5th-7th Grade Spanish Teacher

National Association of Independent Schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 62,407 - 140,253; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

403(b) retirement plan contribution

Generous paid time off

Free lunch and parking

Childcare discounts

Job summary

National Association of Independent Schools is seeking a dedicated Spanish Teacher for grades 5th-7th, starting in late August 2026. This full-time position at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC requires a strong background in teaching Spanish and an appreciation for the Quaker values.

The successful candidate will create an inclusive classroom environment, implement lesson plans, and support the social-emotional growth of students. Comprehensive benefits include health plans, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Spanish or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• 3-5 years of teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming classroom reflecting the School’s Quaker identity.
• Execute lesson plans and provide instruction to diverse student abilities.
• Record and communicate student progress to parents/guardians.
• Collaborate with colleagues for curricular alignment.
• Support student social-emotional growth.
• Manage student behavior in and out of the classroom.

Skills

Collaboration

Empathy

Classroom Management

Spanish Language Teaching

Student Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Spanish or related field

Job description

Overview

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”

Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.

Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.

Position Overview

Sidwell Friends School, a co-educational Quaker day school, seeks a Spanish Teacher for grades 5th-7th who genuinely enjoys educating middle-school aged children and appreciates and actively supports the Quaker philosophy of our School. This full-time benefits-eligible position is based on the Washington, DC, campus and will begin in late August 2026.

The ideal candidate will bring an enthusiasm for and background in teaching Spanish language and culture, a commitment to fostering connections with middle school students, and a collaborative spirit that supports the work of the Language Department Team. Responsibilities include implementing lesson plans and assessments that reflect clear learning objectives for students; assessing and communicating student growth and progress; and collaborating with colleagues to ensure curricular cohesion and alignment. Other general duties may include supervising study hall, recess, and lunch, chaperoning and supervising school activities and programs, supporting School admissions programs, attending faculty meetings, and communicating student progress to parents/caregivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment that reflects the School’s Quaker identity and mission
• Execute provided lesson plans and assessments with clear learning objectives and provide instruction to students of different ages and abilities
• Record and communicate student progress by providing regular and ongoing feedback directly to students as well as through formal report cards and interim progress reports shared with parents/guardians
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure curricular cohesion and alignment, both horizontal and vertical
• Support student social-emotional growth
• Support student character growth and development by managing and supervising student behavior in and out of the classroom
• Collaborate with divisional administrators and student support staff to support student learning and growth

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Spanish or a related field or discipline; advanced degrees preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team
• An appreciation and respect for the School’s Quaker values and the School’s mission
• Bring an understanding and appreciation for the energy and curiosity of middle school students and approach their work with both empathy and a sense of humor
• High emotional intelligence and a genuine interest in supporting student wellness and community

Salary & Benefits

Sidwell Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and long-term financial security. Benefits include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; school-paid life and long-term disability insurance; wellness programs; and flexible spending accounts.

Sidwell contributes 7% of gross salary to a 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employee contribution, along with generous paid time off including school breaks, federal holidays, personal days, and paid family leave. Additional benefits include free lunch and parking, public transportation support, access to campus facilities, childcare and summer program discounts, and other community-focused resources.

Salary: $62,407-$140,253 per year

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"