Lower School Spanish Teacher

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree or higher and valid teaching certification.

- Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish, with the ability to engage effectively with students and adults.

- Technology literate and able to integrate technology into teaching and student learning.

- Minimum of two years of relevant teaching experience.

Position Overview

The Lower School Spanish Teacher provides a positive, caring, and engaging learning environment that supports the development of students' Spanish language skills and cultural awareness. The teacher promotes language acquisition through age-appropriate learning experiences and encourages students to develop confidence in communicating in Spanish.

The Lower School Spanish Teacher also promotes the development of attitudes and dispositions reflected in GIA's learner profile and supports students' learning across all developmental areas.

As a positive role model, the teacher demonstrates high moral, ethical, and professional standards, works toward achieving the school's mission and goals, and upholds the policies and procedures of Georgetown International Academy.

The teacher communicates professionally with all GIA stakeholders and maintains positive and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, families, and administration.

General Job Description

A. The teacher will provide a comprehensive, standards-based Spanish language education program that promotes the development of students' language and communication skills in a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment. The teacher will assess and report on student learning using standards-based assessment practices appropriate to the students' age and developmental levels.

B. The teacher will assist students in developing skills for goal setting, self-assessment of learning objectives, portfolio development, and student-led conference preparation.

C. The teacher will develop learning groups and pairings to create beneficial learning situations that promote cooperation and collaboration.

D. The teacher will ensure that a safe and supportive learning environment is maintained.

E. The teacher will support the After School Activities program.

F. The teacher will participate enthusiastically in and collaborate on the planning of special events throughout the school year.

Specific Job Description

I. Planning and Preparation

A. The teacher's plans and practices will reflect a solid knowledge of the subject content, prerequisite relationships between important concepts, and instructional practices appropriate to the students' age levels.

B. The teacher will actively seek knowledge of students' backgrounds, cultures, skills, language proficiency, interests, and special needs and use this knowledge to support student learning.

C. Instructional outcomes will be stated as goals reflecting high-level learning and curriculum standards. They will be appropriate for all students, represent different types of learning, and provide opportunities for assessment, coordination, and integration.

D. The teacher will be aware of the resources available through the school to enhance professional knowledge, support instruction, and meet students' learning needs.

E. The teacher will use knowledge of content, students, and available resources to design meaningful learning experiences aligned with instructional outcomes. Lessons and units will have a clear structure and engage students in significant learning. Curriculum planning and documentation will follow the school's established curriculum framework and procedures.

F. The teacher's assessment plans will be standards-based, aligned with instructional outcomes, and appropriate to students' learning needs. Assessment results will inform future instruction.

II. The Classroom Environment

A. Classroom interactions between the teacher and students, and among students, will be polite and respectful, reflecting warmth and care while recognizing cultural and developmental differences.

B. The classroom culture will be characterized by high expectations for all students and a genuine commitment to learning, with students demonstrating pride in their work.

C. Classroom routines and procedures for transitions, handling supplies, and non-instructional duties will be well organized to minimize the loss of instructional time.

D. School and classroom expectations for behavior will be clearly communicated. The teacher will monitor student behavior fairly and respond in ways that respect students' dignity and promote learning and growth.

E. The classroom will provide a safe and accessible learning environment. The teacher will ensure that physical arrangements and available resources, including technology, support learning activities.

III. Classroom Instruction

A. Expectations for learning, directions, procedures, and explanations of content will be communicated clearly and appropriately for students' cultural backgrounds and developmental levels.

B. The teacher will use effective questioning techniques to encourage thoughtful responses, provide sufficient time for students to answer, and promote active participation.

C. Activities, assignments, materials, and student groupings will be appropriate to instructional outcomes and students' levels of understanding. Lessons will be engaging, appropriately challenging, and well structured. Technology will be integrated where appropriate to enhance student learning.

D. Assessment will be used regularly during instruction through student self-assessment, monitoring of learning progress, and constructive feedback. Students will understand the criteria used to evaluate their work.

E. The teacher will promote successful learning for all students by adjusting instructional plans and responding to students' questions, needs, and interests.

F. The teacher will maintain appropriate portfolios or records of student work and progress.

IV. Professional Responsibilities

A. Reflecting on Teaching: The teacher will reflect on instructional practices, provide objective descriptions of lessons supported by evidence, and identify opportunities for improvement.

B. Maintaining Records: The teacher will maintain accurate, efficient, and effective instructional and non-instructional records.

C. Communicating with Families: The teacher will communicate regularly with families and engage them in the instructional program. Information regarding individual students will be communicated professionally and in a culturally appropriate manner.

D. Participating in the Professional Community: The teacher will participate actively in the school's professional learning community, events, and projects while maintaining positive and productive relationships with colleagues.

E. Professional Growth and Development: The teacher will pursue professional development opportunities, share expertise with colleagues, and welcome constructive feedback from supervisors and peers.

F. Professionalism: The teacher will demonstrate high ethical and professional standards in interactions with students, families, and colleagues and comply with all school policies and procedures.