code of ethics and all policies as set forth in the WRM Personnel Manual. The Spanish Teacher will be responsible for developing in each student an interest in and the ability to speak, read, and write in the Spanish language. During Spanish instruction, students will also be exposed to a broader global perspective and develop a deeper appreciation and cultural awareness.  

Research consistently shows that bilingualism can improve cognitive skills unrelated to language. The process of learning a new language, like Spanish, rewires the brain in ways that are beneficial for various academic subjects. Spanish is the gateway to many cultures, histories, and traditions. By learning Spanish as a second language, students are exposed to the rich tapestry of Spanish-speaking nations, fostering cultural awareness and a broader global perspective. In our increasingly connected world, these traits are invaluable and provide students with many exciting prospects in their adult lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of education - desirable
• Teaching experience/training in a Montessori setting is desirable, or a willingness to learn about Montessori pedagogy and practice.
• Positive Discipline experience/training is desirable, or a willingness to learn about Positive Discipline methods. 
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with children
• Qualities of mind to include creativity, initiative, responsibility, industry, reliability,
  and team-building skills

Hours of Employment

• 185 day part-time contract
• Faculty work week prior to the beginning of school.
• Faculty work week after the regular school calendar.
• One week of Summer Learning Camp is required.  Additional stipend pay is provided for weeks worked.  
• 9:00-3:30 Tuesday-Friday and 9:00-4:30 every other Wednesday to attend Faculty/Staff Meetings.  The schedule is pursuant to school calendar and Extended Curriculum Schedule.
• Desired to attend school functions and other designated after-hours
  meetings and events as determined by the school Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Spanish Teacher will perform all or some of the following 

• Teach knowledge and skills in Spanish, including speaking (vocabulary), reading, writing.
• Provide instruction and exposure by which students develop cultural awareness
• Provide effective, developmentally appropriate and differentiated language instruction for diverse learners.
• Provide high quality language instruction that integrates culturally authentic learning.
• Develop thematic language curriculum for each developmental level taught at WRM.
• Records lessons given and individual student progress toward language development goals.
• Promote interaction in the language and encourage language output from students
• Scaffold learning to appropriately build on previous learning.
• Lead, advocate for, and support a high-quality, effective language program in the school community.
• Continue to look for ways to develop, record, track, goals and learner outcomes in a second language.
• Interact with families and promote family involvement to support learning
• Provide individual and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students
• Maintain professional competence through Staff Development trainings provided by the school and/or in self-selected professional growth activities 
• Communicate with parents on student progress  
• Consider facilitating after school programs, such as Spanish club  
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the school Director
• Embrace WRM’s vision and mission.
• Submit to the Director Purchase Request Forms listing materials needed. Proper approval shall be required for all purchases. Receipts for items purchased shall be submitted to the office along with any Expense Reimbursement Forms.
• Take responsibility for cleanliness, order, and maintenance of the Spanish materials, fixtures, and furniture within the classroom environment.
• Share upkeep of public areas of the school, including hallways, lunch racks, bathrooms, and coat cubbies.
• All repairs and/or safety hazards shall be immediately reported via Work Order Request form.
• Develop and implement a curriculum for Middle School students to obtain a Spanish 1 credit when they graduate

Record Keeping/Evaluation

• Keep accurate records of each student’s progress in Spanish.
• Keep accurate records of curriculum presented via lesson planning.
• Inform the Director of all significant communications with parents, especially when a problem has been discussed.

Program/Class Management

• Set ground rules consistent with Positive Discipline principles and be consistent in enforcing them.
• Plan instructive, interesting Spanish activities each day.
• Treat each child with the utmost respect at all times, being careful to speak softly
  and to phrase speech in a positive manner.

Health/Safety

• Be aware of appropriate health and safety procedures as outlined in the Personnel Manual and Safety Operations Manual.
• The Spanish teacher is required to have CPR and First Aid Training every two years. 

Professional Growth

• Be well informed in the field of Spanish education, best practices, and make every effort to stay current in the field.
• Attend professional meetings and workshops whenever feasible.
• Receive the required number of hours of continuing education each year (AMS and WRM - 10).  Faculty/Staff meetings can be considered professional development. 

Responsibility to the School Community

• Attire should be modest, professional, and functional, as outlined in the Personnel Manual.
• Make every effort to be a positive member of the team. Avoid negative conversations and gossip.  
• Work respectfully and in harmony with all other faculty and staff members. Be courteous at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, parents, and fellow staff members.
• Maintain professional attitude and loyalty to the school at all times.