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

Bennett Day School Inc•Chicago, IL

14d•$52,000 - $78,000

About The Position

Bennett Day School is seeking 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 tailored to young learners. Reporting to the Director of Early Childhood and Lower School, the teacher will build a joyful, culturally rich foundation in Spanish language and Hispanic/Latino cultures, supporting natural language acquisition through play, inquiry, music, movement, and storytelling. The position shapes how young students experience language and culture through an interactive, play- and project-based curriculum in a progressive, grade-free environment that prioritizes child-centered discovery, social-emotional development, and authentic engagement. The teacher will collaborate with homeroom teachers, specialists, and families to integrate Spanish learning into interdisciplinary units. Weekly professional development and collaboration time are part of the school's culture.

Requirements

Advanced professional fluency in Spanish and English, orally and in writing.
At least 3 years of experience teaching Spanish to children ages 2–5 and/or elementary-aged students in 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.
Strong commitment to building inclusive communities and continually developing cultural competence.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning and collaborative team teaching.
Ability to oversee and 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 sit at 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 and well-being.
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 students from age 2 through 4th grade.
Use immersive, multi-sensory 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.