Lower/Middle School Spanish Teacher

The Montclair Cooperative School is seeking a progressive, energetic Spanish Teacher to join our dynamic lower/middle school team. 

Founded in 1963, the Montclair Cooperative School (the Co-op) is an independent, progressive, co-educational school, serving approximately 125 students from Early Ages through eighth grade. We are a community of students, teachers and parents dedicated to creating a diverse and nurturing environment where children flourish intellectually, creatively and emotionally while developing exceptional social skills and a deep sense of community responsibility. The Co-op’s whole-child curriculum is interdisciplinary, emphasizing inquiry, diversity, critical thinking and deep understanding, while supporting individualized social and emotional growth.

Reporting to the Head of School, the Spanish Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and differentiated Spanish language instruction for students in third through eighth grades. 

Specific Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the lower/middle school team, and under the supervision of the Head of School, the Spanish Teacher’s responsibilities include:

• Prepare lessons for third through fifth grade students
• Organize and provide developmentally appropriate educational programs and instruction;
• Plan and implement language curriculum and differentiated instruction for lower/middle school students;
• Provide opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, problem-solving, and the use of technology;
• Create and provide a supportive and caring classroom environment in which students can learn and interact positively with one another;
• Continue to develop professionally by actively participating in professional development opportunities within the independent school community;
• Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers;
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that support individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student;
• Use a variety of instructional strategies;
• Assist in student arrival and/or departure, transitions between class periods;
• Participate in faculty and curriculum development meetings and committees as requested;
• Provide regular communication to students and parents regarding class assignments, homework, assessments, performance progress, and behavior;
• Assess students’ academic and social growth, keep accurate records and prepare progress reports;
• Other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Near-native fluency in the language is required - ability to read, write and converse in English & Spanish  
• Ability to use adaptive technology for conversational practice 
• Effective organizational skills including but not limited to lesson planning implementing units of study, differentiating instruction, designing and implementing assessments
• A working knowledge of and an embracing of a progressive educational approach
• A clear commitment to the mission of the Montclair Cooperative School
• Excellent time management skills and be detail and goal oriented
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be a strong team player and have some experience working collaboratively with peers to implement an academically robust, engaging, and integrated curriculum
• Solid organizational and problem solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly resourceful and motivated – a “self-starter” with initiative, energy and enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Ability to interact well with people from a wide diversity of backgrounds and cultures

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and a statement of educational philosophy to Ana Younghusband, Head of School, at careers[email protected]. Only those selected to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls please