Middle School Teacher - Spanish (Part Time)

Title: Middle School Spanish Teacher

Department/Location: Middle School Faculty, St. Louis, MO

Position Type: Part-time, 39 weeks

Summary

The Principia Middle School Spanish Teacher develops and implements effective 

Spanish lessons for Middle School (grades 6-8) using a variety of teaching strategies to engage students in the target language and support their learning. Principia faculty also mentor students as their teacher, character educator, and advisor.

Who We Are

At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develops students’ understanding of Spanish through a variety of engaging activities and assessments
• Plans and instructs Spanish lessons that meet the needs of students at varying readiness levels
• Facilitates a productive learning environment in the classroom
• Builds positive relationships with middle school students and demonstrates enthusiasm for working with this age group
• Utilizes technology and 1:1 environment as it enhances student learning
• Pursues professional development and applies best educational practices in the classroom; becomes part of a professional learning community where teachers are continually improving teaching and learning
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, coaches, parents, houseparents & administrators
• Supports mutual curricular/instructional goals with the Lower and Upper School Spanish teachers
• Monitors and supports student progress by using different forms of assessment, i.e. rubrics and a proficiency scale
• Develops experiential opportunities to deepen understanding
• Meets and communicates with students and parents regarding student growth in Spanish skills
• Participates in weekly faculty meetings about student growth in academics and character
• Assesses students in their approaches to learning
• Participates in various committee meetings, faculty and parent meetings, and professional development
• Supports Middle School activities by chaperoning social events and trips
• Participates in yearly goal-setting and frequent one-on-one meetings with supervisor
• Reflects on teaching and learning regularly and improves practice
• Completes the required portfolio, including walkthroughs, school visits, reflections, and goal setting
• Attends conferences with the intention of improving own practice, as well as initiatives for the Middle School
• Participates in and contributes to weekly and yearly professional development sessions
• Engages in professional learning experiences that support school initiatives

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia: 

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes. 
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals. 
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes. 
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results. 
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. 
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment. 
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations. 
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements  
• Master’s degree in Education or Spanish preferred
• Teaching certification preferred
• Teaching experience with middle school students preferred
• Model the character traits that Principia students are expected to embody

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits 

We offer a competitive salary range for this position, starting at $51,000 annually for full-time candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no prior teaching experience. Salary is commensurate with degree and years of teaching experience. Salary is prorated for part-time.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes: 

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).  
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.  
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b)-retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.  

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.