Middle School Spanish Specialist

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

The Middle School Spanish Specialist is an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of a Middle School experience. The Middle School Spanish Specialist partners with the Middle School Director and Middle School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision and guide students in their social and emotional development. In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions and faculty and staff meetings.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academic Duties:

• Teach a minimum of 16 hours per week of Middle School level Spanish courses, as assigned by the Middle School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools.
• Clearly outline course expectations, goals, and assignments at the start of the term using KLS’s Learning Management System, internal materials, and resources like Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Lead advisory sessions student groups, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term.
• Other related job duties, as assigned.

Teaching & Vision Alignment:

• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, peer teaching, and problem/project-based learning.
• Support student-driven passions and interests through the Applied Learning Program.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Utilize external instructional resources, including Khan Academy, to accommodate diverse learning needs and backgrounds for in-person courses.
• Develop curriculum and learning experiences aligned with the KLS teaching vision.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership.
• Integrate technology into the classroom appropriately, including AI tools relevant to each discipline.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

Contribution to Khan Lab School:

• Participate in student orientation for grades 7 & 8, which may include a 3-day overnight stay.
• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Middle School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision.
• Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction and support.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the Fall and Spring. This includes, at minimum, 6-8 hours for Pre-Admission events (Open House, Preview Days, Shadow Days) and 10 hours of Post Application Events (Student Visits and Observations, Parent Interviews, Application reads); events may take place outside of school hours.
• Write letters of recommendation for summer programs, as requested.
• Lead at least one activity per term that contributes to the life and culture of KLS, to be determined in collaboration with the Middle School Director at the start of the school year. This includes overseeing the student leadership group, facilitating a student club/ organization during the academic year, planning a hallmark KLS event (e.g., orientation, move-up day), serving as a faculty representative on the DEIB committee, leading leadership committees (e.g. discipline committee), or starting a new program at the school (e.g. tutoring center).
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including morning meetings, and any scheduled professional development programming (including Faculty In-service). Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences with students.
• Participate in community events such as the senior dinner, graduation, group field trips, and other related activities.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.
• Engage KLS’s community by attending and supporting events and initiatives promoting student growth.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of prior teaching experience is required.
• Ideal candidates will have an academic background in Middle or Upper School education.
• An understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• A passion for working with young students and an understanding of where they are developmentally.
• Expertise in teaching Spanish curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• 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 while able to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
• Able to reflect on one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.

PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capability of 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 as well as the 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, which are sometimes held outside and require working in varying weather conditions at all times of the year.
• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.

Tagged as: Middle School