BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Spanish Teacher: Fair Plain Middle School

SUPERVISOR: Building Principal

LOCATION: Fair Plain Middle School

JOB SUMMARY

We are looking for a creative, energetic, and flexible Middle School Spanish Teacher to join our team at Fair Plain. The middle school years are a critical time for language acquisition; therefore, the Spanish Teacher's responsibilities include developing engaging, interactive lesson plans that bridge the gap between elementary exposure and high school proficiency. You should be able to provide developmentally appropriate instruction on Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and Hispanic cultures while managing the unique social-emotional needs of middle school learners. To be successful, you should be able to foster a classroom culture of curiosity, global awareness, and linguistic confidence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Certification: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with appropriate Spanish endorsement (FF) for the middle school grade levels OR qualifies for a full-year permit and BHAS Teacher-in-Training Pathway.
Experience: Have at least two (2) years of successful teaching experience, preferably in a middle school setting.
Technology: Familiarity with virtual/online learning and the ability to incorporate language-learning technology into the classroom.
Leadership: Strong academic preparation and the ability to lead a classroom of diverse learners.
Communication: Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish.
Context: Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban school district and build rapport with middle school students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in Education, Spanish, or Applied Linguistics.
Experience with Total Physical Response (TPR) or Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS).
Near-native fluency in Spanish.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Delivery: Teach Spanish language foundations and cultural literacy utilizing the middle school curriculum adopted by the District.
Middle School Specialization: Develop lesson plans that incorporate movement, gamification, and interactive projects to keep middle schoolers engaged.
Classroom Management: Establish and maintain firm, fair, and consistent standards of student behavior to achieve a functional learning environment.
Evaluation: Evaluate students' academic growth and conversational progress, keep appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.
Cultural Integration: Introduce students to the diverse traditions, music, and history of Spanish-speaking countries to foster a global perspective.
Parental Communication: Regularly communicate with parents/guardians regarding student progress and behavioral milestones.
Collaboration: Participate in grade-level team meetings and cooperate with support staff to address the specific learning needs of middle school students.
Environment: Create a visually stimulating and "language-rich" environment through interactive displays and cultural bulletin boards.
Attendance: Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job duty.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Commitment to Equity: Passionate about ensuring every child at Fair Plain receives an excellent world language education regardless of background.
Relatability: Ability to connect with middle school students and motivate them to take risks in speaking a new language.
Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility; finds creative ways to make language learning relevant to 11-14 year olds.
Adaptability: Excels in a dynamic middle school environment and adapts flexibly to shifting school priorities.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with the Fair Plain staff to support school-wide initiatives and a positive building culture.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary based on education and experience pursuant to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and collective bargaining agreement.

EVALUATION

The performance of this job will be evaluated by the Building Principal of Fair Plain Middle School.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and engage in high-energy instruction. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to monitor a classroom effectively.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER