Spanish Teacher

About This Role

The Spanish Teacher at Fair Plain Middle School will develop engaging and interactive lesson plans, bridging elementary exposure to high school proficiency in language acquisition. This role requires providing developmentally appropriate instruction on Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and Hispanic cultures, while also managing the social-emotional needs of middle school learners. You will foster a classroom culture of curiosity, global awareness, and linguistic confidence.

Responsibilities

• Teach Spanish language foundations and cultural literacy utilizing the middle school curriculum adopted by the District
• Develop lesson plans that incorporate movement, gamification, and interactive projects to keep middle schoolers engaged
• Establish and maintain firm, fair, and consistent standards of student behavior to achieve a functional learning environment
• Evaluate students' academic growth and conversational progress, keep appropriate records, and prepare progress reports
• Introduce students to the diverse traditions, music, and history of Spanish-speaking countries to foster a global perspective
• Regularly communicate with parents/guardians regarding student progress and behavioral milestones
• Participate in grade-level team meetings and cooperate with support staff to address the specific learning needs of middle school students
• Create a visually stimulating and "language-rich" environment through interactive displays and cultural bulletin boards
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance

Requirements

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with appropriate Spanish endorsement (FF) for the middle school grade levels OR qualifies for a full-year permit and BHAS Teacher-in-Training Pathway
• At least two years of successful teaching experience, preferably in a middle school setting
• Familiarity with virtual/online learning and the ability to incorporate language-learning technology into the classroom
• Strong academic preparation and the ability to lead a classroom of diverse learners
• Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish
• Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban school district and build rapport with middle school students
• Passionate about ensuring every child at Fair Plain receives an excellent world language education regardless of background
• Ability to connect with middle school students and motivate them to take risks in speaking a new language
• Approaches work with a sense of possibility; finds creative ways to make language learning relevant to 11-14 year olds
• Excels in a dynamic middle school environment and adapts flexibly to shifting school priorities
• Works collaboratively with the Fair Plain staff to support school-wide initiatives and a positive building culture

Nice to have:

• Master's degree in Education, Spanish, or Applied Linguistics
• Experience with Total Physical Response (TPR) or Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
• Near-native fluency in Spanish

Important Details

• Supervisor: Building Principal
• Evaluation: By the Building Principal of Fair Plain Middle School

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and engage in high-energy instruction
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to monitor a classroom effectively

About the Company

Benton Harbor Area Schools is looking for a creative, energetic, and flexible Middle School Spanish Teacher to join their team at Fair Plain.