The Spanish Specialist will perform the following duties:

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Spanish Language Instruction & Program Development

• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate Spanish language instruction for students across multiple grade levels.
• Foster students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish through immersive, interactive, and culturally responsive learning experiences.
• Design lessons and learning materials that support a range of learning styles and abilities while maintaining fidelity to Montessori philosophy and practice.
• Create a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, creativity, and a willingness to communicate in Spanish.
• Integrate Spanish language learning with cultural studies, global awareness, and meaningful connections to students' lives and interests.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and support students in achieving language proficiency goals.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to reinforce cross-curricular connections and enrich the broader educational experience.
• Support students in developing independence, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward language learning.

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Assessment, Observation & Documentation

• Assess student progress through ongoing observation, formative assessments, performance tasks, and other developmentally appropriate measures.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction, provide feedback, and support student growth in language acquisition.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of student progress, assessments, and communication using the school's systems (e.g., Transparent Classroom or equivalent).
• Prepare written progress reports and contribute to student narratives and family conferences as appropriate.
• Monitor and document student engagement and achievement to support continuous program improvement.

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Collaboration & Professional Partnership

• Collaborate closely with classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators to ensure a cohesive and integrated educational experience for students.
• Serve as a resource to faculty regarding Spanish language acquisition, cultural learning, and effective instructional practices.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, professional development activities, and curriculum planning efforts.
• Contribute to school-wide initiatives, events, performances, and celebrations that promote language learning and cultural understanding.
• Partner with colleagues to create an inclusive learning environment that supports the success of all students.

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Family Engagement

• Partner with families as collaborative, informed participants in their child’s learning journey.
• Communicate proactively and compassionately with parents/caregivers regarding student progress, challenges, and strategies.

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School Culture & Community

• Embody MCS’s core values in all interactions with students, families, and staffulty.
• Help cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and supportive school environment for all learners.
• Participate in the life of the school community, including events and occasional evening or weekend commitments.
• Support school-wide practices that promote student well-being, belonging, and positive behavior.

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Professional Responsibilities & Growth

• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to learning differences, intervention strategies, and Montessori-informed support practices.
• Seek and incorporate feedback from colleagues and supervisors to continually refine practice.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professionalism in all aspects of the role.
• Complete all required documentation, reporting, and administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.

Successful candidates for this role will evidence the following qualifications:

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Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or teaching credential in a relevant field of study preferred.
• Three to five years of classroom teaching experience with preschool and elementary aged children.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to partner effectively with students, families, faculty, and outside professionals.
• Commitment to a strengths-based, student-centered approach that fosters independence, confidence, and self-advocacy.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in working with a diverse school community.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Heritage speaker level competence (oral and written) in both English and Spanish
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

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Essential Job Functions 

The physical demands described here represent essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• The role is performed primarily in a school setting and requires the physical stamina necessary to engage regularly with preschool- and elementary-aged children.
• Duties include frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, and sitting at children’s level, including teaching full lessons while seated on the classroom floor.
• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as classroom materials or emergency supplies, and to assist a child if needed for safety purposes.
• The employee must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or manipulate materials, including Montessori materials of various sizes, shapes, and textures.
• The employee must be able to move quickly and safely in response to student behaviors or emergency situations, both indoors and outdoors.
• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, necessary for observing children, reading instructional materials, and using a computer.
• Hearing and speaking abilities are required to communicate clearly with students, staff, and parents; give instructions; participate in meetings; and respond to safety concerns or emergencies.
• The employee is regularly exposed to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including varying weather, moderate noise levels, and the typical hazards associated with supervising active children.
• The role requires daily direct interaction with students, including close physical proximity, to provide instruction, guidance, redirection, and classroom management.
• Regular in-person communication and collaboration with parents, colleagues, administrators, and other members of the school community is required.

All MCS employees must clear a DOJ/FBI background check (LiveScan), must provide a negative TB test, must know the school emergency procedures, and must perform other duties not specifically stated as directed by the Head of School.