Spanish Teacher (2027-2028 School Year)

DSST Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

DSST Public Schools is seeking a Spanish Teacher for Middle School (6–8) and High School (9–12) across Denver and Aurora, CO. You will lead rigorous Spanish instruction, helping students develop language proficiency through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The role emphasizes comprehensible input and authentic resources, with a focus on heritage speakers and biliteracy pathways through AP coursework and Seals of Biliteracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Praxis score 163 or Berlitz SLP exam passing.
• Commitment to educational equity and culturally responsive instruction.
• Colorado teaching credential preferred.
• Experience teaching middle or high school students.

Responsibilities

• Deliver rigorous Spanish instruction to about 3–5 classes daily using curriculum resources and culturally responsive practices.
• Develop language proficiency through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities.
• Connect language and culture with authentic resources and diverse perspectives.
• Assess and support student growth using proficiency-based assessments and differentiated instruction.
• Build a positive classroom culture that encourages risk-taking and collaboration.
• Collaborate with colleagues through coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Contribute to school community through relationships with students and families and participation in initiatives.

Skills

Spanish language proficiency

Acquisition-driven instruction

Differentiated instruction

Culturally responsive teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

Colorado teaching credential (preferred)

Praxis 163 score or Berlitz SLP passing

Job description

Thank you for your interest in joining DSST Public Schools for the 2027–28 school year! Please note that final interviews for these positions are expected to begin by February 2027. If you have questions or need to be considered on a different timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at [e-mail] . We're excited to learn more about you throughout the hiring process!POSITION: Spanish TeacherGRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) positionsLOCATION: Multiple DSST Public Schools locations across Denver and Aurora, Colorado. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not yet listed, as additional opportunities may become available throughout the hiring season. View Current OpeningsSALARY: $60,000–$78,000 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience. We also offer a relocation stipend for candidates moving from 75 miles or more outside Denver!STATUS: Full-time, school-year, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person positionSTART : Late July 2027, beginning with new staff training. View the school-year calendar.¡Abre Puertas a Través del Lenguaje!At DSST Public Schools, we believe learning Spanish is not about memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. It's about communicating with others, exploring diverse cultures, and opening doors to new opportunities.As a Spanish Teacher, you'll help students develop language proficiency through meaningful listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Whether teaching students new to Spanish or strengthening the academic literacy of heritage speakers, you'll build their confidence, celebrate their identities, and prepare them for opportunities beyond high school.Why Teach Spanish at DSST?Make Language Learning Meaningful: Help students connect across cultures, communicate authentically, and develop skills that expand their future opportunities.Teach Through Language Acquisition: Move beyond isolated grammar drills. Use comprehensible input, storytelling, authentic resources, and meaningful communication, with a goal of conducting at least 90% of instruction in Spanish.Build Pathways to Biliteracy: Join a vertically aligned program supporting second-language learners and heritage speakers, with pathways to AP coursework, college credit, and the Colorado, APS, and DPS Seals of Biliteracy.What Does Spanish Instruction Look Like at DSST?DSST offers distinct opportunities for students learning Spanish as an additional language and those developing literacy in their home or heritage language.Middle School Spanish Language Arts (Grades 6–8)Spanish Language Arts (SLA): Offered at select campuses for students whose home or heritage language is Spanish. Students strengthen academic reading, writing, and discussion skills while exploring culture and identity.High School Spanish (Grades 9–12)Spanish as a Second Language: Spanish 1–3 and AP Spanish Language and Culture. Students develop proficiency through comprehensible input, storytelling, and meaningful communication.Español para Hispanohablantes (EPH): EPH 1–2, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. Native and heritage Spanish speakers strengthen academic literacy through a variety of print and audiovisual texts, current events, analytical writing, and discussion.Curriculum Resources: DSST uses Voces Digital Nuestra Historia (Spanish 1–3), Anécdotas (EPH 1–2), Temas (AP Spanish Language), and Inquiry by Design (middle school SLA). Teachers receive curriculum resources and instructional guidance while intellectually preparing lessons and adapting materials to meet student needs.We'll ask about your course, grade-level, and campus preferences during the interview process.See Spanish Teaching in Action at DSST!Meet an AP Spanish Teacher Opening Doors Through Language : Learn how Raul Castillo Ontiveros helps students embrace their bilingual identities and pursue opportunities through Spanish.Meet a Spanish Teacher Bringing Joy and Excellence to DSST : Discover how Eunice Torres builds relationships and contributes to a joyful school community.What You'll DoDeliver Rigorous Spanish Instruct ion: Intellectually prepare and teach approximately 3–5 classes daily using course-specific curriculum resources and culturally responsive practices.Develop Language Proficiency: Engage students in meaningful listening, speaking, reading, and writing experiences aligned with their language development needs.Connect Language & Culture: Incorporate authentic resources and diverse perspectives while affirming students' linguistic and cultural identities.Assess & Support Student Growth: Use proficiency-based assessments, student work, and feedback to monitor progress and differentiate instruction.Build a Positive Classroom Culture: Create an inclusive environment where students feel confident communicating in Spanish, taking risks, and learning from one another.Collaborate & Grow Professionally: Participate in regular coaching, feedback, professional development, and collaboration to strengthen your practice.Contribute to Your School Community: Build relationships with students and families and participate in schoolwide initiatives, which may include advisory, tutoring, or student recruitment. Explore additional responsibilities.What You'll BringRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in any field.Demonstrated content knowledge meeting applicable in-field qualifications. Learn more about qualification options.The Spanish Language Arts position has a DPS requirement of a Praxis score of 163 or a passing score on the Berlitz SLP ExamA strong belief in every student's ability to succeed and pursue ambitious postsecondary goals.A commitment to educational equity, culturally responsive instruction, and continuous professional growth.Preferred QualificationsExperience teaching or supporting middle or high school students.Strong Spanish language proficiency and knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures.Experience with acquisition-driven instruction, comprehensible input, proficiency-based assessment, or heritage-language education.Experience differentiating instruction and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners.Colorado teaching credential (preferred but not required for most opportunities).¡Queremos conocerte!We know great Spanish Teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences! If you're passionate about helping students develop language proficiency, celebrate cultural identities, and expand their opportunities but have questions about your qualifications or licensure eligibility, please reach out to our Talent Team at [e-mail]. We'd love to hear from you!Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at [e-mail] . We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.Application TimelineThis is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.Who We AreAt DSST Public Schools , we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.Our Impact100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as peopleWhy Work at DSST?At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits .Employment Classification & PERA ParticipationDSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSIONDSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer . We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.