Middle School Spanish Teacher (SY 22-23)
Uncommon Middle School Spanish teachers work in grade level and content teams to develop students who are global citizens. Our teachers become experts in their course content, and have a keen sense of how to motivate and meet the socio-emotional needs of Middle Schoolers. Communicating in Spanish is at the heart of all classes. Spanish teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to create an environment where students feel safe expressing themselves in a new language. At the conclusion of eighth grade, students are prepared for the academic autonomy and college preparatory focus of our high schools.
Responsibilities:
1. Instruction
- You'll build students' bilingual skills and enhance their understanding of the Spanish language using a curriculum that prepares them for high school level Spanish.
- You’ll help students gain confidence in navigating print and audio authentic sources.
- You'll teach students how to build and enhance their foreign language skills--reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- You'll cultivate students' cultural awareness by helping them learn a new language.
- You'll share your passion for the Spanish language to build a community of students who are confident in speaking Spanish.
- You will build students' skill and comfort with engaging in conversation in Spanish.
- You'll work with the Spanish department to develop academic and engagement goals for students.
2. Data Analysis
- You'll meet weekly with your principal and/or instructional coach to analyze and respond to trends in student work samples and assessments.
- You'll learn and implement strategies to differentiate instruction for all learners in your classroom.
3. School Culture
- You’ll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
- You’ll partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
- You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
- You'll participate in weekly, school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model our core values, and encourage student achievement.
- You'll partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.
Qualifications
- A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
- A demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social emotional and academic development
- An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students
- A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
- Required Experience:
- A demonstrated interest in impacting K-12 students in urban schools and communities (1-2 years experience preferred).
- Academic expertise in Spanish or other related fields of study.
- Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if you graduated prior to 9/1/16). All instructional staff are required to become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.
Additional Information
Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.
Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.