MNA Spanish Teacher

Description

Many Nations Academy (MNA) is seeking a trauma-informed, student and academic advisor to join our team as the newest Spanish Teacher! MNA is an alternative high school within NAYA Family Center, located in the Cully neighborhood of NE Portland. Annual enrollment is 50 to 60 students. MNA’s educational model is culturally specific and reflects the values of Native peoples, though our students come from all backgrounds. Being a teacher at MNA is different than at other schools. Our teacher to student ratio is 1 to 10, so you can get to know each learner and their needs. Food, housing and other resource needs that are barriers to learning can be addressed by NAYA staff right in the building.

The MNA Spanish Teacher is responsible for instructing high school students in Spanish language and culture, while promoting a culturally responsive and supportive learning environment. This role is ideal for an educator passionate about language instruction, cross-cultural awareness, and student development—especially within Indigenous and historically underserved communities.

MNA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental and vision insurance for employees (and affordable care for family), 401(k) retirement plan with 6% match, and paid holidays. General working hours are from 8:30am - 4:30pm. The school year spans August 20, 2025 - June 12, 2026.

The salary starts at $52,000 to $55,000 annually or commensurate depending on experience.

Who You Are:

• Ideally, you have work or lived experience in the Native community, or you have a commitment to learn Native history and the unique strengths and challenges of Urban Natives. 
• You are a native or fluent Spanish speaker who is well-versed in teaching students of varying skill levels.
• You are an expert at helping students feel included. You know that the work of a teacher is mentoring and coaching, in addition to delivering instruction.
• You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Spanish, or a related field.
• You understand the local education system and factors that contribute to student success.
• You bring knowledge of Native American history and the diversity of the local Native community, with awareness of issues impacting the Urban Indian experience.
• You have a demonstrated track record of managing projects effectively—planning, organizing, prioritizing, and following through.
• You’ve improved academic outcomes using culturally rooted, trauma-informed, restorative, and inquiry-based approaches.
• You don’t go it alone. You connect with other teachers and/or with the Assistant Principal and Principal for thought partnership. 
• You know that being a teacher means that you’ll face stressful situations. You are the sort of person who brings calmness, curiosity, and flexibility to these situations.
• You are self aware. You welcome feedback on your teaching skills.
• You are technically proficient with tools such as Microsoft Suite (including Outlook), Google Suite, Canva, web-based research, and digital curriculum platforms aligned with departmental needs.

What You'll Do:

• Teach students of all skill levels the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Integrate cultural knowledge and practices from Spanish-speaking countries, allowing students to engage with global awareness.
• Deliver engaging, standards-aligned instruction that supports academic growth, inquiry, and critical thinking.
• Create learning experiences that nurture student potential in self-awareness, decision-making, life skills, and cultural identity.
• Implement pre-established curricula, design lesson plans, and instructional materials.
• Monitor and assess student academic progress and social-emotional development; provide quarterly progress and behavior reports to families.
• Maintain open, collaborative communication with students, families, colleagues, and the broader NAYA community.
• Continuously reflect on and refine instruction using research-based strategies that center Native youth development.
• Support curriculum development and participate in school planning to meet the needs of Many Nations Academy students.
• Coordinate with internal NAYA programs to ensure students have access to wraparound supports.
• Lead at least one student club, extracurricular activity, or school-wide initiative annually, as assigned by the Principal.

Read the full job description here.

Application Instructions Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Jay Hosteen, MNA Principal or the HR Team.