Middle School Spanish Teacher

Reports to: the Middle School Principal

Hours: Full time

Contract: 1 year, fixed-term contract (sabbatical cover)

Overall purpose

The Middle School Spanish Language and Cultures teacher will direct instruction for students in grades 5-8 (age 10-14). Classes aim to develop skills in the four areas of language study: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Use of English is kept to a minimum. Chinese, French, and Spanish are the Middle School’s core languages.

Summary of duties:

• Teach four sections of Spanish and a daily advisory
• Prepare courses, coordinate and plan curriculum with other members of the department, and liaise with other departments as appropriate
• Monitor and evaluate students’ progress, prepare for parent conferences, complete report cards, etc.
• Exhibit knowledge of current trends, pedagogy, research, and topics of importance in world language education by applying it in the classroom and sharing it with teachers on a departmental and school-wide basis
• Utilize effective assessment methods, both summative and formative, to inform instruction
• Take responsibility for the safety and well-being of all students at all times
• Organize and participate in field trips to facilitate active learning
• Participate in regular, purposeful pedagogy meetings and professional development sessions
• Participate actively in the life of the School community
• Any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the Middle School Principal

Selection Criteria

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in linguistics or languages
• Fluent Spanish speaker
• Demonstrable knowledge of the culture and literature of Spanish-speaking countries
• Experience teaching languages in a school setting, which will include substantive experience teaching Spanish
• Training and experience in cultural competency initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom, department, and workplace
• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children
• Experience and commitment to collaborative working in a team-focused environment
• Experience with differentiating instruction to meet the learning needs of all students
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Significant recent professional development germane to the position
• Commitment to and facility with integration of technology in the service of student learning
• Willingness to contribute to school life and activities in additional ways through coaching, advising and special projects
• Ability to support and nurture the school-home partnership

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Experience within a standards-based curriculum
• Teaching experience in an international/independent school environment

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills. Educators with knowledge of global education and prospective applicants for any position who are committed to diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome to apply. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex,

age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement on our website.