DescriptionUniversity School of Nashville
Lower School Spanish Teacher
August 2026
The Lower School Spanish Teacher is responsible for creating a dynamic engaging and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes Spanish language cultural awareness and a lifelong appreciation for global perspectives. This educator inspires young learners to become confident communicators while also supporting their academic social and emotional growth.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Curriculum
- Plan and deliver engaging student-centered Spanish instruction aligned with standards and best practices in language acquisition
- Teach Spanish to students in grades K4
- Design differentiated lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Incorporate interactive methods such as songs games storytelling and hands-on activities
- Integrate cultural elements from Spanish-speaking countries into the curriculum
- Develop and implement a curriculum that promotes communication and intercultural competency
- Use technology in developmentally appropriate ways to enhance learning
Classroom Environment
- Foster a positive inclusive and supportive classroom culture
- Encourage student participation curiosity and confidence
- Implement effective classroom management strategies
- Support students social and emotional development
Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with Lower School faculty and world language colleagues to ensure curriculum alignment across divisions
- Partner with colleagues to support cross-curricular connections
- Participate in school meetings professional development and community events
- Contribute to school-wide initiatives including cultural celebrations (e.g. Hispanic Heritage Month)
- Engage actively in the life of the school and contribute to a collaborative faculty culture
- Provide clear timely feedback to students and families
- Communicate effectively with parents/guardians through emails and interactions
Professional Responsibilities
- Demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to the schools mission and values
- Pursue ongoing professional growth and development
- Build positive relationships with students families and colleagues
- Perform additional duties as assigned by school leadership
QualificationsQualifications
- Bachelors degree in Spanish Education or a related field
- High-level language proficiency in Spanish and English
- Experience or demonstrated ability to teach elementary-aged students
- Strong understanding of language acquisition strategies for young learners
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural competence and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion
Preferred
- Masters degree in Spanish Education or related field
- Teaching certification in elementary education and/or world languages
- Experience with proficiency-based language instruction
- Familiarity with educational technology and classroom integration
Key Skills & Attributes
- Passion for working with children and fostering a love of learning
- Creativity and adaptability in lesson design
- Strong organizational and classroom management skills
- Collaborative mindset and team-oriented approach
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
- Enthusiasm for working in a diverse multicultural community
The School
University School of Nashville is an independent non-sectarian co-educational day school with enrollment of over 1000 students in kindergarten through twelfth 1915 the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School USNs predecessor which earned acclaim for its curriculum and 1974 Peabody College announced plans to close PDS and a group of parents alumni students and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville.
USNs midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings over 108 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. Its a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.
In the USN community students expect much of each other and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their work and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants.
Please be prepared to upload the following items through USNs online application for this position:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume