High School Teacher - Spanish

Civitas Education Partners - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

About the position

As a High School Teacher at Civitas Education Partners, you will play a crucial role in preparing graduates to become agents of change. This position is informed by the school's mission, and you will be responsible for ensuring that all students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for academic progress and achievement. Your responsibilities will include reflecting the mission and guiding principles of the school, upholding the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, and building positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders. You will utilize curriculum materials adopted by the school, as well as supplemental and teacher-made materials, to teach appropriate content and skills. You will develop lesson plans that accommodate a range of learning styles and specialized needs, creating a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation. Active participation in school improvement activities, curriculum development, and collaboration with colleagues will be essential. You will implement research-based curriculum and instructional models, facilitate a rigorous curriculum designed to promote student academic progress, and assess student performance regularly to benchmark progress on course standards. In addition to teaching, you will maintain accurate records of students' progress, communicate effectively with parents and guardians, and participate in professional development opportunities. Your role will also involve demonstrating cultural competence and supporting the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students. You will be expected to reflect, support, and promote the mission and vision of the school, as well as the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I).

Responsibilities

• Implement research-based curriculum and instructional models.
• Facilitate a rigorous, research-based curriculum designed to promote student academic progress and achievement.
• Plan, prepare and deliver standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
• Establish clear and positive learning standards and expectations for all students by which to evaluate academic progress.
• Develop schemes of work, lesson plans and activities that are in accordance with established procedures.
• Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Use a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Assess student performance at frequent and regular intervals in order to benchmark progress on course standards and learning targets.
• Ensure the academic success of every scholar by using formative assessments to adjust learning plans and summative assessments to measure objective attainment.
• Provide opportunity for re-assessment to encourage skill mastery.
• Develop assessments that are in accordance with established procedures.
• Provide frequent, specific feedback on work that advances learning.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, network policies and school protocols.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance and development.
• Integrate student choice into assessment structure/product.
• Build and maintain positive, productive, professional relationships with students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing expectations and procedures.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the expectations, disciplinary models, and systems of the school.
• Demonstrate respect and regard for students, colleagues, and parents.
• Cultivate positive relationships and address the social and emotional needs of scholars using research-based methods as identified by school leaders.
• Encourage parent and community involvement; obtain information for parents when requested.
• Initiate appropriate conferences with parents, guardians, administrators, etc. in accordance with school procedures.
• Effectively, respectfully, and professionally communicate with parents or guardians and students on matters related to student's academic progress, attendance, and conduct.
• Demonstrate a dedication to collaboration, innovation, and flexible approaches to professional practice.
• Participate positively and productively in department, school, network, and parent meetings.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of new teaching techniques and approaches to assessment.
• Actively participate in discussions and programs to improve student performance, experience, attendance, conduct.
• Integrate students into curricular planning and assessment development.
• Collaborate with the school faculty and administration in the development and implementation of program instruction.
• Engage actively, positively, and productively in the instructional coaching process.
• Accept and apply coaching feedback.
• Attend to and fulfill professional obligations as defined by the school and network.
• Engage in structured lesson planning that provides differentiated options for multiple skill levels that are objective based using the standards and curriculum identified by the school Instructional Leadership Team.
• Produce and share lesson plans in accordance with the procedures established by the school.
• Maintain a current, accurate gradebook in accordance with the procedures established by the school.
• Implement the grading protocols established by the school.
• Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, partnerships.
• Prepare required reports on students and activities.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress, intervention outcomes, and student needs.
• Prepare classroom, physical or virtual, for class activities.
• Assign and grade class work, assignments, projects, and assessments in accordance with school and network protocols.
• Maintain accurate and daily attendance records.
• Promptly return phone calls and answer emails within 24-48 weekday hours.
• Attend school events to better understand student interest and personalities outside of the regular classroom.
• Follow school and network policies and protocols.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in content area or aligned content area (Required).
• Master's Degree in content area or aligned content area (Preferred).
• Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educators License (PEL) (9-12 Strongly Preferred) or current, comparable out-of-state licensure.
• Endorsements in Spanish (Strongly Preferred).
• Endorsement in ESL (A Plus!).
• Fluent Spanish Speaker (Required).
• Experience with planning and teaching high school (Required).
• Experience in urban high school setting (Strongly Preferred).
• Substantial knowledge of subject matter consistent with state certification requirements, academic content, contemporary principles and practices of teaching, assessment, and classroom and behavior management techniques.
• Ability to modify instruction as necessary to meet student needs.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, parents and/or guardians, staff members, and community representatives.
• Capacity to be flexible in approaches to instruction, assessment, and relationship building.
• Fundamental understanding of human development principles as applied to children and adolescents.
• Strong ability to apply contemporary principles and practices of teaching.
• Solid oral and written communication skills.
• Sound and professional judgment.
• Strong technical skills - ability to work with Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and presentation platforms and equipment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in urban high school setting (Strongly Preferred).
• Endorsement in ESL (A Plus!).

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Support for professional growth and membership in local, state and national educational organizations.