Grade 8 Language Arts (Spanish Speaking) Teacher

Woodland School District #50; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodland Middle School in Illinois seeks a Grade 8 Language Arts teacher for Spanish-speaking students. Candidates must hold an Illinois Professional Educator License for Grades 6-8 with a Spanish endorsement and a Bachelor’s degree.

The role includes implementing district curriculum, RtI/CCSS, and supporting English Language Learners. Responsibilities include differentiating instruction, maintaining student records, communicating with families, and collaborating with staff within a

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree.
• Illinois Professional Educator License for Grades 6-8 with Spanish endorsement is required.
• Experience teaching or student teaching in middle school language arts and/or bilingual classrooms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instructs and motivates English Language Learners (ELL) to develop competencies in English and Spanish.
• Uses differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Maintains attendance, performance records, grades, and reports in the district system.
• Collaborates with staff and participates in team meetings and professional development.

Skills

Classroom management

Differentiated instruction

ELL instruction

Spanish language instruction

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Illinois Professional Educator License (Grades 6-8)

Spanish endorsement

Job description

Title: Grade 8Language Arts (Spanish Speaking)Teacher

Applicants are instructed to address in their application/resume their experiences directly related to each section noted in the posting. Only completed/submitted online applications with supporting documents will be screened.

Position Type: Middle School Teaching

Location: Woodland Middle School

Date Available: August 17, 2026, plus six days of New Staff Orientation August 5 - 12, 2026

QUALIFICATIONS

1. License/Certification:
   1. Required - Illinois Professional Educator License valid for Grades 6-8 with Spanish endorsement
   2. Preferred - IllinoisProfessional Educator License valid for Grades 6-8 with Bilingual-Spanish and Language Arts endorsements
2. Education: Required - Bachelor's Degree
3. Experience
   1. Required - Teaching or student teaching experience
   2. Preferred - Teaching or student teaching experience in a middle school language artsand/or bilingual classroom(s).

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 1. Has command of the subject matter and effectively implements the Woodland District 50 curriculum including Response to Intervention (RtI) and Common Core Standards
2. 2. Instructs and motivates English Language Learners (ELL) to develop competencies, knowledge and skills in comprehending, speaking, reading and writing the English language and Spanish (as required)
3. 3. Uses a variety of instructional techniques and differentiates instruction to meet the individual needs and interests of the students
4. 4. Adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Woodland School District 50 Staff Handbook
5. 5. Contributes and models a positive school climate through the support of the district's Strategic Plan and Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program
6. 6. Orders materials and supplies as per district procedures, with appropriate authorization and within budgetary constraints
7. 7. Works cooperatively with other staff members
8. 8. Collaborates with staff and paraprofessionals to meet the needs of students with special needs
9. 9. Meets and instructs assigned classes in locations and at the times assigned
10. 10. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil conduct in alignment with the Parent/Student Handbook and PBIS in order to provide for a safe, orderly, productive environment
11. 11. Evaluates and maintains appropriate records including student attendance, student performance, knowledge, skills and grades
12. 12. Posts grades regularly to district-approved student information system/grade book
13. 13. Uses a variety of avenues to communicate regularly with parents and school personnel regarding students' levels and rates of progress
14. 14. Actively supervises students while in the classroom, hallway, and special events as required
15. 15. Attends and participates in team, department, faculty meetings, and professional development
16. 16. Keeps up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources and methods and makes relevant changes to instructional plans and activities to meet the needs of all students
17. 17. Adheres to all school and district policies and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality
18. 18. Develops lesson plans and supplementary materials compatible with the basic instructional needs of the ELL and dual language students
19. 19. Provides learning experiences which develop the basic communication skill, utilizing a variety oflanguage acquisition methods and strategies
20. 20. Provides individualized and small group instruction as needed to implement the instructionalbilingual/ESL/dual language program
21. 21. Confers with the school principal, the Teaching and Learning Department and ELL Coordinator
22. 22. Is responsible for administering the procedures for identifying and evaluating bilingual/ESL/dual language students
23. 23. Conducts in-service workshops for staff and parents as seen appropriate to the success of thebilingual/ESL/dual language program
24. 24. Keeps parents informed on a regular basis regarding student progress, program activities, and evaluations (i.e. student progress reports, newsletters, evaluation survey)
25. 25. Develops pupil understanding and appreciation of both their native culture and the culture of the United States
26. 26. Evaluates each pupil's progress in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing theEnglish language and Spanish (as required)
27. 27. Selects and requisitions books, instructional aids, and instructional supplies; maintains requiredinventory records
28. 28. Identifies pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in helping pupilsdevelop the acquisition of the English language and Spanish (as required)
29. 29. Participates in curriculum and other Bilingual/ESL/dual language programs
30. 30. Translates documentation vital for home/school communication when feasible
31. 31. Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by thedistrict, and in self-selected professional growth activities, such as foreign language workshops
32. 32. Performs other such duties and assumes other such responsibilities as may be assigned by the School Principal, Assistant Principal or Director of Teaching and Learning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Planning and Preparation – Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogy, students, and resources. Design coherent instruction and select appropriate instructional activities, and has the ability to assess students learning.
• Classroom Environment – Creates an environment of respect and report, establishes a culture for learning, manages classroom procedures, manages students behavior, and has the ability to organize physical space.
• Instruction – Communicates clearly and accurately, uses questioning and discussion techniques, engages students in learning, provides feedback to students, and demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness.
• Professional Responsibility – Reflects on teaching, maintains accurate records, communicates professionally, contributes to the school and district, grows and develops professionally, and shows professionalism.

Technical

Demonstrated skills in writing, editing and public speaking. Experience with social media and emerging technologies.Must be able to effectively use photography equipment/software. Competent in digital environments; databases, spreadsheets, publishing software, Microsoft Office, Google applications, etc.

Interpersonal

Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, parents, businesses and community. Strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills. Empathetic, humanistic and open-minded. Strong sense of teamwork. Must be able to work harmoniously with the community, students, parents, staff, and administration. Must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff. Must exhibit sound judgment in dealing with people. Must have strong organizational skills.

DISTRICT CORE COMPETENCIES

1. Support the establishment of mutual respect and equal human dignity across the entire school community.
2. Welcomes inclusion, equity and diversity.
3. Have an unwavering commitment to the success of all students.
4. Understanding that your identity may be different than students, parents, and staff, you are willing to put those differences aside for the success of all students.
5. Regardless of the identities of students, staff, or parents, works collaboratively to build a successful relationship with them.
6. Willingly anticipate, identify and adopt change.
7. Engage in all job-related interactions and activities, with contacts from within and outside the District, in a courteous and professional manner.
8. Communicate with styles that are approachable and respectful.
9. Participate in professional development and training to become more effective and efficient.
10. Take initiative to manage multiple tasks.
11. Effectively organize work to be as productive as possible.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Manual Dexterity: Work requires definite skilled and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance.

Physical Effort: Work requires handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods.

Working Conditions: Some exposure to definitely disagreeable elements may exist.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Full-time; Monday through Friday

SALARY RANGE

BA Step 6: $50,863 - MA +45 Step 8: $63,094. Based on experience and education as defined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

CONTACT PERSON

Tiffany Drake
Principal
[e-mail]
[phone]

Yamilette Sosa
Director of Language Acquisition
[e-mail]
[phone]

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications reviewed upon receipt

Equal Opportunity Statement

Woodland School District 50 is an Equal Opportunity Employer with established policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status,arrest record, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status provided the individual is authorized to work in the United States, use of lawful products while not at work, being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, genetic information, physical or mental handicap or disability, if otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or other legally protected categories. The Associate Superintendent of Educational Services (847-596-5631) addresses questions regarding student discrimination and serves as the Districts Title IX Coordinator, and the Executive Director of Human Resources (847-596-5640) answers questions concerning employment discrimination.