Founding Spanish Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep

About the role

The Founding Spanish Teacher plays a critical role in shaping the world language program at Cedar Rapids Prep, ensuring students develop both linguistic proficiency and cultural competence. Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering engaging and rigorous Spanish instruction
• Developing and refining curriculum to support language acquisition and real-world application
• Fostering a passion for global perspectives among students
• Teaching sections of Spanish to both 8th and 9th grade students
• Working closely with fellow teachers and school leadership to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies
• Communicating regularly with families about student progress
• Participating in school events and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community

Responsibilities

As a Founding Spanish Teacher, you will deliver high-quality Spanish instruction that builds students' fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. You will also:

• Develop and refine curriculum to align with state standards and best practices in second language acquisition
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring all students can access and succeed in Spanish coursework
• Utilize data to track student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly
• Work to expand course offerings over time, building a robust Spanish program that includes advanced coursework and cultural immersion experiences
• Foster student engagement by integrating cultural exploration, real-world application, and interdisciplinary connections into Spanish instruction
• Establish partnerships with local organizations, universities, and cultural institutions to provide students with enrichment opportunities

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates should have:

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in world languages
• A strong track record of student achievement
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students at varying levels of scientific understanding
• Experience integrating technology, data analysis, and real-world applications into language instruction

Qualifications

The ideal candidate possesses:

• A deep belief in all students’ potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve instructional practice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Adaptability and excitement about being part of a founding team at a new school
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Cedar Rapids Prep’s premier college prep school

Skills

Skills required for this position include:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and school leadership
• Proficiency in using technology and data analysis tools
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Benefits

Cedar Rapids Prep offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Tuition-free education for eligible employees and their dependents
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement savings plan

Pay

The salary for this position is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations.

Schedule

The Founding Spanish Teacher will work a standard school schedule, including summers off.