Job Title: Upper Elementary and Middle School Spanish Lead Specialty Teacher

Supervisor’s Title: Director of Elementary Education and Director of Middle School

Employee Classification: Full-time, salaried, 10-month, faculty, non-exempt

General Schedule: 8:00 am-3:30 pm

Position Summary

The Upper Elementary and Middle School Spanish Teacher values the Montessori philosophy and fosters a high-fidelity Montessori learning environment rooted in respect for the individual learner, preparation of the environment, and the cultivation of independence, order, and concentration. This faculty member is responsible for delivering a multi-age, developmentally differentiated Spanish curriculum to students in grades 4–8, including Upper Elementary Spanish, Spanish 7, and Spanish 8, leading to a Spanish 1 high school credit.

The teacher guides students in developing an appreciation for the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures while nurturing reflective thinking, problem-solving, and meta-cognitive growth. Collaboration is at the heart of this role. The Spanish Teacher works closely with colleagues, administrators, and families to ensure that each student progresses academically, socially, and personally in alignment with the mission of Richmond Montessori School.

Successful RMS faculty continually demonstrate the ability to execute their professional responsibilities effectively and positively contribute to the culture, community, and mission of the school.

Required Duties for UE and MS Spanish Lead Specialty Teacher

• Design, implement, and deliver a developmentally appropriate, Montessori-aligned Spanish curriculum for Upper Elementary Spanish, Spanish 7, and Spanish 8, grounded in best pedagogical practices
• Guide students toward earning high school Spanish I credit through rigorous, engaging instruction in Spanish 7 and Spanish 8
• Foster a deep appreciation of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures through meaningful, authentic learning experiences
• Create and maintain a prepared environment that promotes independence, order, concentration, and joyful engagement in learning
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of multi-age learners and support each student’s academic and social-emotional development
• Assess student progress using a variety of formal and informal methods; provide timely, constructive feedback consistent with Montessori principles
• Support student behavior using Montessori philosophy and Positive Discipline practices that uphold dignity, mutual respect, and self-regulation
• Ensure that classroom materials, lessons, and interactions foster diversity, inclusion, and belonging in alignment with RMS’s inclusivity statement
• Collaborate regularly with Upper Elementary and Middle School faculty to design meaningful interdisciplinary learning experiences and ensure continuity across programs
• Partner respectfully with parents/guardians through conferences, written communication, and conversations, maintaining timely, professional correspondence
• Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings, team meetings, professional development sessions, and Summer Institute (if assigned)
• Engage in ongoing professional growth, committee participation, and school events in support of students and the broader school community
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in alignment with school policies and reporting requirements
• Utilize technology effectively for instruction, communication, and documentation, including Google platforms and the student information system (experience with Veracross preferred)
• Support the work of the Head of School and senior leadership, and perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3–5 years of teaching experience
• Experience teaching Spanish at the Upper Elementary and/or Middle School level
• Deep respect for children, their families, and the Montessori pedagogy
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build respectful, positive relationships within a school community
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Excellent classroom management skills, including the ability to recognize challenging classroom dynamics and seek appropriate support or collaboration when needed
• Growth mindset, strong work ethic, and professional accountability
• Comfortable using technology for instruction and communication
• CPR and First Aid certification

Preferred Qualifications 

• Ability to teach an additional classical or world language (e.g., Latin)
• Montessori and/or independent school experience preferred
• Teaching degree or state credential
• Familiarity with Veracross or comparable student information systems preferred

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and discretion in all interactions
• Upholds confidentiality, demonstrates sound judgment, and accountability
• Communicates respectfully and efficiently with students, families, and colleagues
• Actively contributes to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-aligned school culture
• Embodies a clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Maintains consistent energy and presence in a dynamic classroom environment
• Commits to ongoing professional growth

Physical Factors and Work Environment

This position is primarily based in a classroom environment and includes supervision of students during transitions and, as assigned, during outdoor activities, school events, or field experiences. The role requires active engagement with students throughout the school day, including standing for extended periods, moving throughout the classroom, and occasional lifting of instructional materials or supplies (up to 35 pounds). The teacher must be able to respond promptly to student needs and maintain consistent awareness of student safety and well-being.

Additional Responsibilities

On an as-needed basis, faculty members are expected to attend classroom-specific events, parent meetings, conferences, after-school functions, coaching responsibilities, committee meetings, and other community gatherings outside the normal school schedule.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Richmond Montessori School.  Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties, and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.

About Richmond Montessori School

Founded in 1965, Richmond Montessori School is the only Montessori school in the Richmond area and surrounding counties that is fully accredited by two external organizations – the American Montessori Society and Virginia Association of Independent Schools. RMS offers a private education that prepares children (ages 18 months to 14) for high levels of academic achievement, while also supporting their unique styles, interests and talents. The result is students who have the self-confidence, motivation and sense of purpose to successfully navigate life and contribute to their world in a meaningful way.

Connections working at Richmond Montessori School