Early Childhood and Lower School Spanish Teacher (Ages 2 Grade 4)

Bennett Day School is a progressive independent day school looking for passionate educators with an innovative spirit and a rich background in early childhood and elementary learning. We are a new type of independent school; unabashed believers in the values of progressive education, we put students at the center of the process of learning.

The Bennett Day Early Childhood and Lower School is hiring a full-time Early Childhood and Lower School Spanish Teacher to work with students from pre-nursery (age 2) through 4th grade. In this role, you’ll join a vibrant faculty team, designing and implementing immersive, Reggio Emilia-inspired, and project-based language learning experiences tailored to young learners.

Reporting to our Director of Early Childhood and Lower School, you’ll bring your expertise to build a joyful, culturally rich foundation in the Spanish language and Hispanic/Latino cultures, fostering natural language acquisition through play, inquiry, music, movement, and storytelling.

The Opportunity

As our Early Childhood and Lower School Spanish Teacher, you will play a central role in shaping how our youngest students experience language and culture. You will develop an interactive, play- and project-based curriculum free from standard traditional constraints. You will work within a progressive, grade-free environment that prioritizes child-centered discovery, social-emotional development, and authentic engagement.

You’ll collaborate closely with homeroom teachers, specialists, and families to integrate Spanish language learning into interdisciplinary classroom units. Professional development and collaboration are deeply embedded in our culture, including dedicated weekly time with colleagues. This position is ideal for an educator who thrives on making warm, meaningful connections with young children, building strong partnerships with families, and working in a creative, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and teach age-appropriate, inquiry-driven Spanish lessons for students ranging from toddlers (age 2) to 4th graders.
• Utilize immersive, multi-sensory strategies (play, song, storytelling, hands-on projects, movement) to support language acquisition across early development stages.
• Integrate rich cultural perspectives into the curriculum to foster global citizenship and cultural competence early on.
• Collaborate with homeroom co-teachers to align Spanish units with core classroom themes and project work.
• Communicate regularly and warmly with parents and guardians regarding student growth, learning highlights, and program milestones.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment tailored to early childhood and elementary needs.

*Responsibilities are not all-inclusive and will include other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Advanced professional fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written).
• 3+ years of experience teaching Spanish to early childhood (ages 2–5) and/or elementary-aged (K–4) children.
• Deep understanding of early childhood development, foundational literacy, and natural language acquisition in young children.
• Experience designing play-based, project-based, or Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experiences.
• Strong commitment to building inclusive communities and continually developing cultural competence.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning and collaborative team teaching.
• Ability to oversee and ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of young children in and out of the classroom.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Spanish, or World Language Pedagogy.
• Comfort and adaptability in a creative, dynamic, growing school environment.
• Experience integrating art, music, movement, and hands-on making into language instruction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit on the floor, stand, kneel, bend, and sit at child-sized furniture for extended periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift, carry, and comfort young children (up to 35 lbs) as needed.
• Ability to move quickly, respond rapidly, and navigate classroom and playground spaces to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Ability to supervise students indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Compensation for this full-time position is determined by the candidate’s years of teaching experience, educational background, and professional qualifications ranging from $52,000 to $78,000. 

Benefits: Paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; transit, HSA, and FSA options; 401(k) with employer match; and a tuition benefit for children who attend Bennett Day School.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bennett Day School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, military status, or any other protected status under Federal or Illinois law.