Teacher of Spanish

About the position

The Teacher of Spanish (Grades 9-12) will work under the supervision of the District Supervisor of World Languages to develop students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English. The role also involves fostering an understanding and appreciation of the native culture of the countries where the language is primarily spoken. In the Pascack Valley Regional High School District World Language Department, the focus is on preparing students for confident, meaningful interactions with people around the world in the target language, allowing learners to compare their language and culture to that of others while making connections with other disciplines and current world events within our increasingly interconnected world.

Responsibilities

• Develops and administers World Language education curriculum consistent with school district & departmental goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Develops student understanding and appreciation of the cultures and mores of countries where the language is the predominant or a major means of communication.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings, departmental meetings, district cohorts and school or district committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.

Requirements

• Certification/License: New Jersey Teacher of Spanish K-12
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of appropriate modifications and accommodations to assist all learning needs.
• Knowledge of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Nice-to-haves

• Successful prior world language teaching experience.
• Successful prior experience in providing accommodations and modifications to address all learning needs.