Head of Middle School Spanish/ Middle School and High School Spanish Teacher

UWCSEA has a vacancy for August 2024 at its Dover Campus for a Teacher of Middle School Spanish with the possibility of Head of Department responsibility. The appointee will teach Grade 6 to Grade 8 and some HS Spanish.

They work/lead with teachers in creating a positive learning environment based on the values of honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility. All teachers foster a sense of community within the Middle School through their active leadership and interactions with students, parents, teachers, and the wider community.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they are an excellent and inspiring practitioner with the drive to continually develop within the profession.

By applying for this job, you are committed to meet the vaccination requirement by the Singapore Government. You may refer to https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination-requirements-as-a-condition-for-mom-passes for the latest requirement.

Main Responsibilities

• Teachers should contribute positively to the collaborative culture of the Spanish department and broader Middle School team.
• Teachers should construct learning experiences that challenge students, support the diversity of learners in each classroom and demonstrate a strong commitment to concept-based teaching and learning.
• Teachers should utilise the UWCSEA Learning Principles as a foundation for effective teaching and learning.
• Teachers should ensure assessments support ongoing learning and provide timely, relevant and appropriate feedback to students on formative and summative assessments.
• Teachers should demonstrate effective classroom management that shows an understanding of the academic, social and emotional dimensions of learning.
• Teachers should keep parents informed about the learning of their children, and be proactive in communication with parents.

Leadership (if applicant is awarded Head of Department Responsibilities)

To ensure the Middle School (MS) has an extensive, engaging and pedagogically age-appropriate Spanish language programme that is consistent with the defined values and practices of UWCSEA.

• Leading for effective student learning in MS Spanish and across the UWCSEA Learning Programme as appropriate; in particular supporting the College Curriculum Articulation Process with the Spanish department.
• Leading the Spanish department in a transition to a concept-based assessment and reporting system.
• Leading the analysis of student learning data in MS Spanish classes to inform teaching and learning.
• Supporting the professional development of colleagues through mentoring, coaching, the Professional Learning Programme (PLP), and other structures.
• Playing an active role in supporting newly appointed MS Spanish teachers.

Management

• Ensuring the effective implementation of the Spanish curriculum in MS Spanish classes.
• Overseeing student assessment to ensure it supports learning; reviewing and monitoring the assessments and reports; coordinating and ensuring the moderation of assessment.
• Liaising with other HODs, the MS Vice Principal of Academics, and Director of Teaching and Learning to oversee the development of curriculum aligned with MS Strategic initiatives, notably the Curriculum Articulation project.
• Monitoring transitions between grade levels and LOTE selection with particular attention to suitability of student language profile.
• Identifying professional development needs of MS Spanish teachers and liaise with MS Principal regarding appropriate professional development for the department.
• Working with colleagues on issues relating to staffing, collaborative meeting times, and the timetable.
• Liaising with the Human Resources Department to advertise open positions and interview and shortlist candidates.
• Communicating with parents and students regarding language options and course levels and assessing and placing incoming students in the appropriate course.
• Overseeing resource procurement and maintenance for the MS Spanish department; liaising with the Primary School Spanish Coordinator on resources and budgeting.
• Contributing to MS Heads of Department meetings and other meetings as required.
• Ensuring the curriculum is well documented.This includes the MS Academic Guide, the UWCSEA Website and relevant unit plans.

Expectations & Standards

• Follow the UWCSEA Staff Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Teach in line with the UWCSEA Teacher Standards
• If the applicant is awarded the Head of Department responsibility, to lead in line with UWCSEA Leadership Standards

Person Specifications

• A good degree with a specialization in an area specific to this position and a recognized teaching qualification or certification are expected.
• The ideal candidate has a proven record as a successful Middle School Spanish teacher and is also capable of teaching Primary and/or High School level Spanish.
• Teachers should be willing and eager to participate in the five key elements of a UWCSEA education: Academics; Activities; Outdoor Education; Personal and Social Education and Service.
• Academic expectations include enthusiastic participation in Professional Learning.
• Pastoral expectations include the leadership of an advisory group, unless the teacher is exempted due to other responsibilities.
• On average the College expects a yearly contribution of two sessions per week in each season to Activities and/or Service.
• The College expects that teachers will participate enthusiastically in the curricular Outdoor Education experiences which are relevant to their students and will also occasionally volunteer for holiday Outdoor Education trips and/or Service trips.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential alongside a willingness to adapt and develop pedagogy to meet the needs of our learners
• Culturally competent practitioner who is committed to developing student access to diverse and representational literature and media from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries.
• A good understanding of best practice in foreign language education. It is desirable that applicants have experience with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Applicants should have a passion for working with young adolescents and understand the unique developmental needs of 11–14 year olds.

Application

The UWC Mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and culture for peace and a sustainable future. We are committed to creating a community in which all members feel safe and secure, and know that their authentic selves and individual differences are accepted with respect and care. At UWCSEA, we acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) is an ongoing and evolving process and strive to create and sustain a sense of belonging for all members of our community, past, present and future. All qualified applicants, including those who identify as a part of marginalized group(s) and individuals with (dis)abilities are all encouraged to apply. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices and all appointments are subject to interview, satisfactory references, identity and criminal record checks.