Spanish & French Teacher

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is seeking a dual-fluent Spanish and French teacher to build high-quality language programs at its college-preparatory high school, scheduled to open in downtown Chicago in fall 2027. The teacher will serve students in grades 9–12, developing sophisticated proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while helping students understand how language and ideas function across cultures. Instruction will integrate Spanish-speaking and Francophone cultures, literature, history, current events, and contemporary issues. As a founding faculty member, the teacher will help shape curriculum, establish traditions, contribute to school culture, and collaborate across disciplines. The role includes creating immersive, student-centered learning experiences, teaching in the target language at least 90 percent of the time, and aligning instruction and outcomes with ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Student growth will be benchmarked against external proficiency assessments. The teacher will foster a curious, inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging classroom; mentor and advise students; and support their academic, social, and emotional growth. The role also contributes to school-wide programming and community initiatives, creates opportunities for students to experience language and culture beyond the classroom, and builds relationships with universities, cultural institutions, language organizations, research institutions, and industry partners. The teacher will communicate with families, collaborate with colleagues and school leadership, and participate in faculty meetings, professional development, student activities, and community events. The position is a full-time founding teaching role reporting to the Principal. The anticipated annual salary is $72,520–$137,099, with placement based on relevant experience and educational attainment under the school’s established salary schedule. Benefits include paid time off, holiday pay, medical insurance, and a 401(k) plan with employer match. Davis School Chicago uses artificial intelligence tools to help review and organize applications and interviews, while hiring decisions are made by people.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and French language, literature, or education; a bachelor’s degree is required.
Fluency in Spanish and French.
At least 3 years of secondary (grades 6–12) Spanish or French teaching experience.
Proficiency-based instruction aligned with ACTFL, including teaching at least 90 percent in the target language.
Ability to teach Spanish and French across multiple proficiency levels and develop students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Ability to integrate language and culture and assess outcomes in proficiency levels rather than seat time.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Spanish and French language, literature, or education.
High school (grades 9–12) teaching experience.
Illinois Professional Educator License in high school Spanish and French.
National Board Certification.
Experience in independent, college-preparatory, or faith-based school settings.
AATSP and AATF membership.
Jewish identity is not required; valuing Jewish identity, the diversity of Jewish thought, and meaningful engagement in Jewish life is noted as a role characteristic.

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 spoken and written use of Spanish and French; teach at least 90 percent in the target language.
Integrate Spanish-speaking and Francophone culture, literature, history, current events, and contemporary topics into instruction.
Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and learning styles.
Use educational technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and achievement.
Assess student progress with formative and summative measures, provide timely feedback, and benchmark growth against external proficiency assessments.
Develop a vertically aligned Spanish and French curriculum that supports long-term proficiency growth and ACTFL-aligned outcomes.
Foster a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
Build strong relationships with students, serve as a trusted mentor and advisor, and support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Encourage student leadership, confidence, and active participation in school life.
Contribute to school culture, programming, celebrations, and community initiatives.
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 student experiences.
Serve as an ambassador for language education in 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, moderate, and coach student clubs, activities, and sports.
Communicate regularly and effectively with families about student progress and learning goals.
Collaborate with colleagues across departments on interdisciplinary learning experiences and partner with faculty and school leadership on school goals, curriculum, and student success initiatives.