ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Faculty Contract

Job Classification

  Faculty Contract

Position summary

Ruth Murdoch Elementary School (RMES), the K-8 lab School of Andrews University, is seeking a certified, highly motivated Spanish teacher to provide standards-based instruction in Spanish and English to second language learners (ESL). Candidate must be committed to the mission of Adventist Education, be able to create a Christ-centered classroom environment that engages and ensures learning and personal growth of every student; motivating them to develop attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation and achievement at their highest potential in accordance with each student’s ability.

Qualifications summary

To perform the job successfully candidates must have minimum qualifications of a Bachelor’s Degree in education or related field, possess current or be eligible to obtain State certification with appropriate endorsement to teach Spanish, and submit excellent references supporting their experiences working with elementary age students. Must be literate and fluent in Spanish and English and demonstrate competence, and passion for helping students communicate and understand both languages.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Instructs students in a program of study that meets stated objectives and prepares students to master grade level standards.


2. Instructs students using a variety of strategies conducive to Spanish and English language acquisition, such as cooperative learning, discovery learning, project-based learning.


3. Develops lesson plans and materials compatible with the basic instructional philosophy and congruent with the Spanish/ESL curriculum and NAD standards.


4. Provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student and grade level.


5. Translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best use the available time for instruction and to effectively engage students.


6. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom by providing positive reinforcement of acceptable behaviors and modifying unacceptable behaviors.


7. Instructs students in citizenship and subject matter specified in the RMES Bulletin & Handbook of regulations and procedures of Ruth Murdoch Elementary School.  


8. Evaluates academic and social growth of students, post grades to Jupiter/ School Informaton System (SIS) and keeps appropriate records to include attendance reports, grades, and other recordkeeping activities as necessary.


9. Communicates regularly with parents or guardians through conferences and other means to discuss student progress.


10. Supervises and monitors students at all times, including recess, cafeteria, bathroom, and other activities in the building. Escort students to and from class when necessary.


11. Administers testing in accordance with RMES testing practices.


12. Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Supervisory responsibilities

This position requires supervision of various in and out of classroom activities. Student health and safety is essential. Careful plans must be made and implemented for adequate supervision from the time employee receives them at school until the time they are released to homeroom teachers or parents. Escort students to and from classes when necessary. The basic rule is that children must be within sight of an employee or have been given permission to be out of the adult’s presence for a specific and prudent purpose.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, candidates must have the minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish education, elementary education, or related field and current certification to teach elementary/middle school Spanish. Candidate must be literate and fluent in Spanish and demonstrate competence in helping students communicate and understand the Spanish language. Proficiency in basic technology skills including use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other virtual platforms .  Must value a strong relationship with Jesus, be able to model SDA Christian beliefs, with a passion for Adventist education.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

The employee must be able to operate at a reasonable level of competency, equipment common to the teaching profession, such as a computer, copy machine, overhead projector, document camera, paper cutter, laminator, digital camera, telephone, etc.

Interpersonal interactions

• The employee must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.


• Must work harmoniously with all school personnel.


• Communicates effectively with other staff members, the principal, parents and board.


• Interacts in a collegial, ethical manner, showing mutual respect and compassion for all school personnel.


• Works cooperatively with staff toward resolution of mutual concerns.


• Demonstrates a team spirit, shares ideas, materials, and methods with other teachers constituents.


• Supports and participates in school sponsored activities.


• Interacts positively with students, individually and in groups.

Physical demands

The job requires a full range of body motion including sitting, standing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, walking, stooping, lifting objects up to 25 pounds, and reaching cupboards, cabinets, bulletin and chalk boards, and keyboard use/repetitive hand motion. The job also requires good hearing and vision adequate for assigned responsibilities. 

Work environment

The employee is subject to working in a generally well-lighted and ventilated classroom environment approximately 85% of the time while the remainder of the time is spent teaching or supervising students outside, in the gymnasium, on field trips away from school. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.