Spanish Teacher Upper School

Spanish Teacher Upper School

Upper School Spanish Teacher JOB DESCRIPTION

Chadwick School

Palos Verdes Peninsula, California

Chadwick School is an independent, K-12, coeducational day school dedicated to academic excellence, the development of exemplary character, and self-discovery through experience. A highly educated faculty and staff bring out the best in the talented student body through active learning, challenging academics, one-on-one mentoring, unparalleled global opportunities, nationally distinguished outdoor education and community service programs, outstanding athletic opportunities, and award-winning visual and performing arts.

The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, fairness, and compassion are widely shared and fostered daily in classrooms, during co-curricular activities, and through the camaraderie of this close-knit community.

Located on a beautiful, 45-acre hilltop campus on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County, Chadwick enrolls over 800 students drawn from more than 45 Southern California communities.

Job Title: Upper School Spanish Teacher              

Division/Department: Upper School

Reports To: Division Director      

Location: Palos Verdes, CA

Level/Grade: 9-12           

Type of position/FLSA: Full-time Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

Chadwick School seeks an enthusiastic and experienced Upper School Spanish teacher with native or near-native proficiency in Spanish and a strong foundation in language pedagogy. The ideal candidate embraces student-centered, experiential learning, proficiency-based instruction aligned with ACTFL and CEFR standards, and backward-design curriculum planning. They are eager to engage and advise upper school students in a dynamic learning environment

Department members work closely to create a coherent learning experience that has been designed to prepare students for lifelong learning as global citizens with keen minds, exemplary character, self-knowledge, and the ability to lead. Each teacher also serves as a faculty advisor to students, participates in the life of the school outside of the classroom, and engages in professional development and learning.  

Chadwick’s mission-driven program focuses on academic excellence, exemplary character, and self-discovery through experience and is based on the Core Values of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect, and responsibility and the Chadwick Core Competencies: critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, character, courage, and cultural competence.

ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach 4 sections total
• advisor to 7-8 students.
• Positively and actively contribute to the life of the school (i.e. afternoon co-curricular, coaching, etc).
• Create an inclusive classroom environment of mutual respect and rapport; incorporate anti-bias practices into the classroom culture and apply Chadwick's shared equitable assessment and grading practices.
• Apply principles of backward design (UbD) to course and unit curriculum. 
• Collaborate with grade level team to plan curriculum around shared learning outcomes, skill sequences, content knowledge, and enduring understandings and essential questions.
• Use communicative and proficiency-based instructional approaches to engage students in real-world, meaningful interactions grounded in authentic texts and experiences.
• Integrate technology into lessons, including the use of laptops and Google platforms.
• Use Chadwick principles of assessment and grading to assess, record, and provide feedback on student learning and next steps.
• Submit grades and student comments as instructed and on time.
• Keep information systems up to date, including class calendars, gradebooks, and course online sites.
• Attend all relevant department and faculty meetings and school events, including new faculty orientation and training throughout the year, professional development, and student orientations before school starts, back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences, assemblies, graduation, etc.).
• Demonstrate an ability to proactively reflect on and participate in discussions around identity, race, and issues of social justice.
• Cover classes for absent colleagues as requested.
• Supervise students as assigned, such as chaperoning, break and lunchtime supervision, dances, and study hall.
• Attend outdoor education experiences as interested.
• Read and follow employment policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Read and follow academic policies outlined in the relevant division Handbook.
• Communicate promptly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, experience and skill requirements

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCES, AND SKILLS

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English are required.
• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish is required.
• Strong knowledge of proficiency-based instruction, ACTFL standards, and best practices in Spanish-language pedagogy is preferred
• Teaching experience with middle or upper school students is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of pedagogy and educational tools, including relevant technology, is preferred.
• A student-centered, global, and innovative approach to teaching is preferred.

Compensation:

Anticipated base compensation is $78,000-$95,000 based on credentials and experience. The position will begin August 2025.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Required to lift and carry up to a maximum of 25 lbs., in a correct manner consistent with the appropriate training provided by the School.
• Occasionally required to use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, touch and use tools, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, stoop, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, grasp, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, grasp, talk, hear, and walk during the course of employment.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and an ability to adjust focus.
• May use telephone, computer, copier, and other office equipment in the course of a day.
• Required to sit while operating word processing equipment for approximately 6-8 hours daily, repetitive motion for typing and other keystroke needs.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  This may include warm, hot, or cold temperatures.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

CLEARANCES

Required Screenings: TB assessment Clearances: Livescan background check

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the position

Salary : $78,000 - $95,000