Teacher - Spanish [1.0 FTE Spanish] [Needham High School]

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm full-time Spanish Teacher to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Job Responsibilities:

Instruction and Curriculum:

Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment where every student develops self-efficacy and a strong sense of belonging.

• Develop and implement a proficiency-based world language curriculum aligned with the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (5Cs) and the 2021 Massachusetts Curriculum Framework.
• Design and deliver engaging, rigorous, and accessible lessons, activities, and learning experiences that promote meaningful language acquisition for every student.
• Regularly assess student learning and progress, using data to inform instruction and personalize learning experiences.
• Reflect on teaching practices and adjust instruction to proactively address individual student needs.

• Collaborate regularly with world language colleagues to develop curriculum, lessons and materials; review commmon assessments, and share effective practices to advance student learning.

• Actively participate in common planning time, department meetings, and faculty meetings.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of student activities, achievement, and attendance, adhering to district procedures and applicable laws.
• Communicate effectively with students and families, encouraging family involvement in student learning.
• Establish and maintain classroom management practices that support a positive and productive learning environment, consistent with school and district policies.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of World Languages, Principal, and other designated administrators.

*The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to inspire a passion for Spanish language learning.
• Deep understanding of current, proficiency-based teaching methodologies and educational pedagogy.
• Advanced proficiency in Spanish, encompassing grammar, vocabulary (including denotations and connotations), and literature.
• Ability to foster students' growth mindset as developing language learners, promoting language learning as a lifelong skill.
• Ability to analyze student data and develop data-driven action plans.
• Competency in utilizing relevant technology and software applications (e.g., Google Docs, Google Classroom).
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws related to education and students.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with students and parents.
• Commitment to self-evaluation and continuous professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

• MA DESE Foreign Language - [Spanish] license at the appropriate grade level.
• Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in related area.
• Successful prior world language teaching experience a plus.

Application and Selection Procedure:

Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, license, and transcripts have been attached to your online application and either letter of recommendation and/or reference surveys are complete. All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process.

Timeline:

Application Deadline: Friday, March 28.

Interviews and Demo Lessons in early-April. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review the Unit A Contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. 

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.