Upper School Spanish Specialist

KHAN LAB SCHOOL

Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan in 2014, is an innovative TK-12 independent school with 3 campuses, serving over 260 students in Silicon Valley, CA and Wichita, KS. Our Lower School (grades TK-5) is in Palo Alto, CA, our Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are in Mountain View, CA.

We were established to test and refine the educational vision outlined in Sal Khan’s 2012 book, “The One World Schoolhouse,” which explores the development of modern education, the origins of Khan Academy, and a forward-thinking approach to both in-person and online learning.

Building on this foundation, Sal Khan’s latest book, “Brave New Words,” further expands on his educational philosophy and vision for the future. At Khan Lab School, we’re committed to implementing these innovative ideas and preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Spanish Specialist & World Language Coordinator is an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of an Upper School experience. The Spanish Specialist & World Language Coordinator partners with the Upper School Director and Upper School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision and guide students in their social and emotional development. In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions and faculty and staff meetings.

All teachers are required to participate in a number of admissions events (see below) and after school events that are beyond the normal work day that ends at 4:00 PM.

Also, the World Language Coordinator duties include facilitating the language program by designing, reviewing, and revising the scope and sequence of the Spanish courses by vetting, validating, and coordinating with other organizations on languages other than Spanish.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Duties

• Teach high school level courses as assigned by the Upper School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools. Return student work in a timely manner, within 5 days.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments at the beginning Term 1 using the school’s Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas.
• Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Lead advisory sessions for a group of students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Mentor and support students in their individual student-driven projects, including Applied Learning projects by checking in on their progress and helping to connect them to outside resources.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

World Language Coordinator

• Develop and drive the Khanversation Hour Program in both Spanish and other languages
• Vet and validate external programs for languages other than Spanish.
• Meet twice per term with students taking languages other than Spanish to check in on their progress and organize transcript submissions
• Design and revise the scope and sequence for the Spanish program.
• Including revisiting the sequencing from MS to US Spanish, potentially focusing more on Spanish 1-3 than 3-5.
• Coordinate internal curriculum material use (e.g. textbooks).
• Experiment with technology-driven methods for language practice in any language, including but not limited to the use of AI tools for language practice
• Prepare and present with directors to community stakeholders including parents and administration about the World Language Program (e.g. at Open House events)

Extended Day (Middle School)

• Student Safety and Well-Being: Act as the primary adult responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment at all times between 4 and 6 PM.
• Student Supervision: Circulate regularly to supervise students and keep them engaged in appropriate activities.
• Student Support and Engagement: Provide assistance with homework or projects during Goal Time, supporting a productive and respectful learning environment.

Teaching & Vision Alignment

• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Primarily utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, peer teaching, and independent studies.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments by the beginning Term 1 using the school’s Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas.
• Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and founder.
• Integrate emerging technology into the classroom appropriately, including AI tools relevant to each discipline.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

Contribution to KLS

• Participate in student orientation for 9th-12th graders, which may include up to three days of overnight stay.
• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Upper School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision.
• Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the Fall and Spring This includes, at minimum, 6-8 hours for Pre-Admission events (Open House, Preview Days, and Shadow Days) and 10 hours of Post Application Events (Student Visits and Observations, Application reads); these events may take place outside of school hours.
• Write letters of recommendation for summer programs and college applications as requested.
• Lead at least one activity each year that contributes to the life and culture of KLS, to be determined in collaboration with the Upper School Director at the start of the school year. This could include: overseeing the student leadership group, facilitating a student club/ organization during the academic year, planning a hallmark KLS event (e.g., orientation, move-up day), serving as a faculty representative on the DEIB committee, leading leadership committees (e.g. discipline committee), coaching a sport, or starting a new program at the school (e.g. tutoring center).
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including morning meetings, and any scheduled professional development programming (including Faculty In-service). Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students. This will account for up to 4 hours during a typical week, accounting for the faculty meeting and professional development meetings.
• Participate in community events such as the senior dinner, graduation, annual fundraiser, group field trips, and other related activities.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school. community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capability of occasionally moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
• Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

Tagged as: High School