SPANISH & FRENCH TEACHER

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

19d•$72,520 - $137,099•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is seeking a passionate and dynamic dual-fluent world-languages teacher to build high-quality Spanish and French programs. This founding teaching position requires a Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Spanish and French language, literature, or education, along with fluency in both languages. The ideal candidate will inspire students to communicate confidently in Spanish and French while fostering meaningful engagement with Spanish and French cultures, heritage, and the broader world. This role involves creating dynamic, student-centered language programs within a rigorous college-preparatory environment. As a founding faculty member, the teacher will help shape curriculum, establish traditions, contribute to school culture, and collaborate across disciplines. The position emphasizes proficiency-based instruction, with a target of 90 percent use of the target language, aligned with ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. The teacher will foster a classroom environment of curiosity, respect, and intellectual challenge, build strong relationships with students, and support their academic, social, and emotional growth. Responsibilities also include contributing to school-wide programming, building external partnerships, and engaging with families and colleagues to advance school goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Spanish and French language, literature, or education.
Spanish and French fluency required.
3+ years of teaching required, world-language teaching preferred.
Proficiency-based instruction per ACTFL.
Ability to teach entirely in Spanish and French.
College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Spanish and French language, literature, or education.
Illinois Professional Educator License in high school Spanish and French preferred.
National Board Certification a major plus.
College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience.
AATSP and AATF membership valued.

Responsibilities

Teach Spanish and French across multiple proficiency levels in grades 9–12.
Design and implement engaging, standards-based lessons that promote language acquisition and cultural competency.
Create immersive learning environments that encourage active use of spoken and written Spanish and French.
Integrate Spanish-speaking and Francophone culture, literature, history, current events, and contemporary topics into instruction.
Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and learning styles.
Utilize educational technology and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Assess student progress through a variety of formative and summative measures and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
Collaborate in the development of a vertically aligned Spanish and French curriculum that supports long-term language proficiency growth.
Teach for real proficiency, aligned to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines with outcomes measured in proficiency levels rather than seat time.
Teach in the target language 90 percent plus at all levels of instruction, per ACTFL's published recommendation.
Benchmark student growth against external proficiency assessments.
Foster a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
Build strong relationships with students and serve as a trusted mentor and advisor.
Support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Encourage student leadership, confidence, and active participation in school life.
Contribute actively to the vibrant culture and mission of Davis School Chicago.
Partner with colleagues to support school-wide programming, celebrations, and community initiatives.
Help create opportunities for students to engage with Spanish and French language and culture beyond the classroom.
Build relationships with universities, research institutions, language organizations, cultural institutions, and industry partners and develop signature experiences that distinguish Davis School Chicago among leading college-preparatory schools.
Serve as an ambassador for language education within the school and broader community.
Showcase student achievement through competitions, presentations, exhibitions, and public events.
Participate in student activities, faculty meetings, professional development, and community events.
Co-create and help to moderate and coach student clubs, activities, and sports.
Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding student progress and learning goals.
Collaborate with colleagues across academic departments to develop interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Partner with faculty and school leadership to advance school goals, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.