Miami Country Day School seeks an enthusiastic and creative educator to fill the role of Upper School Spanish Teacher. A thorough knowledge and practice of the Understanding by Design teaching framework are preferred. This person needs to be passionate about inquiry-based, student-centered learning and be committed to combining the power of forward-thinking skill development with the purposeful integration of research-based learning. Additionally, candidates need to be dedicated to the challenge of thinking of education in an outside-of-the-box way. Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom, compassion, and purpose, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional, and spiritual potentials by valuing every student every day.

The Upper School Program at Miami Country Day School is well-respected in our community and nationally. Developmentally sound practices along with personalized learning experiences characterize our approach to instruction. We nurture a passion for lifelong learning, self-confidence, and leadership. We strive to make education relevant and to give our students the foundation they need for success beyond life at Miami Country Day School.

We seek an Upper School Spanish Teacher who embodies our mission and who is passionate about working with our students and faculty. We are accredited by FKC, FCIS, and SACS; active membership is maintained in SACAC, NACAC, NAIS, SAIS, CASE, CRIS, ERB, ALA, and the College Board.

Job Summary:

To work with a collaborative team designing, organizing, and implementing curriculum using the Understanding by Design framework, that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. The position involves teaching five sections of Upper School Spanish, being an advisor to a group of 12-14 upper school students (grades 9-12), and being an active participant in the World Languages Department and Upper School Community.

Essential Functions and Tasks:

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  Plans, prepares and delivers lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning, using the UbD teaching framework.

• Uses relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.

• Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all learning activities.

• Manages student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing norms and procedures; maintain an optimal learning classroom environment.

• Observes and evaluates students' performance and development, providing timely feedback to students and their parents.

• Communicates necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and parents regarding student progress and student needs.

• Demonstrates preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.

• Participates in department, school, and parent meetings.

• Performs supervisory duties as assigned.

• Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with others, including working with fellow professionals for the enhancement of common instructional goals.

• Communicates effectively orally and in writing.

• Engages in continual professional growth and be a member of a dynamic community of learners: Miami Country Day School.

• Other responsibilities inherent in teaching high school-aged students especially as it applies to developmentally appropriate curriculum and fostering of social skills and values.

Knowledge, Skills, and Physical Requirements:

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  BA in Spanish or other World Language field; Master’s degree is preferred

• Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience, preferably in Upper School and preferably in an independent school.

• Native fluency in Spanish is preferred.

• Experience with all levels of Spanish Language instruction, including AP Spanish Language and Culture program or equivalent programs.

• Experience working with students with learning exceptionalities preferred.

• Demonstrate the ability to plan lessons using authentic resources, games, songs, technology, etc.

• Demonstrate a willingness to integrate Spanish language instruction with other disciplines

• Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of teaching approaches and engage multiple modalities

• Experience in ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, UbD, Project-Based Learning, and Comprehensible Input is preferred.

• Knowledge of diverse Spanish Cultures and experience living in a Spanish Speaking Country is preferred.

• Knowledge of other languages, such as French or Chinese, is a plus.

• Exhibits excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and fosters a collegial relationship with all members of the school community.

• Demonstrates interest in working with teenagers and in valuing diversity and the accomplishments of different learners and the whole child.

• A willingness to understand and support the school’s mission and vision, as well as recognize the impact you have on the climate and culture of the school.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of various constituencies within the school community and the skills and attitude to deliver an exemplary experience to all students.

• Work in a fast-paced, stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program.

• May work at a desk and computer or stand for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, as well as be able to bend, stretch and reach as necessary. May require lifting an item up to 30 pounds.

• Adequate physical mobility, dexterity, strength, and endurance to actively participate in a school environment and be able to ambulate across campus.

• Works primarily in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and may also work in varied and extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat.

The above describes the general nature and level of work. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required as they are ever-changing in a dynamic work environment.