Posted: 17-Feb-26
Location: La Jolla, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $65,900 – $115,000 annualized
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Salary Details:
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La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a dynamic, culturally responsive, and proficiency-driven Spanish educator to join our World Language department beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. This role focuses on developing students’ linguistic fluency, cultural competence, and global awareness through engaging, real-world language instruction. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated expertise in Spanish language, literature, and culture; a passion for middle grades learners; and a collaborative spirit that strengthens our vibrant school community.
Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?
At La Jolla Country Day School, our World Language department fosters the development of linguistic, cultural, and global competency skills. Students learn to speak, write, listen, and read in the target language so they can function confidently in Spanish-, French-, or Mandarin-speaking environments. Proficiency is measured by students’ ability to perform in real-world, non-rehearsed contexts across three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational.
As a mission-driven community committed to dignity, equity, and inclusion, we value educators who cultivate global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding. If you are inspired by helping students communicate meaningfully across cultures and develop confidence in another language, we would love to meet you.
What You’ll Do
Teaching & Learning
- Develop and teach 5th Grade Spanish and 6th Grade Heritage Spanish
- Deliver engaging, proficiency-based instruction aligned with ACTFL standards and performance indicators
- Design and implement authentic, task-based learning experiences that promote real-world communication
- Assess student learning through ongoing formative and summative measures across interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including heritage speakers
Curriculum & Department Collaboration
- Collaborate actively within the department on curriculum development, pedagogy, and assessment practices
- Contribute to initiatives that promote language learning and global awareness across the school
- Engage in ongoing reflection and innovation to strengthen instructional practice
Student & Family Partnership
- Communicate regularly and effectively with parents/guardians through conferences, written reports, and ongoing dialogue
- Support students’ academic and cultural growth with care and responsiveness
Community Engagement & School Life
- Serve as a chaperone for one of the school’s annual Outdoor Education programs
- Participate fully in faculty meetings, professional development, and school-wide events
- Contribute positively to the professional and communal life of the school
Who You Are
- Proficiency-Based Educator: You design learning experiences that prioritize authentic communication and real-world language use.
- Culturally Responsive Practitioner: You foster respect for diverse cultures and perspectives and promote global competency.
- Collaborative Colleague: You value teamwork and contribute actively to departmental growth and innovation.
- Engaging Instructor: You bring energy, creativity, and clarity to your teaching.
- Growth-Oriented Professional: You embrace reflection, feedback, and emerging best practices in language education.
- Equity-Minded Community Member: You are committed to inclusive teaching and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferred in Spanish Language, Spanish or Latin American Literature, Spanish or Latin American History, ESL, Comparative Literature, Linguistics/SLA Pedagogy, Education, or related field
- Experience teaching Grades 5–8 (or international equivalent) strongly preferred
- Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish required; native speakers encouraged to apply
- Advanced proficiency in an additional language (e.g., French or Mandarin) preferred
- Familiarity with ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and Performance Indicators; experience with task- and proficiency-based instruction strongly valued
- Proficiency in English and understanding of adolescent development and culture
Professional Skills
- Demonstrated ability to integrate technology to enhance second-language teaching and learning
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, OnCampus)
- Comfort adopting and implementing new educational technologies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Commitment to innovation, creative problem solving, and global/multicultural education
Work Environment & Schedule
- Full-time, in-person, campus-based role
- Typical office and classroom environments with variable noise levels during school events
- Role requires regular sitting, standing, walking, and movement around campus
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work at a computer for extended periods
- Physical presence on campus is required to perform essential duties
To Be Considered, Please Submit:
- Your current resume or CV
- A cover letter describing your interest in joining the Country Day community and relevant experience
- A statement of educational philosophy
- A sample lesson plan
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.