Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Job Title: Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Department: Lower School

Reports To: Lower School Principal

Classification: Exempt

Faculty

Dwight-Englewood Lower School is a place where teachers encourage children to embrace every aspect of childhood play and exploration, while paying close attention to each students’ growth and progress. Our faculty understand the importance of balancing explicit instruction with more open-ended inquiry, and they bring this perspective to their planning and work with students. In addition, faculty understand the importance of observing and assessing students both formally and informally in all subject areas and throughout the day in order to plan instruction for whole groups, small groups and individuals. The ability to listen, work with a diverse community and a range of learners, as well humor and humility are essential. Dwight-Englewood encourages faculty to practice both the art and science of teaching, and we seek out teachers who are excited by the opportunity to do so.

Responsibilities:

• Support and model the spirit of the Mission and Foundation Documents of the Dwight-Englewood School in work with students, faculty, parents and community members.

• Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with early childhood including developmental, social, emotional and cognitive growth.

• Create differentiated, challenging lessons aligned with school philosophy, standards and curriculum.

• Show ability to use reading and mathematical instructional strategies and structures, in particular balanced literacy, reading, writing, guided reading, word study and math.

• Work collaboratively with grade level colleagues to plan consistent, though not necessarily identical, experiences.

• Communicate with families about student progress, goals and benchmarks respectfully while exhibiting openness and showing an ability to ask questions and listen with empathy.

• Work with learning specialists to develop and deliver vertically coordinated curriculum and meet the needs of a full range of students.

• Collaborate with Special Area teachers in ways that deepen the learning experience.

• Integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning.

• Perform assigned supervisory duties that include, but are not limited to, recess, lunch and dismissal supervision.

• Provide valuable input to the Admissions committee about visiting candidates.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced degree in Childhood and Elementary Education, and/or Special Education required.

• Understanding of child development, curriculum expectations and benchmarks, for early childhood and elementary school students.

• Experience with and a commitment to diversity and equity work with young children.

• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom or other philosophies that address building a classroom community based on engagement in learning and shared respect.

• Ability to address a range of learners, including those who are not meeting benchmarks, within the classroom and with support of reading specialists.

• Familiarity with a range of formal and informal assessments.

• Previous experience working in an elementary school setting.

• Experience in partnering with families and strong ability to communicate consistently via newsletters, conferences, emails and narrative reports.

Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.