Upper School Spanish Specialist (Grades 9-12

Spanish Specialist & World Language Coordinator

Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan in 2014, is an innovative TK-12 independent school with 3 campuses, serving over 260 students in Silicon Valley, CA. Our Lower School (grades TK-5) is in Palo Alto, CA, our Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are in Mountain View, CA.

We were established to test and refine the educational vision outlined in Sal Khan's 2012 book, "The One World Schoolhouse," which explores the development of modern education, the origins of Khan Academy, and a forward-thinking approach to both in-person and online learning.

Building on this foundation, Sal Khan's latest book, "Brave New Words," further expands on his educational philosophy and vision for the future. At Khan Lab School, we're committed to implementing these innovative ideas and preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

The Spanish Specialist & World Language Coordinator is an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of an Upper School experience. The Spanish Specialist & World Language Coordinator partners with the Upper School Director and Upper School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision, and guide students in their social and emotional development.

In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions, and faculty and staff meetings. All teachers are required to participate in several admissions events (see below) and after-school events that are beyond the normal work day that ends at 4:00 PM.

Also, the World Language Coordinator duties include facilitating the language program by designing, reviewing, and revising the scope and sequence of the Spanish courses by vetting, validating, and coordinating with other organizations on languages other than Spanish.

Academic Duties

• Teach high school-level courses as assigned by the Upper School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools. Return student work in a timely manner, within 5 days.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments at the beginning of Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Lead advisory sessions for a group of students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Mentor and support students in their individual student-driven projects, including Applied Learning projects by checking in on their progress and helping to connect them to outside resources.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

World Language Coordinator

• Develop and drive the Khanversation Hour Program in both Spanish and other languages
• Vet and validate external programs for languages other than Spanish.
• Meet twice per term with students taking languages other than Spanish to check in on their progress and organize transcript submissions
• Design and revise the scope and sequence for the Spanish program.
• Including revisiting the sequencing from MS to US Spanish, potentially focusing more on Spanish 1-3 than 3-5.
• Coordinate internal curriculum material use (e.g., textbooks).
• Experiment with technology-driven methods for language practice in any language, including but not limited to the use of AI tools for language practice
• Prepare and present with directors to community stakeholders, including parents and administration, about the World Language Program (e.g., at Open House events)

Extended Day (Middle School)

• Student Safety and Well-Being:
  Act as the primary adult responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment at all times between 4 and 6 PM.
• Student Supervision:
  Circulate regularly to supervise students and keep them engaged in appropriate activities.
• Student Support and Engagement:
  Assist with homework or projects during Goal Time, supporting a productive and respectful learning environment.

Teaching & Vision Alignment

• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Primarily utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, peer teaching, and independent studies.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by…