Downey, California
Posted: 19-Jan-23
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
LOWER SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER
FALL 2023
Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.
We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as
active participants in their own education.
We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world. ~The Park School Mission
The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, coeducational day school of 840 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
The Position:
We are seeking a full-time Lower School Spanish teacher beginning in fall 2023. There are two Spanish teachers in the Lower School, and specific grade level teaching assignments will be determined in consultation with the department and Lower School Principal. Native fluency and experience in teaching Spanish, preferably at the elementary level, are essential. Teachers from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
The Lower School program emphasizes projects and real-life situations in which students use their emerging language skills. Students engage in music, drama, and art as they learn vocabulary and strengthen communication skills. Collaborative work on pedagogy and assessment goes on within the Lower School and with Modern Language faculty from other divisions.
Context:
Park’s Lower School is committed to progressive principles of education. Respect for children and confidence in their natural capacity to learn-and to enjoy learning- are key. The program at all grade levels centers on experiential learning within an integrated curriculum. Our approach emphasizes open-ended inquiry and problem solving, collaborative projects, and exposure to a wide range of learning activities and materials, anchored by a focus on essential understandings and attention to basic skills.
The Lower School at Park includes grades Pre-Kindergarten-Fifth, with an enrollment of 275 students and 40+ faculty. Support personnel include a Lower School Principal, Assistant Principal, Learning Resource Teachers, and Counselor. There are three sections of third grade; each classroom teacher is responsible for one section of 15-18 students. Special area teachers provide instruction in Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, Library, Technology and Science.
Qualifications:
? Orientation to progressive philosophy and teaching methods
? Formal training in lower school education (M.A. or M.A.T. preferred)
? Classroom experience at the lower school level (3+ years)
? Native fluency in Spanish
? Knowledge of Latinx/Hispanic cultures, preferably from direct experience living abroad
? Teaching experience at the elementary level and commitment to working with this age
group
? Orientation to an oral proficiency approach and mastery of a varied, creative array of
pedagogical approaches
? Personal skills needed to work collaboratively with colleagues in a school-wide
department
? Willingness to sponsor or support special modern language events
? Demonstrated ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
? Experience in teaching an integrated, theme-centered curriculum a strong plus
? Experience in curriculum development a strong plus
? Candidates from diverse backgrounds and/or who have experience in cultural
competency work are strongly encouraged to apply
Salary and Benefits:
Park’s salary and benefits are highly competitive with those in other leading area independent schools. For new appointments, salaries reflect experience and training equated to Park’s scales.
In addition to normal retirement and health benefits, the school offers the following distinctive programs:
Faculty and Curricular Advancement (FACA) Program:
This program supports summer professional work by faculty on a distinctive scale. Established in 1989, FACA is supported by a $5.6 million endowment; currently, over 40% of all Park faculty participate in projects annually. Grants cover full salary and benefits for group or individual projects selected through a formal review process.
Tuition Remission:
Under current policy, employees who have been at Park full-time for two years are eligible to receive full tuition remission for their children who attend Park. All candidates, including employee children, must meet Park’s standards for admission. (During the first two years of employment, faculty may apply for aid through the need-based financial assistance program.)
Application Process: Due to the large volume of incoming resumes, we cannot accept phone calls. Interested candidates are asked to send a letter of interest, personal statement, resume and list of references via email or US mail.
Contact Person:
Priscilla Morales
Associate Head of School
The Park School of Baltimore
2425 Old Court Road
Baltimore, MD 21208
academicresources@parkschool.net
The Park School of Baltimore does not discriminate against employees or applicants for
employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or any physical or mental disability unrelated to a reasonable performance of an employee's duties.
