Upper School World Languages Teacher- French and Spanish

Description

McDonogh School is seeking an energetic, intellectual, and caring individual to teach Upper School French and Spanish with the versatility to adapt to shifting enrollment needs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in teaching both languages across all levels (introductory through advanced), with the flexibility to balance teaching responsibilities between French and Spanish as department needs evolve.

Essential Functions

Teaching and Curriculum Development

• Inspire, engage, and encourage students in the study of language, demonstrating versatility and expertise in both French and Spanish
• Create an immersive and dynamic classroom with high expectations for both the languages and cultures of French- and Spanish-speakers
• Demonstrate creativity and authentic cultural experiences in unit and daily planning towards developing experiential language and cultural learning
• Work effectively in a student-centered learning environment
• Teach diverse learners through varied instructional strategies and best-practice approaches
• Value and promote the importance of process and effort towards students' academic growth and achievement
• Focus on language proficiency and oral communication in all lessons
• Develop, revise, and prepare students for performances of understanding
• Use interpersonal, performance, and interpretive rubrics for integrated performance assessments

Collaboration with Colleagues

• Work closely with colleagues teaching the same courses to ensure similar student experience with content, expectations, and assessments
• Collaborate with department members towards achieving department goals that support student success
• Become an active member of the McDonogh community by participating in school activities inside and outside of the World Languages department

Professional Growth and Contribution

• Exhibit a strong desire for continuing professional growth as a World Language educator
• Utilize professional growth opportunities to continually develop as an educator, including but not limited to, observing classes taught by colleagues both within and outside of the World Language department
• Overtly support and act in accordance with the school's mission, vision, and values
• Exhibit professional standards of presentation, punctuality, professional courtesy, and discretion
• Respond to the needs of the School, including but not limited to, service learning, advisory programs, coaching, assigned supervision, and other areas as determined by the Head of the Upper School

Qualifications

Recommended Employment Qualifications

• Degree in French and/or Spanish Language and/or Education with fluency in both languages
• Experience living, working, or studying in French or Spanish-speaking countries is strongly preferred
• Master's Degree (preferred, but not required)
• Prior experience teaching both French and Spanish across multiple levels
• Demonstrated ability to adapt teaching assignments based on program enrollment needs

Additional Experience

• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
• Experience working in a student-centered learning environment, with practical experience using comprehensible input, TPRS, and/or a communicative approach
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary world language teaching methodologies
• Experience balancing teaching responsibilities across multiple languages and levels
• Adaptability in teaching assignments based on program needs

Additional Requirements

• Ability to both learn from and encourage continual growth in a highly motivated faculty
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Ability to work in a diverse environment and inclusive culture that values and respects differences across race, ethnicity, religion, and orientation or identity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibits a strong work ethic
• Familiarity with independent schools and previous experience in an educational setting is preferred
• Interest in maintaining and developing a French exchange program
• Must be able to comply with background check, including fingerprints, as required by the agency and/or state regulations
• Must possess personal qualifications as required, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene and physical and mental health that do not interfere with responsibilities
• Subject matter expertise required in both French and Spanish through all levels, with the versatility to shift teaching focus as enrollment patterns change
• Upholds the School's mission and philosophy, and demonstrates the School's core character values

Working Conditions

Evening and weekend hours may be required from time to time. Lifting and carrying of equipment is not typical, but may be required on rare occasions. Reaching, grasping. Sitting. Standing. Walking around campus.