Middle School Spanish Specialist

Khan Lab School • Mountain View, CA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Spanish Specialist position requires a seasoned teacher with experience at either the Middle School or High School level. A background in mastery-based learning is preferred, but not essential. The Middle School students are pursuing an advanced course of study, completing both High School Level 1 and Level 2 Spanish by the end of their 8th grade year. The Spanish Specialist partners with the Middle School Director and Middle School faculty to not only teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, but also guide students in their social and emotional development by contributing to the broader life of the school as an advisor, and through participation in school-sponsored activities and events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of prior middle school, high school, or college teaching experience is required.
• Expertise in teaching Spanish language curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• An understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies.
• Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and able to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
• Able to reflect one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, equipment, and other school supplies, as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capable of occasionally moving around inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
• Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

Nice To Haves

• A background in mastery-based learning is preferred, but not essential.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach a minimum of 16 hours per week of middle school level Spanish courses, as assigned by the Middle School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum and all assignments, using the school's Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas.
• Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, when applicable.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Lead advisory sessions for a group of students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular activities, college goals, daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term.
• Other related job duties, as assigned.
• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction.
• Utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, and peer teaching.
• Support student-driven passions and interests through the Applied Learning Program.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school’s leadership and founder.
• Integrate emerging technology into the classroom appropriately, including AI tools relevant to each discipline.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.
• Chaperone a school-sponsored trip during Intersession , which may include up to five nights of an overnight stay.
• Fulfill all duties , as assigned by the Middle School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision.
• Be accessible to the students throughout the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the fall and spring. This includes, at minimum, 6-8 hours for pre-admission events (Open House, Preview Days, and Shadow Days) and 10 hours of post-application events (student visits, observations, and application reads), which may take place outside of regular school hours.
• Write letters of recommendation for summer programs, as requested.
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development , including morning meetings, and any scheduled professional development programming (Faculty In-service). Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students. This will account for up to 4 hours during a typical workweek.
• Participate in community events such as the middle school dinner, moving-up day, the school’s annual fundraiser, group field trips, and other related activities.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.
• All teachers are periodically required to participate in a number of admissions and after school events, which may be held after the hours of the normal 4:00pm end to the workday.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• a 401K retirement plan with an employer match
• basic life insurance
• short-term and long-term disability insurance
• generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time