Dual Language Grade 4 SPANISH Teacher, Bentley Academy Innovation School, Salem Public Schools

Job Description

Dual Language Grade 4 SPANISH Teacher, Bentley Academy Innovation School, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY]

Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds.

Bentley Academy Innovation School, in partnership with the Multilingual Learner Department of Salem Public Schools, launched a two-way immersion Spanish-English dual language program with two kindergarten classrooms during the 2020‑2021 school year. The program has grown by one grade level each year. The school will add two 5th grade classrooms and a preschool classroom for the 2025‑26 school year, as the final phase of building our Dual Language elementary program.

The goals of the program are for all students, regardless of language background, to become bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English, to achieve academically in all subjects at high levels, and to exhibit the skills and disposition of sociocultural competence.

• Teach literacy, language arts, mathematics, and science in Spanish.
• Use strategies conducive to native speakers and language learners such as sheltered instruction, strategic pairing, and cooperative learning.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect the learning styles and needs of students.
• Provide structure in the classroom by promoting a positive environment conducive to learning for students of all backgrounds and language proficiency levels, using SEL and culturally responsive strategies.
• Prepare teaching materials and related reports, including ongoing data analyses for the purpose of improving instruction, implementing lesson plans, and documenting student progress.
• Instruct and provide assistance for student learning, individually or in groups, designing lessons that present and reinforce learning concepts.
• Assess students in language and content proficiency, collect data, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Communicate regularly and proactively with all families about student progress and concerns, employing a culturally proficient and respectful approach in all communication.
• Participate in professional development sessions to contribute to the development and sustainability of the dual language program.
• Work under the general supervision of the building principal and other building administrators at Bentley Academy Innovation School.

We are looking for candidates who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission, and are highly motivated to change children's lives through education. You will thrive here if you are a reflective practitioner who values collaboration with colleagues and pushes yourself, your work, and the people around you to the next level. We expect our employees to:

• Hold a deep commitment to students and families and value diversity.
• Hold high expectations for yourself, students, and colleagues.
• Build authentic, caring relationships with colleagues, students, and families.
• Embrace feedback and use it as an opportunity for professional development.

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Native literacy or highly advanced proficiency in Spanish required.
• Required Massachusetts teaching certification/licensure in Elementary 1‑6.
• Bilingual educator endorsement or willingness to obtain one as required by MA state law.
• Dual certification a plus (ESL or a content area).
• Maintain professional competence through in-service education activities and/or self-selected professional growth activities.
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience, preferably in an urban…