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Spanish Immersion Coordinator / Instructional Coach

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ACCREDITED PUBLIC CHARTER

MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY IN

WASHINGTON, DC

 

NEW JOB POSTING

SPANISH IMMERSION COORDINATOR /INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

School Year: 2023-2024

(Grades PK3-6)

 

Job Opportunity: Spanish Immersion Coordinator/Instructional Coach

Location: Washington, DC

Reports To: Principal

Unit: Academic

Minimum Experience: Mid-Manager/Supervisor

Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 per year plus benefits

Employment Type: Full-Time /12 month position

FLSA Status: Exempt

Start Date:      July 2023 or Until filled


About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School’s mission is to offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles to guide children to develop to

their fullest potential.


Position Overview

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS is a small PK3-6th grade elementary school with an expanding Spanish Dual Language Immersion ( Spanish —English) Bilingual (DL) program in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC. We nurture global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and culturally infused teaching principles,, through the lens of multiculturalism and equity. We believe education is transformative. Our current learning community is a mix of Spanish-dominant, English-dominant, and bilingual families. Our teachers and staff are also fully bilingual; many are heritage Spanish speakers, and some speak English only. Because of our small scale, we are able to understand one another and collaborate in authentic, productive ways.


The Coordinator is responsible for upholding and advancing Shining Stars Montessori’s mission from PK3 through the 6th grade, teacher supervision and growth, outreach to the DC bilingual/immersion educational community, and program assessment. The role offers an opportunity to guide, support, and extend the Montessori and dual language teaching and learning of core content at SSMA ( in Spanish and English) and ensure continuity and coherence across the school’s Dual Language (DL) program. The Education Coordinator works closely with program teachers, other directors, coordinators, the Principal, and the Executive Director to take forward key educational initiatives and community events.

 

The Education Coordinator must be fully fluent in Spanish and have significant experience working with young learners in either a private, public or public charter school..

 

Mindset & Attitude

  •  Authentic commitment to SSMA mission and goals;
  •  Demonstrated experience and investment in multicultural and bilingual education;
  •  Commitment to collaboration and supporting colleagues;

Supervision & Professional Development

  • Nurturing, developing, and evaluating DL teachers, ensuring growth through frequent observation and feedback;
  • Identifying high-quality professional development workshops for teachers and creating individualized workshops;
  • Ensuring the development and documentation of plans and best pedagogical practices aligned to SSMA’s vision and mission;
  • Working with DL instructional staff to create units of study, scope, and sequence documents aligned with the Montessori curriculum maps.
  • Working with the Principal and Leadership Team to develop comprehensive assessment and evaluation tools for the DL program and students – including a system for observing and recording children’s actions, interactions, and development;
  •  Working with the Principal to develop, align, and document an overall professional development program ( specifically for the DLI staff) to achieve SSMA’s mission;
  • Facilitating effective communication between the DL and English -dominant Montessori program and staff at SSMA ;
  • Facilitating effective communication among staff and between staff and families, especially during difficult situations;
  • Ensuring and maintaining program teachers’ folders are up-to-date and include required information;
  • Planning and conducting bi-annual “reflections” conversations with guides/teachers and assistants.

Curriculum & Support

  • Collaborating and critically analyzing units of study, lesson plans to ensure activities are thoughtful, intentional, rigorous  relevant, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and connected to the SSMA mission;
  • Designing and leading weekly staff meetings that provide an opportunity for reflection and big picture thinking ;
  • Being a resource for teachers to plan lessons and activities and problem-solve challenges that arise in their classrooms;
  • Gaining knowledge of local artists, events, and community-based organizations;
  • Decorate the classrooms and hallways to be reflective of the cultures, holidays, and events of import to and reflective of the DL program;
  • Submit items regularly to the school’s News and Notes about the immersion program.

Program Assessment & Evaluation

  • Assessing overall effectiveness of the program at each level by regularly observing each classroom;
  • Regularly communicating with immersion program teachers, the Principal, and the Executive Director about these observations and plans to leverage strengths and address challenges;
  • Guiding program teachers in how to analyze and use their observations and assessments to inform planning.

Communication & Outreach

  • Building relationships with families and the broader community to foster participation and contribute to our students and school’s development;
  • Participating enthusiastically in special events and functions for current and prospective families that expands understanding of biliteracy and Spanish/Hispanic diasporic culture;
  • Participating in open house, EdFest, and other activities for prospective families;
  • Working with Executive Director and SSMACA to support fundraising activities and events as needed;
  • Managing program budgets and ordering necessary classroom supplies and learning materials as requested ;
  • Tracking of all professional development efforts according to OSSE, PCSB, CAL requirements;
  • Managing teachers’ schedules and finding or serving as a substitute when required;
  • Representing SSMA at teacher recruitment events and building relationships with other Montessori and/or dual immersion coordinators and educators of other relevant organizations.
  • Assist the Principal with the annual lottery and creating the roster for newly enrolling immersion  students..

Strategic Planning

  • Meeting regularly with the Principal and Executive Director to communicate and collaborate regarding program administration and development;
  • Collaborate with the leadership team to learn from the school’s past and shape its present and future;

Personal Development

  • In collaboration with the Principal and Executive Director, articulating strengths, areas for improvement, and realistic goals to guide growth and reflection;
  • Keeping abreast of advances in immersion education and teaching, particularly related to multicultural and teaching and learning as it relates to, bilingual, education;
  • Inviting feedback from and critical discussions with colleagues;
  • Seeking and engaging in relevant professional development opportunities;
  • Actively participating in and preparing for bi-annual appraisal conversations;

Qualifications:

  • Exemplary written and verbal communication skills in Spanish required; Native speaker and BIPOC professionals are encouraged to ally 
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish
  • BA/BS required, MA preferred
  • Teaching license or eligibility to receive highly preferred: Administration and supervision certification also highly preferred
  • Major or concentration in  Education or Spanish
  • Concentration or coursework in bilingual education or second language acquisition, or significant experience teaching in a bilingual or dual-language school setting;
  • Montessori Teacher and/or Administrator Certification for Early Childhood/Birth to Upper Elementary may be considered but not  required
  • Three to Five+ years’ experience working with children ages 3-12
  • Leadership experience in a diverse educational setting
  • Familiarity with early childhood through elementary  bilingual or immersion programs

 

Other qualifications (preferred):

All candidates must be committed to meeting the needs of all learners and have experience working in urban communities.

  •  3+ years of experience as a school administrator, such as a preschool Coordinator, school Coordinator, Program Coordinator, or vice/assistant principal
  • Demonstrated leadership skills; ability to guide, inspire, coach, and mentor teachers.
  • Supervisory skills; ability to effectively manage a team to fulfill common goals and to work
    individually with teachers to meet defined objectives.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, positive, and effective working relationships with
    others.
  • Ability to complete work and meet deadlines in the face of interruptions.
  • Excellent oral and written skills, including public speaking.
  • A love of children and a sense of humor

Compensation and Benefits

Shining Stars offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package to promote self-care and overall wellness, including employer-covered health insurance for employees, dental and vision insurance, free life insurance, 401 k retirement including employer match, and included short term disability insurance.



Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Life Insurance
  • Cell Phone
  • 401k

 

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Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and