Type: Part-Time (10-month employee)

Supervisor: Head of Middle School

Location: Chicago, IL

Start Date: August 2024

Mission Statement

Catherine Cook School is a vibrant learning community that fosters curiosity, develops critical thinking, and inspires compassionate leadership for students in preschool through 8th grade.

Diversity Statement

Catherine Cook School is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and compassionate community grounded in a culture of integrity.

At Catherine Cook, we value a diverse and inclusive community. We define diversity as the range of differences and similarities between social identifiers including: race, socio-economic status, ability, age, gender identity, sexual identity, religion, and ethnicity. The ideal candidate is eager to join this type of professional community. We specifically seek candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Job Description
Catherine Cook School seeks a highly qualified Spanish teacher to join our Middle School team. The Spanish program builds listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and lays a foundation in grammar and vocabulary appropriate for various life situations. An emphasis is also placed on the study and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures. A love for the school setting, a passion for teaching and learning, flexibility, strong communication skills, comfort with public speaking, adept at technology, and a sense of humor are essential. Experience and/or willingness to serve as an advisor to Middle School age students and chaperone day and overnight trips required. Experience serving as Middle School Dean a plus.

Candidates with experience in the use of Comprehensible Input (CI) and a proven track record of collaboration are highly encouraged to apply. General responsibilities could include, but are not limited to:

• Designing academically challenging, appropriately differentiated Spanish lessons for Middle School students
• Communicating thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with parents, students, and colleagues
• Working competently within a fully supported one-to-one laptop program
• Serving as a Middle School advisor
• Attending grade level meetings
• Creating thoughtful, well-written progress reports
• Participating actively in professional growth opportunities
• Building cultural competence and global awareness
• Attending Wednesday after school faculty meetings
• Participating in school staff duties such as lunch, recess, and arrival/dismissal duties; chaperoning overnight field experiences; teaching electives

Strong candidates will:

• Be willing and able to move to distance learning if required
• Have strong written and verbal communication and leadership skills; organizational skillset; independent but also a team player, dependable, punctual, and calm
• Have the talent to build strong relationships with students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish or Education with Spanish emphasis; Master’s Degree preferred
• Experience teaching Middle School Spanish; experience with Comprehensible Input (CI) a plus
• Native Spanish speakers encouraged to apply
• Strong education technology skills and comfort with PCs and smartboard technology
• Familiarity with teaching virtually, using Blackbaud, Google Classroom, or other learning management system, and Zoom

Catherine Cook School’s educational program focuses on the whole child. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with children is the foundation of our pedagogical approach. Curriculum must be developmentally appropriate and support the growth of knowledge, skills, and personal assets of children. Click here to learn more about our strategic plan and our future.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. All applicants must also be open to being part of a learning community and engaging in discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Visit www.catherinecookschool.org to learn more about our school and culture. Catherine Cook School is an equal opportunity employer.