Early Childhood and Lower School Spanish Teacher (Ages 2 – Grade 4)

Bennett Day School•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

Bennett Day School is hiring a full-time Spanish teacher to work with students from pre-nursery (age 2) through 4th grade. The teacher will join a collaborative faculty team and design and implement immersive, Reggio Emilia-inspired, project-based language-learning experiences for young learners. The role builds students’ Spanish-language skills and knowledge of Hispanic and Latino cultures through play, inquiry, music, movement, and storytelling. The position works in a progressive, grade-free environment centered on child-led discovery, social-emotional development, and authentic engagement. The teacher will collaborate with homeroom teachers, specialists, and families to connect Spanish learning with interdisciplinary classroom units. Weekly collaboration and professional development are part of the school’s culture. The role reports to the Director of Early Childhood and Lower School.

Requirements

Advanced professional fluency in Spanish and English, both oral and written.
At least 3 years of experience teaching Spanish to early childhood children (ages 2–5) and/or elementary-aged children (K–4).
Deep understanding of early childhood development, foundational literacy, and natural language acquisition in young children.
Experience designing play-based, project-based, or Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experiences.
Commitment to building inclusive communities and developing cultural competence.
Commitment to ongoing professional learning and collaborative team teaching.
Ability to ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of young children in and out of the classroom.
Ability to sit on the floor, stand, kneel, bend, and use child-sized furniture for extended periods.
Ability to lift, carry, and comfort young children weighing up to 35 pounds as needed.
Ability to move quickly, respond rapidly, and navigate classroom and playground spaces to ensure student safety.
Ability to supervise students indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Spanish, or World Language Pedagogy.
Comfort and adaptability in a creative, dynamic, growing school environment.
Experience integrating art, music, movement, and hands-on making into language instruction.

Responsibilities

Design and teach age-appropriate, inquiry-driven Spanish lessons for children from age 2 through 4th grade.
Use immersive, multisensory strategies—including play, song, storytelling, hands-on projects, and movement—to support language acquisition.
Integrate cultural perspectives into the curriculum to foster global citizenship and cultural competence.
Collaborate with homeroom co-teachers to align Spanish units with classroom themes and project work.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about student growth, learning highlights, and program milestones.
Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment suited to early childhood and elementary students.
Perform other duties as assigned.