What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Spanish Teacher position at Valley Inquiry Charter School?
PYP Spanish Teacher (Part-Time, Grades K-5)
Position Summary:
Valley Inquiry Charter School is seeking a dedicated, student-centered, and culturally responsive educator to serve as a part-time Spanish Teacher for students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, Valley Inquiry is committed to fostering inquiry, international-mindedness, and multilingualism through meaningful learning experiences.
The successful candidate will create engaging and developmentally appropriate Spanish learning experiences that build language proficiency, cultural understanding, and global awareness. Working collaboratively with classroom teachers, the Spanish Teacher will support the PYP framework by integrating inquiry, student agency, and authentic language learning opportunities that help students become confident communicators and internationally minded learners.
This position includes lesson planning, instruction, assessment, collaboration with classroom teachers, and supporting students' language development through engaging and interactive learning experiences.
Position Available:
Part-Time PYP Spanish Teacher (Grades K-5)
Salary:
Salary range: $27.79-$43.33 per hour depending on years of teaching experience, licensure, certifications, education, and contracted hours.
Essential Responsibilities:
Instructional Design and Facilitation
- Design and facilitate engaging, inquiry-based Spanish language learning experiences aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme philosophy and Oregon World Language Standards.
- Develop developmentally appropriate lessons that support language acquisition through speaking, listening, reading, writing, movement, songs, games, storytelling, and cultural exploration.
- Foster student curiosity and engagement through authentic language-learning experiences.
- Support students in developing confidence as communicators in Spanish.
- Incorporate opportunities for student voice, choice, and reflection within the learning process.
- Integrate technology and innovative instructional strategies to enhance language learning.
Language Acquisition and Cultural Understanding
- Promote Spanish language proficiency through meaningful communication and real-world applications.
- Introduce students to diverse Spanish-speaking cultures and perspectives.
- Foster appreciation for multilingualism, cultural diversity, and international-mindedness.
- Encourage students to make connections between language learning and the world around them.
- Support students in developing intercultural understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.
Assessment and Student Growth
- Utilize formative and summative assessment practices to monitor student progress and guide instruction.
- Provide meaningful feedback that supports language development and student growth.
- Use assessment data to adapt instruction and meet diverse learner needs.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress and achievement.
Learning Environment and Student Relationships
- Establish a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks as language learners.
- Build positive relationships with students that foster confidence, participation, and a love of learning.
- Create classroom systems and routines that maximize learning and student engagement.
- Implement restorative and proactive approaches to classroom management.
Collaboration and Professional Growth
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to support interdisciplinary connections and reinforce PYP units of inquiry when appropriate.
- Work closely with specialists, support staff, and administrators to enhance student learning experiences.
- Participate in collaborative planning, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and school improvement initiatives.
- Engage in ongoing professional development related to language acquisition, inquiry-based instruction, and IB philosophy.
- Reflect on instructional practices and use feedback to continually improve effectiveness.
Family and Community Partnerships
- Foster positive communication and relationships with families regarding student learning and growth.
- Support school events and activities that celebrate language learning and cultural diversity.
- Encourage family engagement in students' language-learning experiences.
School Contributions
- Participate in school-wide activities, assemblies, field trips, and special events as appropriate.
- Fulfill assigned supervision duties and responsibilities.
- Contribute positively to the mission, vision, and culture of Valley Inquiry Charter School.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required
- Fluency in both English and Spanish, including strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with elementary-aged students.
- Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and classroom management skills.
- Commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices and inclusive learning environments.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Spanish, World Languages, or a related field.
- Valid Oregon Teaching License in any endorsement area.
- Experience teaching Spanish or working with elementary-aged students.
- Experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) or other inquiry-based educational models.
- Experience supporting language acquisition and multicultural education.
- Training or experience in culturally responsive teaching and restorative practices.
- Master's degree or advanced coursework in education, language acquisition, Spanish, or a related field.
Licensure Information
An active teaching license with a Spanish endorsement is not required. Valley Inquiry Charter School can assist qualified candidates in obtaining a Charter Registry Teaching License. Candidates holding a valid Oregon teaching license in any endorsement area are strongly preferred.
Desired Professional Dispositions
The ideal candidate demonstrates:
- Commitment to the IB mission and philosophy.
- Passion for language acquisition, cultural understanding, and global learning.
- Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
- Reflective practice and continuous professional growth.
- Flexibility, creativity, and a growth mindset.
- High expectations for all learners.
- Collaboration, professionalism, and integrity.
- Belief in the value of multilingualism and international-mindedness as essential components of student success.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly salary placement based on experience and qualifications.
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
- Paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities, including IB training.
- Collaborative and supportive professional learning environment.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Valley Inquiry Charter School values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $29.43 - $52.94 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Physical Setting:
- Charter school
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Spanish (Required)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $43