Lower School Spanish Teacher

Description

School Profile: Battle Ground Academy is a coeducational, college preparatory, day school serving students in grades PK-12 in historic Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 1889, BGA is the oldest PK-12 independent school in Williamson County.  The school’s mission to ignite and nurture student curiosity, intellect, and character drives dynamic academic programs in an inclusive and welcoming learning community. Learn more about our mission and core values. 

Position Summary

Battle Ground Academy is seeking an innovative and engaging Lower School Spanish Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. The Lower School Spanish program is a language acquisition model that balances Spanish language proficiency with cultural competency. Candidates must be able to design curriculum and successfully engage students in learning experiences based on ACTFL standards, authentic resources, and professional creativity. 

Successful candidates will integrate a keen sense of intellectual curiosity with a deep conceptual understanding of best practices in instruction and child development; possess enthusiasm for learning and a growth mindset; and actively support the school’s mission. Excellent communication skills, a passion for working with young children and their families, and a positive, servant-leader attitude are essential. The ideal candidate is reflective of personal teaching practice, eager to grow professionally, and willing to collaborate in a joyful learning community. 

Scholarship

• Demonstrates a high level of competency in world languages and cultures.
• Designs and implements a robust Lower School Spanish program guided by ACTFL standards and in alignment with the educational philosophy, curriculum, and mission of the school
• Demonstrates reflective and collaborative teaching, a growth mindset, and commitment to professional growth
• Employs formative assessment methods to support and shape learning, and provides authentic and meaningful feedback to promote academic growth 

Creativity

• Ignites in children a love of language learning and an understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures
• Deepens the language experience of heritage Spanish speakers through differentiated instruction and book clubs
• Differentiates instruction by using a variety of instructional strategies to meet students varying needs
• Promotes curiosity; connects learning to other disciplines and authentic, real-world applications
• Introduces essential questions that encourage exploration and fosters student questions that promote curiosity, collaboration, problem-solving, and academic risk-taking

Compassion

• Actively cultivates relationships and community so that every student feels known, loved, and valued
• Manages classroom effectively while creating a positive learning climate that promotes active listening, fairness, and respect for varied perspectives and worldviews
• Encourages an inclusive community that honors the different perspectives and backgrounds of others and elicits in students a greater understanding of the world around them.

Professionalism

• Cultivates open, supportive, and consistent communication with parents, staff, and administrators in a positive learning environment
• Maintains the highest standards of professionalism, collegiality, and personal conduct while actively supporting the school’s mission and enthusiastically serving as an ambassador for the school
• Engages in the school community in the areas of school life, co-curricular responsibilities, and attending plays, concerts, etc. 
• Actively serves as an ambassador of the school in the community
• Appropriately carries out specific assignments and fulfills other duties as assigned
• Complies with all conditions as stated in the employee and faculty handbooks

Requirements

•  Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree (preferred) in Spanish or Spanish Education
• Keen interest in guiding, nurturing, and inspiring young learners.
• Exemplary role model
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective time-manager
• Proficient in the use of computer applications as required
• To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently
• The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities