Upper School Spanish Specialist (Grades 9-12)

Khan Lab School • Mountain View, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Khan Lab School is seeking an experienced Spanish Specialist for its Upper School (Grades 9-12). This role involves teaching a mastery-based curriculum, facilitating active learning, and guiding students' social and emotional development. The specialist will partner with the Upper School Director and faculty, support the Khanversation Circle Program, and contribute to the school's admissions and staff meetings. The position emphasizes mastery-based learning and aligns with the school's innovative educational vision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Academic background in Upper School or college education.
• Prior upper school or college teaching experience required.
• Expertise in teaching curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• A passion for working with elementary students and an understanding of where they are developmentally.
• Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks as the school continues to grow and change.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capable of occasionally moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, 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.
• 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.
• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand.
• Ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach a minimum of 16 hours per week of high school level courses, including two core classes and one elective block class.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews with the supervisor.
• Lead advisory sessions for a group of 10-12 students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Mentor and support students in their individual student-driven projects, including Applied Learning projects.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress.
• Submit progress reports by the due date of each term.
• Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction, using methods like think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, peer teaching, and independent studies.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum, including all assignments and assessments, using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs.
• Actively explore and stay current with emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to the role.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.
• Participate in student orientation for 9th-12th graders, which may include an overnight trip for up to 4 days.
• Fulfill all duties assigned by the Upper School Director, such as lunch supervision.
• Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during re-enrollment and admissions periods.
• Write letters of recommendation for summer programs and college applications.
• Lead at least one major activity each year that contributes to the life and culture of KLS.
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including faculty meetings and any scheduled professional development programming.
• Attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students.
• Participate in community events such as the senior dinner, graduation, the annual fundraiser, group field trips, and other related activities.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.

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
• Career Level: Senior