Interim Lower School Spanish Teacher Job

Catlin Gabel School; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Catlin Gabel School in Portland, OR is seeking an interim full-time Lower School Spanish Teacher to lead Spanish language learning for students in Grades 1–5. The role emphasizes communicative proficiency, cultural awareness, and an inclusive classroom environment where children gain confidence and take risks.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, student-centered, and committed to supporting all learners. You will differentiate instruction, partner with families, and contribute to departmental

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Spanish or related field with experience teaching Spanish language learners (elementary preferred).
• Advanced or professional-level fluency in Spanish and proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of second-language acquisition and proficiency-based instruction, including ACTFL standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging Spanish instruction for Grades 1–5.
• Develop and refine curriculum, assessments, and activities aligned with standards.
• Collaborate with families, colleagues, and school leaders for student success.
• Participate in school life, meetings, and professional learning.

Skills

Spanish fluency

English proficiency

Second-language acquisition

ACTFL standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Spanish / World Language Education / Elementary Education

Job description

About the role

The Lower School Spanish Teacher leads Spanish language learning for students in Grades 1-5, helping children develop communicative proficiency, cultural awareness, and a lifelong appreciation for language and global perspectives. Through engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction, this role creates an inclusive classroom environment where students build confidence, take risks, and learn through meaningful communication, active participation, and authentic experiences.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, student-centered educator who is passionate about language acquisition and committed to supporting the growth of every learner. They thrive in a community-oriented environment, value strong partnerships with colleagues and families, and bring curiosity, flexibility, and enthusiasm to their work. Successful candidates are skilled at creating engaging learning experiences, adapting instruction to meet diverse needs, and fostering a joyful culture of learning where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

What you'll do

The Lower School Spanish Teacher reports to the Lower School Head and is responsible for:

• Spanish Language Instruction & Curriculum Development: Design and deliver engaging Spanish learning experiences for students in Grades 1-5 that build communicative proficiency, cultural awareness, and enthusiasm for language learning. Develop and refine curriculum, assessments, and learning activities aligned with world language standards and best practices in language acquisition.
• Student Learning, Assessment & Inclusion: Create an inclusive classroom environment where all students can thrive. Differentiate instruction, support diverse learning needs, and use ongoing assessment to monitor progress and promote student growth.
• Family & School Collaboration: Partner with families, colleagues, and school leaders to support student success through clear communication, curriculum alignment, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Contribute to departmental and divisional initiatives that strengthen the student experience.
• Community Engagement & Professional Responsibilities: Foster a positive classroom culture aligned with the school’s values and social-emotional learning practices. Participate actively in the life of the school community through meetings, events, student supervision, professional learning, and other responsibilities that support the Lower School program.

Keys to Success

To be successful in this role, you will excel in these areas:

• Student-Centered Teaching: You create a welcoming and inclusive classroom where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and actively engaging in language learning. You build strong relationships that foster confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.
• Language Acquisition Expertise: You apply your knowledge of second-language acquisition and developmentally appropriate practices to create engaging learning experiences that support communicative proficiency and cultural understanding.
• Collaboration & Communication: You partner effectively with colleagues, families, and school leaders through clear and respectful communication, contributing to a collaborative learning environment and a positive student experience.
• Adaptability & Professional Responsibility: You respond thoughtfully to the diverse needs of learners, adapt your approach when needed, and manage responsibilities with professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.

Minimum qualifications

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Spanish, World Language Education, Elementary Education, or a related field, along with experience teaching Spanish language learners, preferably at the elementary level. Successful candidates will demonstrate advanced or professional-level fluency in Spanish, proficiency in English, and knowledge of second-language acquisition practices and proficiency-based instruction, including familiarity with ACTFL standards and frameworks.

What else you should know

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is an interim full-time position, for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year.

Full-time faculty teachers are expected to travel to retreats, conferences and workshops as well as accompany students on various experiential activities throughout the year. There are some mandatory evening and weekend commitments.

The requirements listed below are representative of physical requirements and may not be all-encompassing. Incumbents must be able to perform job duties with or without accommodations. Work is primarily performed in a classroom setting and includes occasional to frequent work leading students off campus activities.