DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Position Middle School Spanish Teacher
Department 4/5 Program at the Middle School
Available August 2026
Detroit Country Day School is a private, independent, co-educational, non-denominational, preschool through grade 12, college preparatory school focused on a well-rounded liberal arts education. Emphasis on academics, arts, athletics, and character development is prevalent across the curriculum. DCDS believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are educational imperatives for the intellectual, social, and moral growth of every child. We honor the dignity of every human being and value differences that exist and are expressed throughout our vibrant school.
Position Summary
The 4/5 Program at Detroit Country Day Middle School is seeking a dynamic and passionate 4-5th Grade Spanish Teacher to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to fostering a love of language learning while building studentsโ proficiency in Spanish through engaging, interactive lessons. This position requires a strong commitment to student success, collaboration with colleagues, communication with families, and a deep understanding of upper elementary learners in a private school setting.
Essential Responsibilities
Instruction amp; Curriculum Development:
- Plan and deliver engaging, student-centered lessons aligned with ACTFL proficiency standards.
- Teach Spanish language and culture with an emphasis on comprehension, communication, and vocabulary development.
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, including storytelling, comprehensible input, music, technology, and authentic resources.
- Plans and implements a curriculum that is vertically aligned with lower and middle school world language courses.
Assessment amp; Feedback:
- Design and administer formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress.
- Provide timely and constructive feedback to students to support language acquisition.
- Maintain accurate records of student performance and communicate progress to parents and administration.
- Effectively use our current learning management system, Canvas.
Classroom Management amp; Student Engagement:
- Create a positive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment.
- Establish clear expectations and routines to promote student responsibility and engagement.
- Encourage active participation in class discussions and language practice.
Collaboration amp; Professional Development:
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, the 4-8th grade department chair, and the 4/5 Dean of Students to develop interdisciplinary projects and align curriculum.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.
- Stay current with best practices in world language instruction and middle school pedagogy.
School Community amp; Additional Duties:
- Serve on 4/5 grade level teams and participate in daily student life and community-building activities.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and classroom updates.
- Support extracurricular activities, such as language clubs or cultural events, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned, such as carline or recess.
- Recognize that health and safety is a responsibility of every employee, take responsible care of self and others, and comply with the schoolโs health and safety policies and protocols.
Qualifications
- Bachelorโs degree in Spanish and/or Education
- Masterโs degree preferred
- State teaching certification
- Teaching experience with elementary-aged students required
- Demonstrated ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish at an advanced level
- Experience working, studying, or collaborating across cultures, especially within Spanish-speaking environments
- Strong writing skills
- Knowledge of upper elementary developmental needs
- Appropriate language acquisition strategies for upper elementary school students
- Ability to integrate technology into instruction and effectively use our learning management system
- Strong classroom management and communication skills
- Passion for teaching elementary and fostering a love of language and world culture in students
- Preference to candidates with coaching experience or expressed willingness to coach or direct activities
Applying for the position
Interested candidates should submit letter of interest, resume and references online at https://www.dcds.edu/about/careers.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Finalists will be invited to campus and asked to teach a sample class. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our school community and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.