Instructor of Spanish

DEPARTMENT: Humanities

POSITION LOCATION: Durham

POSITION NUMBER: 60093667

POSTING DATE: May 10, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled (priority consideration to applications prior to May 29, 2024)

POSITION TYPE: Temporary, PT (2 semester assignment 25 hours/week), FLSA Exempt.

Anticipated appointment period 8/1/2024 – 12/20/2024 and 1/31/2025 – 5/30/2025.

EXPECTED START DATE: August 1, 2024

HOURLY RATE: Hourly rate commensurate with education and experience

NCSSM is ranked as the #2 Public School in the U.S

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) invites applications for one part-time Instructor of Spanish position at its campus in Durham, North Carolina. The position is a temporary, part-time position for the fall and the spring terms (8/1/2024 – 12/20/2024 and 1/31/2025 – 5/30/2025). The position reports to the Chair of Humanities, NCSSM-Durham, and is responsible for providing instruction in Spanish.

NCSSM and its Academic Programs division foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research. NCSSM is proud of the diversity of its student body, and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. NCSSM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.

Founded in 1980, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is a state-supported residential and online high school for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent or interest in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Since the school’s inception, the humanities and fine arts have been an integral part of an NCSSM education and have played a key role in helping the institution fulfill its mission to cultivate a new generation of informed, empathetic, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders.

The NCSSM-Durham Humanities Department offers courses in five World Languages (Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish), American Studies, and a broad range of English and interdisciplinary Humanities courses. Offerings in our Fine Arts program include studio and performance courses in the visual arts, music, and drama. Our program also includes student- and faculty-led seminars and independent studies.

Description of Duties:

The expected teaching assignment for the part-time position is two in-person, residential courses sections of Spanish for the fall and spring terms. The anticipated appointment period is 8/1/2024 – 12/20/2024 and 1/31/2025 – 5/30/2025. The teaching assignment will likely include only one course prep.

A successful candidate will be able to teach a range of courses in Spanish, from introductory through advanced levels of the language, using the communicative approach, and will be able to develop multi-level, proficiency-based curricula that provide entry points for students of various proficiencies, including heritage speakers.

Humanities faculty are responsible for developing and teaching innovative and engaging humanities curricula with a focus on interdisciplinary studies in NCSSM’s residential and highly interactive online programs. Faculty should plan on playing an enthusiastic role with colleagues across all campuses of the school in ongoing conversations and collaborations about ideas, goals, pedagogical methods, and authentic assessments in NCSSM’s teaching and learning environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and communicate to students clear course objectives and goals;


• Plan and develop an instructional program that helps students assimilate specific course content and skills;


• Hold office hours and tutorial sessions as outlined by the Department of Humanities;


• Regularly monitor and evaluate students’ progress, providing them with resources and feedback on their performance;


• Structure and manage an environment conducive to learning;


• Model for students responsibility to self and others;


• Follow the school’s philosophy, policies, and procedures;


• Participate in departmental, faculty, and staff meetings;


• Participate in professional development and personal intellectual growth activities;

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Since NCSSM is committed to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the humanities, applicants should demonstrate a deep understanding of Spanish and its cultural and historical contexts, a passion for teaching and learning, and a love of ideas, combined with a commitment to serving as mentor and guide for students—both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Applicants should be able and willing to use appropriate educational technology to engage students in learning, in both face-to-face and remote settings. Applicants should be dedicated to continual growth, both as teachers and learners.

Desired:

Familiarity with the ACTFL World-Readiness Statements for Learning Languages, Can-Do Statements, and OPI Proficiency Guidelines. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to identify students’ needs and develop engaging, practical, and informative courses.

Excellent organizational and collaboration skills. Experience and expertise in working with advanced high school or undergraduate students in the novice, intermediate, and advanced levels of the language and in differentiating instruction to accommodate the range of students’ proficiencies at each level.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Spanish, linguistics, comparative literature, or a related field in the humanities, with a proven record of effective and inspiring teaching of Spanish, preferably with advanced high school or undergraduate students. A successful candidate will have the content and pedagogical knowledge to teach Spanish courses and the willingness and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues to develop and follow shared practices for multi-section courses.