At Friends Elementary School, we provide exposure to Spanish language and cultures, forming a strong base for language learning in middle school and beyond. Our program focuses on developing spoken language with exposure to reading and writing skills as appropriate. We integrate learning about the culture and history of Spanish speaking regions, with an emphasis on intercultural understanding. We proactively create learning opportunities to meet the needs of different developmental levels and learning styles and support joy and success in foundational language acquisition. The students participate in events and celebrations where students showcase their Spanish language skills and share what they have learned about culture and history.

The Elementary Spanish Teacher at Friends School is responsible for working with the teachers and students in Preschool through fifth grade. This teacher is responsible for the Spanish instruction of the children, and developing and documenting curriculum. In addition, the Spanish teacher cares for and maintains the Spanish classrooms and materials. The Spanish Teacher is responsible for cultivating a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another. The Spanish Teacher works collaboratively with the classroom and specialist teachers and administrators, and participates fully in the life of the school.

Responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Maintain congruence between the school’s mission and all activities.
• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social and physical well-being of all students.
• Stay current with research and practices related to child development, different learning styles, Mindfulness-based Social and Emotional Learning (MBSEL), innovation, and progressive pedagogy.
• Develop, implement and document curricula that puts the above research into practice and challenges each student to realize their full potential.
• Maintain records of all taught curriculum including detailed planners of Gold Standard Project-Based Learning (PBL) units, when appropriate.
• Implement classroom management strategies in alignment with our philosophy – informed by Responsive Classroom approaches, with an emphasis on intrinsic motivation.
• Support student learning through community connections, including but not limited to: inviting speakers to visit or planning and attending day or overnight trips.
• Regularly assess and provide evidence of student learning and growth as outlined in the handbook.
• Communicate regularly with teachers about their students and how things are going in Spanish.
• Communicate with families as described in the handbook. Communications may include, but not limited to: Conferences, check-ins, newsletters.
• Educate parents about the Friends School values and program through all correspondence and parent educational events.
• Maintain the classroom, common spaces and outdoor environment and materials attractively and in support of learning.
• Preserve and participate in school traditions and rituals.

• Cover classes or responsibilities during absences of other teachers as appropriate. Participate in regular meetings to address routine matters and stimulate an exchange of educational and philosophically aligned ideas.
• Participate in the school’s hiring processes as necessary.
• Assist in evening and weekend events as necessary.
• Set classroom and personal yearly goals with the Head of Elementary School and seek out and participate in staff development opportunities.
• Comply with the Guiding Principles for Teacher Evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualification Requirements:

• Possess joy, a growth mindset, and a sense of humor and commitment to working collaboratively
• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in education preferred
• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a teacher preferred
• Mastery in Spanish language and culture
• Proven success at working collaboratively
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills
• Technologically knowledgeable and skilled

Compensation: Salary range for this 20% FTE is $10,000-$15,000 and pay is commensurate with experience and degree.

Friends School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply: If you possess the above skills and qualities, please send a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position along with your resume to jobs@friendsschoolboulder.org. Please indicate Spanish Teacher in the subject line. Final candidates are subject to background check. We will contact top candidates for an interview. No phone calls please.