Head Pre-School Spanish Immersion Teacher - Leave Replacement

HudsonWay Immersion School (HWIS) is a progressive pre-K through Grade 8 Mandarin and Spanish Immersion School founded 20 years ago in the NJ/NY area. The school’s mission is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and character to become global contributors and citizens of the world. Our values are excellence, respect, teamwork, integrity, communication, innovation, transparency, customer service, and accountability. HWIS has a strong academic reputation. Students perform well above average and are accepted at top tier independent schools.

We are searching for qualified and compassionate Spanish Head teachers for different grades with an understanding and commitment to the vision of the language immersion model to join our talented team at NY location for 2026-27 school year. S/He must possess an excellent command of the language of instruction (Spanish) in order to model, instruct and maintain high academic standards as well as adhere to the language policy of the classroom.

Position Overview

This is a full-time, temporary position supporting classroom continuity during a teacher's extended leave. The selected candidate will assume full Head Teacher responsibilities, including curriculum planning, classroom instruction, student assessment, family communication, and leadership of an Assistant Teacher.

We are looking for an educator who can provide a smooth transition for students and families while maintaining the high-quality learning environment and language immersion experience that define HudsonWay Immersion School.

The assignment is expected to last approximately five months. Specific start and end dates will be confirmed during the hiring process and may be adjusted based on school needs.

Key ResponsibilitiesCurriculum and Instruction

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with Creative Curriculum, schoolwide learning objectives, and early childhood best practices.
• Create purposeful learning experiences that balance play-based exploration, inquiry, and teacher-guided instruction.
• Support the development of early literacy, numeracy, language, critical thinking, independence, and social-emotional skills.
• Implement effective Spanish immersion strategies using modeling, visual supports, comprehensible input, and meaningful interactions to develop students' language proficiency.
• Differentiate instruction to meet students' individual developmental, academic, social-emotional, and language needs.
• Use classroom observations and assessment data to inform instruction and provide appropriate interventions and enrichment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure curriculum alignment and continuity across grade levels.

Classroom Environment and Management

• Establish a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and well-organized classroom environment that promotes curiosity, independence, and active learning.
• Implement positive, developmentally appropriate classroom management practices aligned with the school's Responsive Classroom approach and social-emotional learning philosophy.
• Establish consistent routines, clear expectations, and effective classroom transitions.
• Support children's emotional development through positive guidance, co-regulation, conflict resolution, and age-appropriate behavior strategies.
• Design and maintain engaging learning centers, classroom displays, and instructional materials that reflect student learning.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure students' physical and emotional safety at all times.

Student Assessment and Individualized Support

• Observe, assess, and document student development and learning using school-approved assessment tools.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records, developmental assessments, and progress reports.
• Identify individual student strengths and areas for growth and develop appropriate instructional strategies to support progress.
• Collaborate with school leadership, families, and student support professionals to address developmental, academic, or behavioral concerns.
• Use assessment information to adjust instructional practices and monitor student growth.

Classroom Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide daily leadership, guidance, and support to the Assistant Teacher.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations to ensure effective classroom operations.
• Model strong instructional practices, professionalism, and positive interactions with students.
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately and provide constructive feedback to support the Assistant Teacher's professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and solution-oriented classroom team environment.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, curriculum planning, professional development, and schoolwide initiatives.

Family Communication and Community Engagement

• Build positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with families.
• Maintain proactive and professional communication regarding student learning, development, accomplishments, and areas requiring additional support.
• Prepare regular classroom updates, newsletters, and student progress communications.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, school celebrations, and community events.
• Support admissions activities, classroom visits, and other school initiatives as needed.
• Promote an appreciation for Spanish language and Hispanic cultures through authentic classroom experiences.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate attendance, classroom documentation, and required administrative records.
• Ensure classroom materials and resources are organized, maintained, and used responsibly.
• Follow all school policies, health and safety procedures, and professional expectations.
• Participate in classroom observations, instructional coaching, and ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrate reflective practice by incorporating feedback, evaluating instructional effectiveness, and continuously improving teaching strategies.
• Maintain a professional, reliable, flexible, and collaborative approach to school responsibilities.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience in an early childhood educational setting, with demonstrated ability to independently plan, manage, and lead classroom instruction.
• Native or near-native Spanish language proficiency, including excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Working proficiency in English for effective professional communication with colleagues, administrators, and families.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Experience implementing differentiated instruction, positive classroom management strategies, and student assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to establish a nurturing, structured, and engaging classroom environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to effectively lead and collaborate with an Assistant Teacher.
• Commitment to professional growth, reflective teaching practices, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• New York State teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) or equivalent.
• Previous experience as a Lead or Head Teacher.
• Experience teaching in a Spanish immersion, bilingual, or dual-language educational setting.
• Familiarity with Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies.
• Training or experience with Responsive Classroom or other research-based social-emotional learning approaches.
• Experience supporting multilingual learners and students with diverse developmental needs.

What Makes a Successful HudsonWay Teacher?

At HudsonWay Immersion School, we believe great teachers do more than deliver lessons. They inspire curiosity, build meaningful relationships, and create joyful learning experiences that support the development of the whole child.

A successful HudsonWay teacher:

• Demonstrates warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and genuine care for young children.
• Creates purposeful, engaging learning experiences that encourage exploration and independence.
• Maintains high expectations while recognizing and supporting each child's individual developmental journey.
• Values language immersion, cultural understanding, and global citizenship.
• Builds strong partnerships with families and colleagues.
• Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, professionalism, and a collaborative mindset.
• Welcomes feedback and continually reflects on and strengthens their teaching practices.

Compensation and Benefits

Annualized Salary: 55,000–65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience and prorated based on the duration of the assignment.

Benefits eligibility will be determined based on the length of the assignment and applicable school policies.

We regret that we can not respond to every applicant. Only those of interest will be contacted.

The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry, education etc.

HudsonWay Immersion School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual preference, or disability

www.hwis.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10019 (Required)

Work Location: In person