Springfield Public Schools, MO - Springfield, MA
posted 3 months ago
About the position
Springfield Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and passionate Spanish Dual Language teacher for the Gerena Community School. This position is integral to the development of a new dual language program set to launch in September 2023. The selected educator will play a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and program design, contributing to the foundation of dual language education within the Springfield Public Schools system. The program will utilize a 50/50 language model, where students will engage in learning 50% of the day in English and 50% in Spanish. This innovative approach aims to foster bilingualism and biliteracy among students while also enhancing their socio-cultural competence. In this role, the teacher will not only deliver instruction in core subjects such as Spanish language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science but will also integrate cultural traditions and histories from the Spanish-speaking world in a developmentally appropriate manner. Springfield Public Schools is committed to providing educators with ongoing professional development, resources, and strategies necessary for effective dual language programming. The district emphasizes collaborative relationships, high expectations, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility to ensure the success of all students. The motivation behind the SPS Dual Language program is to implement a research-based educational model aimed at closing the achievement and opportunity gaps. By engaging students in rigorous academic content in both languages, the program aspires to cultivate biliteracy, bilingualism, and multicultural awareness. Springfield Public Schools is dedicated to creating a community of learners that values diversity and inclusion, welcoming all families to participate in this enriching educational experience.
Responsibilities
- Teach in a 50/50 model program, including Spanish language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, using district curriculum maps and curricular resources.
- Create a positive, language-rich, asset-based, multicultural learning environment that is conducive to the learning and success of all students and language proficiencies.
- Administer language and literacy assessments in Spanish, analyze student data to inform planning, develop targeted instruction, and make instructional decisions.
- Participate and collaborate in building-based and department staff meetings.
- Work as a vested member of the dual language team on issues specifically related to dual language, philosophy, programs, and approaches.
- Thoughtfully plan lessons with grade-level partners and implement specific strategies to meet the needs of all students while fostering cultural understanding, developing students' social growth, and focusing on language acquisition.
- Fulfill duties related to dual language teaching and learning and district goals for growing dual language programming.
Requirements
- A valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) license; Early Childhood PK-2 or Elementary 1-6.
- High levels of academic proficiency and literacy in both program languages (Spanish and English), with a passing score on one of the following current DESE-approved assessments: Spanish MTEL, or Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency Test through ACTFL.
- Hold or commit to pursuing a DESE Bilingual Education Endorsement.
- SEI Endorsement as approved by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (preferred).
- Participate in district and school-based dual language professional development.
- Understanding of and a strong commitment to the philosophy of dual language learning and teaching.
- Strong organizational skills, time-management, and communication skills.
- Demonstrates a high level of cooperation to work with grade-level and dual-language teams.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in dual language or bilingual education settings.
- Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Ability to engage families in the educational process.
Benefits
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Access to curriculum resources and support for dual language programming.
- Collaborative work environment with a focus on inclusiveness and diversity.
