Upper School Spanish Teacher

As an Upper School Spanish Teacher at Head-Royce School, you will not only be responsible for teaching Spanish up to the college level but also for nurturing students' academic and personal development. You’ll engage in evolving teaching methods, serve as an advisor, sponsor clubs, and contribute to school life overall. Culturally responsive teaching is key, as well as understanding adolescents to help guide them through their educational journeys.

To qualify for the Upper School Spanish Teacher position at Head-Royce, applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish or a related field, along with fluency in Spanish. Ideally, candidates should have between 2-5 years of teaching experience, especially at the high school level. A commitment to Head-Royce's core values focusing on equity, social justice, and a rounded educational experience is also essential.

At Head-Royce School, culturally responsive teaching is integrated throughout the Upper School Spanish curriculum. This approach involves recognizing and honoring the diverse backgrounds of all students, ensuring that lessons are relevant to their lives. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that encourages creative expression and fosters strong relational learning among students.

Successful Upper School Spanish Teachers at Head-Royce demonstrate a blend of teaching skills and interpersonal qualities. Key skills include proficiency in Spanish, strong communication abilities, a deep understanding of social/emotional development, and a flair for innovative curriculum design. Additionally, it’s vital to have strong organizational skills and a genuine fondness for working with adolescents.

Yes, as part of Head-Royce's commitment to experiential education, Upper School Spanish Teachers are encouraged to participate in outdoor education trips that may last from 1 to 3 nights. This is a unique opportunity for teachers to bond with students outside the classroom and promote teamwork and personal growth.

When answering this question, highlight specific strategies you employ to incorporate students' diverse backgrounds into daily lessons. Discuss how you adapt materials and curricula to reflect cultural nuances and how you create an inclusive classroom environment that values every student's voice.

In your response, mention any pedagogies you are familiar with, such as Comprehensible Input or Integrated Performance Assessments. Give examples of how you have successfully used these methods in the classroom to enhance language acquisition and student engagement.

Discuss your understanding of social-emotional learning (SEL) and its significance in language education. Provide examples of activities or methodologies you have used that align with SEL principles, focusing on building relationships and supporting students' emotional growth as they learn a new language.

Explain your strategies for differentiating instruction based on individual student needs. Highlight how you would implement varied assessment modalities and provide extra support, including resources for additional practice and personalized feedback to bolster student confidence in their language skills.

When answering, articulate your passion for working with adolescents and your desire to contribute to their transitional development. Share specific moments from previous experiences that highlight the impact you want to have on students during this pivotal stage of their education.

Discuss specific methods you use, such as collaborative projects, group discussions, and communal settings that encourage open dialogue. Share examples of how you create a classroom culture where students feel safe, valued, and connected to one another while embracing diversity.

Prepare to walk the interviewer through a specific lesson plan, highlighting learning objectives, activities, and assessment methods. Focus on how you tailor the lesson to meet diverse learning styles and make use of authentic materials that resonate with your students' experiences.

Share your experiences with various tools and resources that enhance language learning. This could include apps, online resources, or digital projects that foster collaboration and interaction among students. Highlight any measurable outcomes or engagement levels you've observed from using these technologies.

Explain your philosophy regarding curriculum design and how it relates to student needs and institutional values. Engage the interviewer by discussing how you blend current educational theories and real-world applications to craft innovative, effective language instruction.

In your response, note various communication strategies you could employ, such as newsletters, family nights, or workshops that both inform and engage parents in the language learning process. Stress the importance of a partnership between educators and families in supporting student progress.