Middle School Spanish Teacher (Private)

ABOUT OLD ORCHARD SCHOOL:

Established in 1973 and located in Campbell, CA, Old Orchard School is a private, independent, all-gender school offering Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Our mission is to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. We pride ourselves on our strong sense of community, small class sizes, and a curriculum that promotes critical thinking and creativity.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

After reviewing the job position and requirements, interested candidates should submit the following via email:

A cover letter explaining their interest in the position and relevant experience.

A current professional resume or CV as a Word or PDF doc

Any supporting material you choose to include

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

POSITION & SPANISH PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

This position is for a full-time Middle School Spanish teacher for Grades 6, 7, and 8, starting in August 2024. At Old Orchard School, Spanish education is integral to our curriculum, with daily instruction provided in all grades from Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

Our Middle School (GRs 6-8) Spanish program emphasizes reading, writing, and written Spanish skills paired with real-world applications of the language. We welcome experienced, enthusiastic, and innovative educators who are able to inspire their students to embrace Spanish, giving them an opportunity to build towards fluency in high school.

All Middle School faculty must have a strong understanding of - and great appreciation for - both the academic and social-emotional needs of Middle School age students! This position presents a wonderful opportunity to teach in a warm and collegial setting, and to inspire students to fully embrace Spanish while fostering a deep appreciation for the Spanish language and culture. Preferred candidates will have at least 5 years’ full time teaching experience teaching at the Middle School level. They will also be knowledgeable of, and able to work within, the scope and sequences outlined by ACTFL for language acquisition.

REQUIRED / PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.

A master’s degree and / or relevant and current teaching credential greatly preferred.

A minimum of 3 years’ experience teaching Spanish full-time to Middle School students, exclusive of student teaching, tutoring, or one to one instruction. Five years' experience is greatly preferred.

Strong understanding of, and experience employing, ACTFL guidelines for the scope and sequence of language acquisition, and proficiency and assessment. Native fluency in Spanish. Non-native speakers will be asked to provide evidence of fluency.

The ability to communicate clearly, easily and effectively in English when speaking or writing.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, students, and school parents / guardians.

Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan ahead, grade work effectively and in a timely manner.

Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to participation in a collaborative educational environment.

Strong familiarity with educational technology and programs, including the ability to effectively integrate technology into instructional practices and to post assignments and grades online.

Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs.

Experience working with middle school-aged students, and strong understanding of -and appreciation for - their unique developmental needs and learning styles. Flexibility and a strong sense of humor!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and deliver a comprehensive Spanish language curriculum to 4 to 5 classes daily, setting students on a path that will allow them to embrace Spanish and start high school in Spanish 2 or above.

Participate actively in relevant staff meetings and work with the school Spanish Team teaching JK-GR5 to ensure continuity across the program and join forces on school-wide or multi-grade learning and cultural opportunities.

Assess and monitor student progress, providing timely feedback and support to help students achieve their learning goals. This would include prompt grading of student work and assessments, and proactively bringing concerns to school leadership.

Serve as an advisor to a small group of students and participate in the wider life of the school community. Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families through effective and appropriate communication.

Cultivate a classroom environment that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and respect for cultural diversity.

Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and administrators to support student success and foster a positive school community.

Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in language instruction and middle school education.

BENEFITS:

Competitive salary and benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Retirement plan. Paid time off and sick leave.

Paid personal and sick leave

Professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position involves standing, sitting, and walking throughout the day. It requires the ability to lift and carry items up to 30 pounds, including educational materials and equipment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000.

The actual salary will be determined by the candidate’s educational degree and their years of full-time experience teaching Middle School Spanish. The starting salary listed reflects this position’s minimum experience and educational requirements; the ending salary listed represents the top of the salary structure for this position. Most candidates can expect to enter in the lower to middle section of this salary range, depending on their specific experience and education.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Old Orchard School values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.