Position Overview
Atlas Public Schools seeks a dynamic and engaging Spanish Teacher to join our Related Arts Team and teach Preschool through 5th-grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. The Spanish Teacher will deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction that builds language proficiency while fostering an appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures. The ideal candidate will create a joyful, inclusive learning environment that supports students' growth in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Delivery
- Plan and deliver engaging, interactive Spanish lessons that meet the needs of Preschool through 5th-grade students.
- Develop students’ Spanish language skills through oral language, listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities.
- Use developmentally appropriate strategies, including games, songs, storytelling, role-play, visuals, and technology, to enhance learning.
- Differentiate instruction to meet a range of learning styles and language proficiency levels.
- Introduce students to Spanish-speaking cultures, traditions, and global perspectives.
Curriculum Development and Alignment
- Design and implement a scaffolded Spanish curriculum aligned with grade-level standards and school goals.
- Develop age-appropriate units of study that build language proficiency progressively across grade levels.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate Spanish instruction with other content areas.
- Ensure lessons align with best practices, including ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards.
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Create and administer formative and summative assessments to measure student learning and language proficiency.
- Monitor and document student progress using informal assessments, such as observations, exit tickets, and oral presentations.
- Provide timely feedback to students and families and identify individual learning goals when needed.
Classroom Culture and Management
- Establish a positive, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel confident practicing Spanish.
- Implement clear routines and use positive reinforcement to manage classroom behavior effectively.
- Promote risk-taking and engagement in language learning by encouraging active participation and collaboration.
Family and Community Engagement
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and provide resources to support learning at home.
- Organize or participate in school events that celebrate Spanish language and culture, such as Hispanic Heritage Month and International Nights.
- Build relationships with families to create a strong home-school connection that supports student success.
Professional Collaboration and Growth
- Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and staff to support school-wide goals and instructional alignment.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in language instruction.
- Contribute to team meetings, sharing strategies, insights, and student progress.
Classroom Materials and Resource Management
- Develop and maintain instructional materials, including visuals, manipulatives, technology tools, and activities.
- Curate a classroom library of Spanish books, games, and resources for various grade levels.
- Use technology effectively to support instruction and student engagement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Spanish, or a related field.
- State teaching certification (or eligibility for certification).
- Fluency in Spanish (native or near-native proficiency required).
- Experience teaching elementary-aged students, preferably across multiple grade levels.
- Strong understanding of language acquisition principles and instructional strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to create an inclusive, student-centered learning environment.
- Commitment to Atlas Public Schools’ mission of educating the whole child through rigorous academics and authentic learning experiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ACTFL-aligned instruction.
- Prior work in a diverse, urban school setting.
- Knowledge of integrating technology into language instruction.