Elementary School Spanish Specialist

Spanish Language Specialist (Teacher)

Founded in 1995, Gardner School is southwest Washington’s premiere independent, progressive school, serving students in a student-centered environment from preschool through 6th grade. Inspired by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, our community of teachers and learners honors many ways of learning, thinking and expressing. Our whole-child philosophy integrates homeroom studies in mathematics, language arts, social studies and outdoor learning with specialist teachers in five disciplines: science, music, art, Spanish and physical education. Our small class sizes promote individualized instruction while our beautiful 5-acre campus allows teachers to use all facets of the environment to stimulate learning. Our core values at Gardner are Courage, Creativity, Curiosity, and Connection, and we believe in creating avid learners and inspired, engaged global citizens.

At Gardner School, highly trained and experienced faculty and staff place an emphasis on contextual learning to build the deep understanding essential for mastery of knowledge and skills. Gardner teachers care deeply about children and inspire them to think broadly and critically, and parents and families are integral to our program and culture.  Gardner School has two campus locations, our Preschool – 6th grade Main Campus in the Mt. Vista neighborhood in Vancouver, WA, and the 18 months – school age Country Friends Campus in Hockinson.

Position Title: Spanish Language Specialist (Teacher)

Location:  Main Campus (Mt. Vista)

Job Type: Salaried Exempt (Teacher)

Reports To: Head of School

FTE: Part time, .75 teaching duties, additional duties possible up to 1.0 FTE depending on experience and skills of applicant

POSITION SUMMARY:   Gardner School is seeking a dynamic, experienced, highly skilled classroom teacher to join our community as the school’s next Spanish Specialist. We are looking for a compelling classroom teacher who is committed to progressive education, inspired to innovate, and able to add value to our outstanding school. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing an engaging Spanish language curriculum that fosters students’ love for language learning while enhancing their communication skills and cultural awareness.

In addition to giving students basic Spanish language skills and vocabulary, the Spanish Specialist will create an environment where young students grow in their understanding and communication of the cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries and people, including songs and celebrations. The successful candidate will work with our homeroom teachers in Preschool through 6th Grade in partnership to create a rich thematics-based curriculum that supports creativity and performance, while also supporting the needs of diverse learners. The Spanish Specialist also works closely with our Music Specialist to collaboratively plan curriculum and performances for our Celebrations of Learning.

In addition to the qualifications listed below, the ideal Spanish Specialist candidate will be highly effective in using progressive educational strategies such as inquiry-, project-, and place-based, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning. Confidence using multiple intelligence concepts and vocabulary is preferred. The ideal teacher is able to differentiate and individualize instruction for a diverse population of students in ways that maximize student engagement and achievement. The successful Gardner teacher expertly guides students through long-range thematic learning experiences and culminating projects and presentations. The Spanish Specialist provides an engaging, stimulating, and unique experience for students, inspiring them to high levels of curiosity and critical reasoning. This position works with all our students on Main Campus, from 3 years old through 6th grade.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Teach classes as assigned, providing effective and professional classroom instruction, assessment, and management.
• Design and implement curriculum and instruction consistent with Gardner’s mission, values, and pedagogy.
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and on enhancing instructional practices and strategies.
• Establish effective communications and relationships with students and parents.
• Assist with planning and participate in non-classroom activities, including field trips, supervision of students outside of classroom instruction time, and other school-wide events.
• Participate in and assist with creating events outside of regular school hours, including community events, curriculum nights, our annual Auction fundraising event, and other student activities.
• Provide effective supervision of students to promote a safe and healthy 
environment and school experience.
• Represent the school at community or public events.
• Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned respective to faculty member’s status as a Gardner community member.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Help to maintain school policies, regulations, and expectations.
• Exhibit a growth mindset about teaching practices and work toward professional 
goals and development.
• Develop and maintain professional, collaborative, and collegial relationships with faculty and staff, as well as with community partners to the benefit of students and the program.
• Support the work of the Head of School and administrative/leadership team.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with donor, family, staff and school information.
• Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned respective to staff member’s status as a Gardner community member.
• Timely and professional completion of required training, reports, and forms.
• Attend various meetings as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ideal candidates should be fluent in spoken and written Spanish, and have experience with same.
• Earned Bachelor’s Degree or higher in education, Spanish language, or a related field from an accredited institution; advanced degree in education or related field preferred.
• Current Washington State Teaching Certificate strongly preferred; experience or other state teaching certificates may substitute.
• Ability to teach Early Childhood required; DCYF clearance must be obtained prior to beginning work, including 30 hours of Child Care Basics training. In some instances, DCYF may approve educational background as a proxy for the 30 hour basic course; this is a DCYF judgment that Gardner does not control.
• Ability to pass an in-depth background check and fingerprint.
• Willingness to obtain a TB test and show proof of MMR vaccination status or immunity to measles as part of DCYF certification.
• Demonstrated success working with and supporting multiple intelligences and a neurodiverse population; experience with learning differences and how to expand teaching practices for greater student success.
• Demonstrated success in creative and experiential curriculum development.
• Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills; ability to effectively communicate and work with administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and 
students.
• Proficiency with computers, Google Drive, and other classroom technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to create an effective learning environment and interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences; an ability to learn from and build on varying cultural and community norms of students and their families.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff members are at all times responsible for the supervision of students directly in their care, and for students generally at all times when on campus or off campus during school activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

This is a 10 month, exempt (salaried) teaching position. Included in this position are some required commitments outside of regular school hours, including evening and weekend commitments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Physical requirements are consistent with light physical duties required of school personnel.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: $38,000 – $50,000 for 1.0 FTE (10 months paid over 12)

Position Classification: Salaried Exempt (teacher)

Benefits: Full time, 1.0 FTE positions qualify for Medical, Dental, and Vision at 100% employer paid. Positions less than 1.0 FTE but at least .75 FTE qualify for Medical, Dental, and Vision with a proportionate employer contribution. All positions also qualify for participation in a Simple IRA (up to 3% employer match) and paid time off.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please submit a resume and introductory letter expressing your interest in teaching or working at Gardner School of Arts & Sciences to careers@gardnerschool.org.

It is the policy of Gardner School to maintain a working environment free of all forms of unlawful discrimination. Gardner School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, religion and national or ethnic origin, age, or disability in the administration of educational policies, employment practices or any other school-administered policies or practices.