Making Waves Academy

Spanish Teacher - Upper School

Upper School - Richmond, CA - Full Time

Our Faculty salary scale ensures equitable pay progression commensurate with experience, education, and professional certifications. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 (academic year). 
Faculty Salary Scale

When you empower a voice, you move the world forward.
At Making Waves Academy (MWA), we don’t just teach Spanish; we build bridges. We are a results-oriented, data-informed ecosystem where language is the key to unlocking global opportunity for our 5th–12th grade scholars. We are looking for a Spanish Teacher who is more than an instructor—you are a culture-builder, a data-analyst, and a mentor.

You’ll join a team of dedicated professionals committed to rigorous, standards-aligned instruction in a safe, supportive, and high-energy environment.

What you’ll be doing:
You will be at the center of the student experience, designing the digital and linguistic infrastructure that moves students from "home" Spanish to "academic" excellence.

  • Execute rigorous, CCSS/CA State-aligned units for 4–5 classes, ensuring 90% of instruction is delivered through "comprehensible input."
  • Use quantitative and qualitative benchmarks to drive your "Week-at-a-Glance" (WAAG) planning and real-time instructional pivots.
  • Actively facilitate school-wide norms beyond the classroom—from hallway transitions to lunch and recess—ensuring 100% consistency in student safety and engagement.
  • Engage in weekly division-specific PD and morning meetings to sharpen your craft and align with the MWA service model.

What we’re looking for:
You are a bilingual powerhouse who thrives in a structured, multi-story campus environment and understands the nuance of teaching both "True Beginners" and "Heritage Learners."

You’ll need to have:

  • California Single Subject Teaching Credential in World Languages: Spanish (or eligibility).
  • English Learner (EL) Authorization (CLAD/BCLAD).
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an Upper School (9th-12th) setting.
  • Proven expertise in MTSS Tier 1 interventions and ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
  • Experience transitioning Heritage Learners to academic mastery.

The Making Waves Academy Fit

We are looking for a community member, not just an employee. You must actively support our mission, and be willing to participate in campus life, including weekly supervision duties. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and a high degree of patience are non-negotiable. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 
Making Waves Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Benefits and Compensation 
Joining Making Waves Academy means securing a robust, comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your long-term financial, physical, and professional well-being right here in the Bay Area. We ensure your stability and growth so you can focus on maximizing every Wave-Maker's potential.

Financial Well-being
We offer competitive, above-market salaries that reflect your vital expertise in educational support, recognizing your commitment to our students. Beyond your base pay, you will have immediate access to a dedicated retirement savings plan, helping you build financial confidence for the future.

Health and Wellness
Your health is our priority. We proudly cover 100% of most premiums for medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and acupuncture options for you and your family. We also offer benefits such as employee assistance programs to support your mental and emotional wellness.

Time to Recharge
We believe educators need time to recharge. You will receive generous paid time off, plus all school holidays and breaks. This schedule is designed to ensure meaningful time away from campus, facilitating a sustainable and healthy work-life balance that is critical to preventing burnout.

Professional Growth 
We commit to your continuous improvement! You will benefit from ongoing training, dedicated collaboration time, and resources specifically designed to enhance your expertise. You’ll be part of a culture that sees professional growth as essential to our mission.




 


 

Apply: Spanish Teacher - Upper School
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