Modern Languages Department Chair and Spanish Teacher

The Northwest School is an independent day and boarding school serving students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. We provide an interdisciplinary liberal arts education that nurtures compassionate, globally aware, and environmentally conscious individuals who find joy in learning and are ready to inspire and innovate in our interconnected world. Northwest fosters a warm, inclusive community dedicated to our school values. We believe that a diverse community enriches our institution, making it more creative and dynamic. The Northwest School is committed to building a faculty and student body that reflects the diversity of the broader society. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Spanish educator to serve as Chair of the Modern Languages Department while teaching three sections of Spanish. The department offers instruction in Spanish and Chinese in both the Middle and Upper Schools, and in French and English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Upper School. Instruction is grounded in the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, with an emphasis on sustained use of the target language to promote communicative proficiency and cultural competence. Language study in the Upper School is a central component of the school’s international curriculum. Courses integrate in-depth cultural analysis with opportunities for experiential learning, including study abroad. Students are required to complete three years of language study, with the option to pursue a fourth year. Students receiving ESL support fulfill their language requirement through English coursework rather than enrollment in Chinese, French, or Spanish. In Middle School, the Modern Languages curriculum is task-based, emphasizing active engagement and meaningful use of the target language. As academic leaders, Department Chairs serve on the Curriculum Committee and collaborate closely with Division Directors and faculty to advance curricular coherence and pedagogical excellence. They provide instructional leadership, supervise departmental faculty, and cultivate a collaborative professional culture within and across disciplines. Essential Duties – Spanish Teacher Teach three to four sections of Middle and/or Upper School Spanish in alignment with American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages standards. Courses typically meet 73‑minute periods on an alternating day schedule. Collaborate with departmental colleagues and interdisciplinary teaching teams on curriculum design and instructional planning to ensure horizontal and vertical coherence across the program. Serve as an academic advisor to a cohort of students, providing sustained guidance on their academic development and social‑emotional growth. Design and facilitate a four‑day, immersive experiential learning course for Middle and/or Upper School students during the April term. Engage fully in the intellectual and communal life of the school, including contributing to a collegial professional culture within department and grade‑level teams, participating in ongoing reflective professional development, providing occasional classroom coverage, fostering constructive partnerships with families, attending meetings, committees, and community events. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of and commitment to the school’s mission, philosophy, and core values, advancing the educational vision through engagement in student social‑emotional learning, co‑curricular programming, community events, and grade‑level experiences such as field trips. Essential Duties – Modern Language Chair Convene and facilitate monthly departmental meetings to support instructional coherence, professional dialogue, and ongoing programmatic development. Provide instructional supervision through regular classroom observations and formal evaluations of faculty, offering constructive, evidence‑based feedback to support pedagogical growth. Lead the systematic review and development of curriculum in collaboration with departmental colleagues, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and established standards. Advance departmental professional learning by coordinating and encouraging participation in workshops, peer observations, school visits, and external conferences. Support the student course registration process by advising on appropriate course selection and placement in consultation with faculty and academic leadership. Promote, assess, and monitor progress toward departmental and school‑wide curricular objectives; collaborate with school leadership on strategic initiatives, accreditation processes, including implementation and reporting. Oversee faculty recruitment processes, including candidate evaluation and facilitation of equitable search procedures, in partnership with divisional leadership. Other Responsibilities Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the direct supervisor, Division Director(s), and the Head of School, contributing flexibly and proactively to evolving needs and strategic priorities. Demonstrate consistent, punctual, and dependable attendance, recognizing it as an essential professional obligation for effective teaching, leadership, and full participation in school life. Qualifications Commitment to the school’s mission, values, and philosophy, especially regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, environmental sustainability, and a global perspective. Master’s Degree or higher in education or a field relevant to the position. 5+ years of teaching experience. Experience designing and teaching courses for both Middle and Upper school students. A strong pedagogical toolkit for student accessibility to curriculum and success in the classroom. A commitment to a learning and working culture where all community members feel seen, valued, and heard. Physical Demands Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for classroom setup or moving materials. Ability to stand, sit, and move comfortably throughout classrooms and school hallways for extended periods. Ability to climb stairs, navigate uneven surfaces, and escort students as needed between locations. Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including inclement weather. Evening and weekend work may be required at times. Compensation The salary range for this role is $60,272 to $109,912 based on education and years of experience. This is a 1.0 FTE position with full benefits eligibility. The Northwest School offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, and life and accident insurance coverage, fully paid for employee‑only coverage. A retirement program matches up to 6% of an employee’s salary after one year of service in a 403(b) plan. Other benefits include a mission‑focused school culture, generous time off, lunch, access to the on‑site fitness facility, and a commitment to professional development. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, or marital status. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work required for this position and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. It does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools