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PEACH SPRINGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #8

Modern Language Teacher (Grades 7-12)

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the Modern Language Teacher develops students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English. The teacher also supports students in developing cultural understanding and appreciation for the people, communities, and traditions connected to the language of instruction.

The teacher is responsible for planning and delivering standards-aligned instruction, assessing student progress, maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment, communicating with families, and supporting the academic and cultural mission of Peach Springs Unified School District #8.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements modern language/world language curriculum and instruction consistent with District goals, applicable Arizona standards, and school improvement priorities.
• Creates and maintains a safe, respectful, culturally responsive, and student-centered classroom environment that supports whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction.
• Develops lesson plans, instructional materials, learning activities, and assessments that provide sequential learning experiences and maximize instructional time.
• Teaches language comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, syntax, vocabulary, sentence and paragraph structure, composition, communication, translation, literature, and appropriate language usage.
• Develops student understanding and appreciation of the cultures, histories, communities, and traditions associated with the language of instruction.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies, technology tools, and culturally relevant resources to engage students and support language acquisition.
• Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities, English learners, gifted students, and students requiring additional academic support.
• Conducts ongoing formative and summative assessment of student learning, analyzes data, and adjusts instruction to support student growth and achievement.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of grades, attendance, student progress, parent communication, and other required documentation in accordance with District procedures and applicable law.
• Communicates regularly and professionally with students, parents/guardians, staff, and administrators regarding student progress, classroom expectations, and instructional support.
• Establishes and reinforces classroom expectations so that student conduct aligns with school standards, District policies, and a productive learning environment.
• Collaborates with professional staff members, including grade-level, content-area, special education, intervention, and administrative teams, to support student learning and schoolwide goals.
• Participates in faculty meetings, professional learning communities, committees, professional development, and other school or District activities as assigned.
• Selects, requests, organizes, and maintains appropriate instructional materials, books, technology, supplies, and equipment; maintains inventory records as required.
• Supports student participation in language-related activities, cultural events, publications, contests, presentations, or other enrichment opportunities when appropriate.
• Maintains professional knowledge of current instructional practices, language acquisition research, assessment practices, and developments in the educational field.
• Complies with District policies, school procedures, confidentiality requirements, mandatory reporting obligations, and all applicable federal and state laws.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not intended to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility. The District may revise or assign additional duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current teaching methods, educational pedagogy, language acquisition practices, and differentiated instruction based on student learning needs.
• Knowledge of the assigned language, including grammar, syntax, vocabulary, word usage, communication patterns, cultural context, literature, and appropriate language conventions.
• Knowledge of assessment practices, data information systems, data analysis, and the development of instructional action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, District policies, and school procedures related to education and student services.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver effective instruction aligned to curriculum expectations and student needs.
• Ability to use technology, instructional software, student information systems, and other digital tools to support instruction and communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, administrators, and community partners.
• Ability to create a positive classroom culture and manage student behavior in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner.
• Ability to engage in reflective practice, self-evaluation, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

EQUIPMENT

Uses standard classroom and office equipment, including personal computer or laptop, interactive display or projector, printer, copier, telephone, instructional technology, online learning platforms, and other classroom materials or equipment as assigned.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travels to District buildings, professional meetings, trainings, student activities, and other work-related locations as required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works primarily in standard classroom, school building, and office environments.
• Requires regular standing, walking, sitting, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and use of computers and classroom technology.
• May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of instructional materials and classroom supplies.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and respond appropriately to student, parent, staff, and school needs.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position, if applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education, language instruction, or a related discipline applicable to the teaching assignment.
• Valid Arizona teaching certificate with the appropriate modern language, world language, Native language, bilingual, or other applicable certification/endorsement required for the assigned language and grade level, or eligibility to obtain appropriate certification as permitted by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license, or the ability to provide reliable transportation as required by the assignment.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in education, language instruction, curriculum and instruction, or a related field.
• Successful prior teaching experience in modern language, world language, Native language, bilingual education, or related language instruction.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the assigned language, including speaking, reading, writing, and cultural knowledge.
• Experience working with rural school communities, Native American students, tribal communities, language revitalization programs, or culturally responsive instructional settings.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Peach Springs Unified School District #8 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by applicable law.