As of the 2023-24 academic year, Collegiate School expanded its Modern Language Department offerings by inaugurating a Spanish language program in the Lower School. We are currently seeking a dedicated, dynamic, and experienced Spanish teacher to join the Lower School program for the 2025-26 academic year. This is a unique opportunity to help build a wonderful program.
Primary responsibilities for this role include collaborating with academic administrators, the Modern Language Department chair, and the current Lower School Spanish teacher to develop a strategic plan for the program. This includes planning for the program’s phased growth and determining how Spanish lessons can be integrated into classroom schedules in ways that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with other academic priorities. For this K-4 program, we seek a collaborative, talented, and diplomatic elementary school educator to help build an exceptional experience for Collegiate students.
Successful candidates will hold at least a B.A. in Spanish and be fluent in both Spanish and English. Ideal candidates will also have creative skills in designing highly interactive and communicative Spanish classrooms. Applicants should have teaching experience with this age group and be personally committed to Lower School teaching.
General Summary:
Under the general direction of the Head of Lower School and the Modern Language Department Chair, the Lower School Spanish Teacher introduces and teaches Spanish in the Lower School. The Lower School Spanish Teacher is primarily tasked with planning and teaching Spanish in grades K-4. The Spanish Teacher helps students learn and understand and express themselves in Spanish. The Spanish Teacher works closely with homeroom teachers and with the modern language department. Furthermore, the Spanish Teacher is responsible for observing students and evaluating their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Essential Duties:
Builds a Spanish curriculum that is age appropriate;
Instructs students using various teaching methods;
Prepares syllabi and lesson plans, following curriculum guidelines or school objectives;
Implements instructional activities contributing to meaningful learning experiences;
Provides a variety of materials and resources for students to explore, manipulate, and use;
Plans and conducts activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate;
Adapts teaching methods and instructional material to meet students’ varying needs and interests;
Manages student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules, expectations, and procedures;
Observes and evaluates students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health;
Collaborates with homeroom teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of the academic program;
Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in teaching or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of three to five years of professional Spanish teaching experience.
Special Requirements:
Must be able to complete a background check.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability and willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in New York City;
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
Ability to remain responsible at all times for the supervision of students during classes and generally at all times when on campus or off campus;
Ability to learn new technology and systems commensurate with program requirements;
Demonstrated ability to act as a role model of professionalism;
Ability to model honesty, accountability, understanding, respect, love, and kindness for the students;
Ability to multitask, keep calm under pressure, and treat everyone with respect;
Displays curiosity, a positive attitude, flexibility and a good sense of humor;
Ability to follow all policies and procedures of the School as written in the employee and parent handbooks.
Collegiate is a K-12 independent boys’ school, led by Head of School Bodie Brizendine, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. We are a small school of 666 students housed in one building, giving us a unique sense of community and camaraderie. Students travel through 3 divisions, Lower (K-4), Middle (5-8) and Upper (9-12). Our student/teacher ratio is 6:1, with over 76% of our faculty having advanced degrees, allowing for close relationships and excellent, engaging teaching. The total number of school employees includes 160 full time plus 50+ part-time coaches, after school instructors. Our school was founded in 1628. Over the years it has moved around the city, with our last location of over 125 years being at 77th Street and Broadway. We moved into our new facility at 301 Freedom Place South and 61st Street in 2018. Our building, designed and built exclusively for our use, provides students with state-of-the-art classrooms, a 40,000-book library, two gymnasiums, a full theater and a blackbox, along with two outdoor spaces. All our work is driven by our statement of beliefs and our values. We believe that we are at our best when all members of the school community conduct the...mselves with respect, kindness, and integrity. We believe that the traditions and values of this old but not old-fashioned school can inspire boys to develop their individual capacities for personal and academic excellence. We believe that boys learn best when they are members of a diverse and just community that fosters purposeful and spirited engagement, inquiry, and collaboration in academics, athletics, and the arts. We believe that a liberal arts education committed to diligent and discerning scholarship prepares students to be citizens who act with conscience, courage, and compassion. The school’s financial profile includes an annual operating budget (2023) $45M, an endowment of $75M and $5.6M in financial aid being awarded in 2023.