What are the responsibilities and job description for the UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER position at Carolina Day School?
UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER
For the 2026-27 school year we are seeking an experienced, dynamic Spanish teacher for our Upper School division of approximately 190 students and 25 faculty members. We are proud of our strong World Language Department and seek a candidate who has excellent Spanish skills, is able to conduct classes in the language, and effectively utilizes current teaching pedagogy. A successful candidate must have experience in working with students with diverse learning styles and profiles, and must be willing to work collaboratively within a small World Language department. Familiarity with ACTFL proficiency standards and experience incorporating some Comprehensible Input methodology would be a welcome asset.
The position typically includes a teaching load of five Spanish classes with three preparations. Other responsibilities include: advising 8-10 students, being available to meet with students outside of class, supervising students at selected school events and serving on school committees. There will also be opportunities to coach a team, sponsor a club, or travel with students.
Our ideal candidate will be able to do the following as they carry out the duties of this position:
Instructional approach:
Motivate and inspire students to communicate confidently in Spanish, both orally and in writing
Understand a wide range of learning styles and profiles, be able to tailor instruction to meet the learning needs of all of our students, including (but not limited to) offering differentiated instruction
Offer opportunities for students to explore a variety of cultural products, practices and perspectives from the Spanish-speaking world
Engage students in exploring real-world issues in the Spanish-speaking world, whether locally, regionally or globally
Create a supportive classroom environment that promotes creative and critical thinking
Engagement with our community:
Communicate and collaborate effectively with all community members: students, parents, colleagues (both faculty and staff), and administrators
Be flexible and willing to adapt to our school’s unique culture
Engage in professional development, including PD that specifically addresses the needs of our student population
Have an interest in organizing and supervising international travel with students
Qualifications:
Demonstrate a passion for world languages—especially Spanish—and for sharing that passion with students.
Exhibit a strong commitment to working with young people and fostering their growth.
Believe in the capacity of all students to learn another language and demonstrate an inclusive, student-centered approach to instruction.
Have prior experience teaching Upper School students, preferably within an independent school setting.
Hold a master’s degree and possess three or more years of relevant teaching experience (preferred).
Be interested in and prepared to teach the full range of Spanish courses offered at CDS, from ISLA (pre–Spanish I) through AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture.
Americans with Disability Specifications:
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.