Part-time Spanish Specialist Teacher Grades PS-K 

.60 FTE

Reports to: Division Head

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All UCDS employees are expected to embody the school’s mission to design a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning; cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities; and engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model.

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Job Summary 

Specialists work in their subject areas with all the students. There are currently specialists in Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, Science, Design & Tech, and Spanish. Specialists work closely with classroom teachers to align their curriculum with classroom instruction and meet students' individual needs. Specialists meet weekly with faculty for staffing sessions to discuss students' progress; they also meet weekly as a Specialist group to coordinate and plan their curricula. 

Each teacher at UCDS works as a member of a team to design curriculum, instruct students, individualize learning, and support school-wide events and programs. In the spirit of innovation, faculty share teaching methods, materials, and assessment techniques within and beyond our school community. The process of building, implementing, evaluating, and revising programs is central to UCDS and required of every faculty member. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Art of Teaching: 

• Creates and implements hands-on Spanish curricula appropriate to students' grade level and developmental level.
• Employ effective and differentiated teaching strategies to meet the needs of a diverse range of students. 
• Creates and sustains a classroom culture based on the mission and values of the school
• Provides a variety of learning opportunities, methods, and materials, with a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning and hands-on experiences for the students.
• Show an appreciation for the craft of teaching 
• Ability to switch between grade levels quickly and effectively. This position requires organization, planning, and collaboration. 
• Create daily lesson plans that are engaging, educational, hands-on, and exciting for the students 
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and inspires students to participate fully in the learning process
• Practices thoughtful, respectful, and successful classroom management techniques that support active learning and promote responsibility and self-management 
• Advises and works with students, parents/guardians, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs 

Community: 

• Provides and maintains a dynamic and safe environment 
• Communicates effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including administrators, colleagues, staff, and parents/guardians, to maintain constructive and professional relationships 
• Builds partnerships with parents/guardians through clear written and verbal communication in formal and informal meetings, as well as documentation
• Attends school-related events and meetings outside the scheduled school day, i.e., after-school planning, committee meetings, overnight trips, and community events
• Collaborates and works effectively in teams with colleagues 
• Employs strong interpersonal skills, including being patient and positive 

Reflective Practice: 

• Participates in annual goal setting and receives regular feedback, facilitated by the Division Head, Assistant Head of School, and Head of School 
• Participates in professional learning opportunities at UCDS, the UCDS Institute, and in the larger community 
• Actively completes other duties as assigned 

Education &/or Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Spanish, or a related field.
• Experience teaching Spanish at the early elementary level.
• Strong understanding of child development and progressive education principles.
• Ability to create and adapt curriculum to meet the needs of learners.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Education, Spanish Education, or related field.
• Experience in independent or progressive school settings.
• Familiarity with inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and Spanish education.
• Proficiency with technology integration in the classroom 

Qualifications

• Passion for fostering curiosity and a love of Spanish in young learners.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with students, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated cultural competence skills and a deep commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
• Flexibility and creativity to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the school community.
• Exceptional skills as a deep thinker, listener, and collaborator.
• Strong capacity for innovation and problem-solving.
• Eagerness to contribute to a vibrant professional learning community.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The part-time Spanish Specialist has no direct reports. 

Additional Requirements

Meet the school’s standards when completing all background screenings.

About University Child Development School (UCDS)

We are a preschool through 5th grade independent school with an Infant-Toddler Education Program. We encourage students to stretch, reflect, collaborate, and think expansively—enriching their educational growth and ensuring they thrive in school and beyond.

Connections working at University Child Development School (UCDS)