World Language Specialist (10.5-month position)

 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The World Language Specialist position works with the department of Academics to support the objectives of the World Language program throughout the district. Position develops and implements instruction to provide an effective foreign language program for world language teachers and students. Position is responsible for supporting the professional growth and development of teachers to facilitate learning and independent application of research based foreign language instructional practices, which align with Virginia’s World Language SOLs as well as with ACTFL’s World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. Position provides job-embedded support to world language teachers through the division’s coaching model to include planning, modeling, conducting classroom visits, analyzing data, and offering actionable support within and/or across selected schools. Position plans and conducts professional development based on assessed division and/or teacher needs. Position works in collaboration with Academics and school administrators to coordinate professional growth and development of teachers.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude other duties if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position.  While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job description.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Delivers direct instruction of world language content and/or courses as required.
• Coaches and supports teachers in planning, delivering, and assessing quality World Language instruction.
• Plans, models, and co-teaches effective lessons with teachers.
• Support includes frequent classroom visits, observing World Language instruction to assess need, planning for instruction, modeling, co-teaching, consulting, leading guided reflection, and offering supportive and specific feedback to teachers as needed.
• Assists teachers with classroom organization, materials procurement, and learning activities that support learning targets and objectives.
• Participates and observes the planning process and the instruction that follows and provides supportive and specific feedback and suggestions.
• Demonstrates self-reliance in mastering new technologies and instructional teaching strategies.
• Collaborates regularly with Director of Academics, building administrators, and lead teachers to address areas of greatest need.
• Collaborates with the Supervisor of Gifted Programs on the promotion of applications for Governor’s World Language Academy
• Administers testing for World Language Academy applications and for Seal of Biliteracy applications.
• Collaborates regularly with school counselors to determine the most appropriate placement for students looking to enroll in world language courses.
• Analyzes data to determine benchmarks, establish goals, and monitor improvement in assigned areas and develops concrete steps within the school, department, or classroom to address identified needs.
• Assists teachers in analyzing data to guide instruction and plan targeted interventions.
• Supports the work of school world language teams by attending and participating in department meetings regularly.
• Attends and participates in monthly division and school-based leadership meetings and trainings.
• Assists curriculum writing teams in the revision and development of world language curriculum and assessments.
• Plans effective professional development to support teacher learning around curriculum, technology, and World Language pedagogies.
• Reviews and selects texts and supplemental materials.
• Selects and purchases or designs placement tests as needed.
• Attends and participates in professional development to improve and maintain knowledge of content, instructional strategies, coaching skills, and adult learning theory.
• Plans, designs, coordinates and facilitates professional development for teachers and administrators regarding instructional strategies, best practices, and specific instructional topics at the school and district level.
• Communicates effectively with parents of students interested in enrolling or enrolled in world language courses.
• Keeps detailed records related to all aspects of the position including a log to include dates, times, and locations.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comply with school and school board policies and regulations
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Virginia’s World Language SOLs as well as  ACTFL’s World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
• Demonstrate exemplary foreign language instruction using science and research based instructional strategies and techniques
• Work cooperatively with all staff
• Relate positively to parents and other community representatives
• Demonstrate knowledge of language learning software
• Recommend purchases for world language instructional materials
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Academics

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must possess a master’s degree and hold an active Virginia teaching license and K-12 endorsement in a foreign language.
• Completed a minimum of five years of exemplary teaching experience, with a minimum of 3 years of foreign language teaching experience. 
• Experience leading high-quality professional development.
• Coaching, mentorship or leadership experience; preference given to those with an administrative endorsement or currently enrolled in an administrative program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional operation of automated computer office equipment is required.  Attendance to meetings outside the normal duty hours is sometimes required. Regular involvement made with principals and teachers throughout the School Division. Usually there is a need to motivate, establish rapport, gain support, or persuade or influence individuals or groups. Occasional debate is often characteristic of the contact and may require considerable skill in diplomacy, tact, and discretion. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

WORK ENVIRONNMENT

Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Primarily controlled temperature and clean classroom environment. 

RCPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities.  The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Hayley Poland – Title IX Coordinator (540) 853-1393.

Salary : $10,000