Spanish Assistant Preschool Teacher (Maternity Leave Position) in Hoboken, New Jersey at Tessa International School

Full time, Temporary position: 3–4 months, with the possibility of extension (not guaranteed)

Start date: November 30, 2026

Tessa International School is a fast-growing bilingual school located in Hoboken, New Jersey, just one stop from Manhattan. Our diverse community brings together families from around the world, creating a welcoming, multicultural environment where students, families, and educators thrive.

We offer bilingual language immersion programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin and are proud to be part of the Affinitas Education group, an international education organization connecting schools, educators, and expertise around the world.

Tessa International School is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), recognized by the French Ministry of Education, and honored as a NAIS Model School. We are committed to educational excellence, international-mindedness, and helping every child reach their full potential.

As the Spanish Assistant Preschool Teacher at Tessa International School, you will play an important role in supporting our Spanish language immersion program and helping our youngest learners thrive. This is a temporary, full-time maternity leave position starting November 30, 2026, with an anticipated duration of 3–4 months. An extension may be possible depending on the school's needs, but it is not guaranteed.

You will work closely with the Lead Teacher to create a warm, engaging, and nurturing classroom environment where preschool children can explore, develop their Spanish language skills, and grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant bilingual education program while working with children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. You will support daily classroom activities, encourage positive interactions, help establish consistent routines, and contribute to a safe and welcoming learning environment.

The ideal candidate combines a genuine love of working with young children with strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to bilingual education.

• You love working with young children. You enjoy supporting preschoolers as they explore, learn, develop independence, and build social and emotional skills.
• You are proficient in Spanish. You have strong Spanish language skills and are passionate about helping children develop their language abilities in an immersive environment.
• You are collaborative. You enjoy working closely with the Lead Teacher and fellow educators to support classroom activities and student development.
• You are nurturing and patient. You understand the needs of young children and approach each day with empathy, warmth, and a positive attitude.
• You are organized and dependable. You help maintain a welcoming classroom, support daily routines, and ensure activities run smoothly.
• You are flexible and adaptable. You can adjust to changing classroom needs and are comfortable stepping into a temporary role while maintaining consistency and continuity for students.
• You are inclusive and culturally aware. You value diversity and are committed to creating a classroom where every child feels safe, respected, and supported.

• Support the Lead Teacher with daily lessons, play-based activities, and Spanish language development.
• Foster a warm, nurturing classroom environment that encourages positive behavior, social-emotional growth, and independence.
• Prepare learning materials, maintain classroom organization, and support daily routines and transitions.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor play, and other school activities, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and colleagues to support student learning and maintain continuity throughout the maternity leave period.
• Follow school safeguarding policies and participate in meetings, professional development, and school events as required.

Benefits and eligibility for temporary employees will be communicated during the hiring process.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter.

In your cover letter, please share what motivates you to work with young children in a bilingual, international school environment and how your experience, skills, and commitment to early childhood education will contribute to the learning and development of Tessa's students.

Please note that this is a temporary maternity leave position expected to last 3–4 months. An extension may be considered based on the school's needs, but continued employment beyond the anticipated term is not guaranteed.

Tessa International School is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and the promotion of student welfare. We expect all staff, service contractors, and volunteers to align with this commitment.

Applicants are required to undergo safeguarding and child protection screening appropriate to the position, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, online searches, criminal/background checks or equivalent screening, social media checks, and any other screening deemed necessary for the role.

The school takes full responsibility for ensuring the welfare, health, and well-being of all children and young adults. We cultivate a vigilant Culture of Care that prioritizes student safety and safeguarding above all other considerations. We expect every member of our community to actively contribute to maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.

• 1–3 years of experience working with preschool-aged children in a school, childcare, or educational setting.
• Full professional fluency in Spanish
• Proficiency in English
• Ability to commit to the anticipated 3–4 month maternity leave assignment beginning November 30, 2026.

• A degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Experience in a Spanish immersion, bilingual, or multilingual school environment
• Familiarity with play-based learning and developmentally appropriate classroom practices.