Middle School Spanish Teacher

Rumson Country Day School seeks a dynamic and engaging World Language Teacher to teach Spanish and possibly French in Grades 5-8. The ideal candidate will foster a love of language learning while helping students build strong skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This teacher will create a classroom environment that emphasizes communication, cultural understanding, and real-world application. They will design engaging, student-centered lessons aligned with the school's curriculum while supporting a range of learners and collaborating closely with colleagues and families. The position also includes serving as a middle school advisor, contributing to the broader student experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Curriculum Teach Spanish and/or French to students in Grades 5-8, following the established curriculum. Design engaging, interactive lessons that promote language acquisition through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Incorporate cultural studies to deepen students' understanding of the Spanish- and French-speaking world. Use a variety of instructional strategies, including conversation-based learning, games, and project-based activities. Assess student progress regularly and provide meaningful feedback. Student Engagement & Classroom Environment Create a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages participation and confidence in language use. Foster curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new languages and cultures. Encourage students to take risks and build proficiency through active communication. Supporting Diverse Learners Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of a range of learners. Collaborate with learning specialists and colleagues to support students with varied learning profiles. Provide additional support and scaffolding to ensure all students can succeed. Advisory & Student Support Serve as a grade level advisor, mentoring a group of students and supporting their academic and social-emotional development. Build strong, supportive relationships with students. Communication with Families Maintain open, proactive communication with parents regarding student progress and expectations. Participate in parent conferences and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback. Collaboration & Community Engagement Work closely with colleagues across grade levels to support student learning and school initiatives. Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented faculty culture. Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and professional development. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Spanish, World Languages, Education, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred. Proficiency in Spanish required. Proficiency in French preferred. Experience teaching upper elementary and/or middle school students preferred. Strong understanding of best practices in world language instruction and second language acquisition. Ability to create engaging, student-centered lessons. Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills. Personal Attributes Enthusiastic and passionate about language learning Engaging and student-centered in approach Collaborative and team-oriented Organized and flexible Committed to supporting a diverse group of learners To express interest, please email Natalie Diehl, Head of Upper School, and Heather Parker, Director of Curriculum, at ndiehl@rcds.org and hparker@rcds.org.