Secondary Spanish Teacher
Garfield County School District 16
Job Description: JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: High School Spanish Teacher (Grades 9–12)
Position Type: Certified Licensed
Reports To: Building Principal
Supervises: N/A
Location: Grand Valley High School
FLSA Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Work Calendar: Teacher
Pay Range Min and Max: $45,000.00 - $84,112.00
POSITION SUMMARY:
The High School Spanish Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing high-quality instruction aligned to district-adopted curriculum and the Colorado Academic Standards for World Languages. Instruction emphasizes the core high school World Languages standards areas outlined in Colorado's standards: Communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational), Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. The teacher supports students' development of proficiency in Spanish through meaningful communication, cultural understanding, and real-world application of language skills, while creating a safe, inclusive learning environment that promotes student growth and achievement.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
World Language Instruction & Student Learning
• Utilize effective instructional practices to teach district-adopted Spanish curriculum aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards for World Languages.
• Plan and deliver instruction that intentionally develops students' proficiency across the Colorado high school World Languages standards areas: Communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, Presentational), Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.
• Provide opportunities for students to engage in authentic interpersonal communication in Spanish through structured conversations, discussions, and collaborative activities.
• Teach students to interpret spoken and written Spanish across a range of authentic texts and media.
• Guide students in presentational communication in Spanish, including written compositions and oral presentations appropriate to proficiency level.
• Integrate cultural instruction that develops students' understanding of the practices, products, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures.
• Design learning experiences that promote cross-disciplinary connections and comparisons between Spanish and English language structures and cultural perspectives.
• Use target language (Spanish) as the primary language of instruction in accordance with proficiency-based best practices.
• Differentiate instruction to address varying proficiency levels, learning styles, readiness levels, and individual student needs.
• Utilize adopted instructional materials and appropriate supplemental resources, media, and instructional technology to enhance language acquisition.
• Administer formative and summative assessments aligned to proficiency targets to monitor student learning, achievement, and performance, and report results in accordance with district and school procedures.
• Use assessment data to provide meaningful feedback, adjust instruction, and support continuous student growth toward language proficiency benchmarks.
• Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and behavior support plans as required.
Classroom Environment, Safety & Student Well-Being
• Establish and maintain an orderly, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment conducive to language learning and cultural exploration.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies and enforce the Student Conduct Code consistently.
• Promote habits of effective language learners, including risk-taking in communication, perseverance, cultural respect, and academic integrity.
• Supervise students at all times to ensure safety, including during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, field trips, and transportation loading and unloading.
• Model and reinforce appropriate digital citizenship and responsible use of instructional technology.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
Professional Responsibilities & Compliance
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and staff information.
• Comply with all applicable federal and Colorado laws, Board of Education policies, and district and school procedures.
• Demonstrate consistent, punctual attendance and fulfill contractual obligations.
• Protect and care for district property and instructional materials.
• Utilize district technology systems, including email and internet, in accordance with district policy.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to world language instruction and proficiency-based practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Knowledge of high school instructional practices and adolescent development.
• Knowledge of the Colorado Academic Standards for World Languages and how to align instruction and assessment to proficiency-based standards.
• Knowledge of second language acquisition theory and effective world language instructional strategies.
• Ability to plan and deliver instruction in Spanish that develops students' interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills.
• Ability to integrate cultural instruction aligned to Spanish-speaking communities and global perspectives.
• Ability to use formative and summative assessments to evaluate language proficiency and adjust instruction.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both Spanish and English.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a professional team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to frequent interruptions.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety, follow safety procedures, and report unsafe conditions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with completion of an approved teacher licensure program.
• Valid Colorado Teaching License with an appropriate endorsement in Spanish or World Languages (Secondary).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Previous teaching experience implementing Colorado Academic Standards for World Languages at the high school level.
• Experience with proficiency-based instruction and assessment (e.g., performance-based assessments, ACTFL-aligned practices).
• Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, including IEP and 504 populations.
• Advanced proficiency or native/near-native fluency in Spanish.
REPORTS TO:
The Building Principal
SUPERVISES:
Students
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting.
• Supervision of students in various settings, including classrooms, hallways, outdoor areas, and school-sponsored activities.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not exhaustive and may change as needed. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change by the district.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, Garfield County School District No.16 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, family composition, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Harassment, if it rises to the level described in state law, is a prohibited form of discrimination