Lower School Spanish Teacher

Job DetailsJob Location: University School of Nashville - Nashville, TN 37212Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeJob Category: EducationUniversity School of Nashville Lower School Spanish Teacher August 2026   The Lower School Spanish Teacher is responsible for creating a dynamic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes Spanish language, cultural awareness, and a lifelong appreciation for global perspectives. This educator inspires young learners to become confident communicators while also supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth. Key Responsibilities  Instruction & Curriculum  Plan and deliver engaging, student-centered Spanish instruction aligned with standards and best practices in language acquisition  Teach Spanish to students in grades K–4  Design differentiated lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners  Incorporate interactive methods such as songs, games, storytelling, and hands-on activities  Integrate cultural elements from Spanish-speaking countries into the curriculum  Develop and implement a curriculum that promotes communication and intercultural competency  Use technology in developmentally appropriate ways to enhance learning  Classroom Environment  Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom culture  Encourage student participation, curiosity, and confidence  Implement effective classroom management strategies  Support students’ social and emotional development  Collaboration & Community Engagement  Collaborate with Lower School faculty and world language colleagues to ensure curriculum alignment across divisions  Partner with colleagues to support cross-curricular connections  Participate in school meetings, professional development, and community events  Contribute to school-wide initiatives, including cultural celebrations (e.g., Hispanic Heritage Month)  Engage actively in the life of the school and contribute to a collaborative faculty culture  Provide clear, timely feedback to students and families  Communicate effectively with parents/guardians through emails and interactions Professional Responsibilities  Demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to the school’s mission and values Pursue ongoing professional growth and development  Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues  Perform additional duties as assigned by school leadership  QualificationsQualifications  Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Education, or a related field  High-level language proficiency in Spanish and English  Experience or demonstrated ability to teach elementary-aged students  Strong understanding of language acquisition strategies for young learners  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  Cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion  Preferred  Master’s degree in Spanish, Education, or related field  Teaching certification in elementary education and/or world languages  Experience with proficiency-based language instruction  Familiarity with educational technology and classroom integration  Key Skills & Attributes  Passion for working with children and fostering a love of learning  Creativity and adaptability in lesson design  Strong organizational and classroom management skills  Collaborative mindset and team-oriented approach  Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth  Enthusiasm for working in a diverse, multicultural community   The School University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of over 1,000 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School, USN’s predecessor, which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974, Peabody College announced plans to close PDS, and a group of parents, alumni, students, and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville.  USN’s midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings over 108 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. It’s a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city. In the USN community, students expect much of each other, and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their work and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants.   Please be prepared to upload the following items through USN's online application for this position: 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume