Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Lead Spanish Teacher (Grades 1-3)

 Job Description:

Join Our Inspiring Team as a Spanish Teacher for Grades 1-3 at Mountain Sage Community School!

Mountain Sage Community School, a Waldorf-inspired public charter school serving grades K-8, is excited to welcome a passionate and dedicated Spanish Teacher for grades 1-3 to our vibrant faculty. If you're committed to fostering language acquisition, creativity, and a love of learning in young students, we want to hear from you!

At Mountain Sage, we embrace the principles of Waldorf education, creating enriching experiences that nurture the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of our students. As a Spanish Teacher, you'll play a critical role in shaping a joyful and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation through language learning.

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum Delivery:

  • Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that adhere to state standards and align with the Waldorf curriculum, incorporating storytelling, songs, artistic activities, and movement to facilitate language acquisition.
  • Introduce foundational Spanish language skills through hands-on activities, games, and interactive learning experiences that resonate with the developmental stage of 1st-3rd graders.

Differentiation:

  • Tailor instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of your students, using varied teaching methods such as group work, visual aids, and playful activities to support different learning styles.
  • Provide personalized support and enrichment for students who may require additional assistance or challenge in their language studies.

Assessment and Evaluation:

  • Assess student performance through ongoing observations, informal assessments, and interactive activities that reflect their understanding rather than traditional testing.
  • Track student progress through anecdotal notes and regular communication, providing timely feedback to students and parents regarding academic and developmental growth.

Classroom Management:

  • Establish and maintain a warm, safe, and respectful classroom environment that promotes a love of learning and encourages cooperation, respect, and responsibility among students.
  • Implement positive classroom management strategies that promote engagement, respect, and enthusiasm for language learning while allowing for self-directed exploration.

Collaboration:

  • Work collaboratively with other teachers, specialists, and staff to enhance the educational experience and share best practices that reflect the principles of Waldorf education.
  • Participate in regular meetings with colleagues to discuss student progress, plan thematic units, and coordinate resources that support interdisciplinary learning.

Parental Communication:

  • Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share insights into student progress, classroom activities, and any concerns that may arise.
  • Encourage and facilitate parental involvement in the educational process, including participation in classroom activities, festivals, and parent evenings.

Professional Development:

  • Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in language education and Waldorf methodologies.
  • Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions as required by the school to enhance teaching practices and foster a growth mindset.
  • Proactively seek and be open to feedback, direction, and suggestions from mentors and colleagues to improve instructional strategies and classroom effectiveness.

Who You Are: In addition to the required qualifications (below), the ideal candidate will bring:

  • Waldorf training or a strong understanding of arts-integrated education.
  • A commitment to fostering a positive, nurturing classroom culture.
  • A collaborative spirit, ready to engage with colleagues and support our educational philosophy.
  • A dedication to ongoing professional development and parent education to strengthen our community ties and educational program.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree in education, Spanish language, or a related field.
  • Effective classroom management and communication skills.
  • Strong understanding of language acquisition and differentiation strategies for young learners.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience with primary-aged students, preferably in a Waldorf setting.
  • Technology proficiency and knowledge of curriculum standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A Master's degree in education, Spanish, or a related field.
  • A valid Colorado teaching license with an elementary school endorsement or appropriate subject area certification.
  • Experience or certification in Waldorf education.

Compensation and Hours

Hours are between 8am-4pm Monday through Thursday during the academic school year, with specific hours to be determined once schedules are finalized. We anticipate the position will be between 30-34 hours a week. 

The starting wage determined using the Mountain Sage Salary Schedule. We offer state retirement benefits (PERA), health benefits, and paid time off.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference? If you are passionate about becoming part of our energetic team and helping to cultivate a warm and innovative learning space, we invite you to apply! At Mountain Sage, your role will go beyond teaching; you'll have the opportunity to inspire a new generation of inquisitive and imaginative minds in a community that honors every individual. Join us in this exciting journey!

Please visit our school website prior to applying.

To Apply:

To complete and submit your online job application, you will need:

  • Job and educational history
  • Applicable licenses or certifications
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Teaching positions require a statement describing your educational philosophy
  • Three professional references and email addresses.

No phone calls. We will accept applications via our our online job application only, until the position(s) are filled. You will be contacted by a member of the Hiring Committee if we are interested in pursuing your application.

Mountain Sage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  Required Skills:

Resume Learners Philosophy Cooperation Communication Skills Spanish Hiring Participation Conferences Teaching Workshops Critical Thinking Education Email Testing Training Communication Management