Middle School Spanish Teacher

Overview

Starting in the  Academic Year

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website riendsschool.org.

The school seeks teachers who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.

San Francisco Friends School (SFFS) seeks a passionate and creative Spanish language teacher to join our middle school Spanish department and teach two sections of mainstream Spanish and combined 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade classes for our HABLA (Heritage and Bilingual Language Arts) Español program. Our HABLA program is designed to serve heritage Spanish-speaking students and students who have achieved advanced proficiency in Spanish through a dual-immersion bilingual elementary program, or equivalent learning environment.

The ideal candidate brings a love of the Spanish language, an in-depth understanding of the principles of Spanish language acquisition, an appreciation for the cultures of Spanish-speaking communities, and a commitment to serving and preserving the linguistic and cultural identities of heritage Spanish-speaking students, whose needs are unique from other students acquiring Spanish in our mainstream program.

Rooted in Quaker values of community, equity, and reflection, the teacher will cultivate a respectful, inclusive classroom culture that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and student voice. The position calls for someone who is not only technically skilled but also deeply student-centered, flexible, and enthusiastic about engaging middle schoolers in meaningful, imaginative work.

• Spanish Department Responsibilities
• Designing and teaching an interdisciplinary Spanish language arts curriculum for split-grade (5th/6th and 7th/8th) classes based on best practices for heritage Spanish-speakers and non-native, non-heritage language students with an advanced proficiency in Spanish
• Teaching Spanish curriculum for 5th and 6th graders
• Foster a classroom culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and affirming of all students’ identities and backgrounds.
• Integrate culturally sustaining pedagogy and reflect on teaching practice through the lens of equity and justice.
• Manage tools, materials, and technology resources; ensure safety protocols and effective student training on equipment.
• Supporting close teamwork for curriculum development, program development, and student assessment.

• Duties and Responsibilities Outside of the Department
• Assist the admissions team in assessing students for entry into the HABLA Español program
• Serve as a middle school advisor, supporting a small group of students academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year. Facilitate three weekly advisory meetings, student-led conferences, and family communication, fostering a strong sense of belonging and a growth mindset.
• Contribute to the life of the middle school through participation in team meetings and professional development.
• Attend annual Field Studies overnight program
• Support and participate in school-wide events, service learning, and community-building activities and events.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher, in design or related field preferred
• Superior Spanish-speaking abilities and in-depth knowledge of the Spanish language and cultures of Spanish-speaking communities
• Knowledge of current language acquisition pedagogies for heritage Spanish speakers and students for whom Spanish is not their first language
• Late elementary, middle school, or early high school teaching experience, and…