Part-Time Spanish Specialist Teacher

Start Date:

August 7, 2026 / Status:
Exempt .6 FTE /

Reports to:

Division Head

All UCDS employees are expected to embody the school’s mission to design a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning; cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities; and engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model .

University Child Development School (UCDS) located in Seattle, Washington is an independent school serving 390+ Infant‑Toddler, Early Elementary (Preschool, Pre‑Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st through 5th grade) students. In addition, the UCDS education institution comprises the UCDS Graduate School of Education. UCDS uniquely serves to prepare teachers, educate children, and develop innovations in curriculum and teaching. UCDS’s unique design as a place where both teachers and children learn, where early‑career teachers develop their practice, and where experienced teachers research and design curriculum, gives rise to its innovation.

The Master of Education program is the evolution of UCDS’ deep history of developing and supporting exceptional educators.

Specialists work in their subject areas with all the students. There are currently specialists in Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, Science, Design & Tech, and Spanish. Specialists work closely with classroom teachers to align their curriculum with classroom instruction and meet students’ individual needs. Specialists meet weekly with faculty for staffing sessions to discuss students’ progress; they also meet weekly as a Specialist group to coordinate and plan their curricula.

Each teacher at UCDS works as a member of a team to design curriculum, instruct students, individualize learning, and support school‑wide events and programs. In the spirit of innovation, faculty share teaching methods, materials, and assessment techniques within and beyond our school community. The process of building, implementing, evaluating, and revising programs is central to UCDS and required of every faculty member.

Art of Teaching:

• Creates and implements hands‑on Spanish curricula appropriate to students’ grade level and developmental level.
• Employ effective and differentiated teaching strategies to meet the needs of a diverse range of students.
• Creates and sustains a classroom culture based on the mission and values of the school.
• Provides a variety of learning opportunities, methods, and materials, with a strong emphasis on inquiry‑based learning and hands‑on experiences for the students.
• Show an appreciation for the craft of teaching.
• Ability to switch between grade levels quickly and effectively. This position requires organization, planning, and collaboration.
• Create daily lesson plans that are engaging, educational, hands‑on, and exciting for the students.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and inspires students to participate fully in the learning process.
• Practices thoughtful, respectful, and successful classroom management techniques that support active learning and promote responsibility and self‑management.
• Advises and works with students, parents/guardians, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs.

Community:

• Provides and maintains a dynamic and safe environment.
• Communicates effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including administrators, colleagues, staff, and parents/guardians, to maintain constructive and professional relationships.
• Builds partnerships with parents/guardians through clear written and verbal communication in formal and informal meetings, as well as documentation.
• Attends school‑related events and meetings outside the scheduled school day, i.e., after‑school planning, committee meetings, overnight trips, and community events.
• Collaborates and works effectively in teams with colleagues.
• Employs strong interpersonal skills, including being patient and positive.

Reflective Practice:

• Participates in annual goal setting and receives regular feedback, facilitated by the Division Head, Assistant Head of School, and Head…