Kindergarten Teacher

The Skola is looking for an energetic and innovative Elementary Teacher to join our community of dedicated and passionate educators. We are a not-for-profit independent elementary school with a beautiful nature based location in Haskill Basin. Our educational philosophy is built upon four pillars: community, self, place (nature), and school; therefore, we prioritize learning out in our community and in nature just as much as in the classroom. The position is full time and pay is competitive.

We are a small school, allowing for a unique teaching and dynamic experience. This position works closely with the curriculum director, lead and assistant teachers and outdoor educator to provide an outstanding educational experience. We are a passionate team of educators that love learning with each other and having fun with our students! We utilize project based learning to embed academic learning into authentic problem-solving opportunities, and we love getting creative with our students. We collaborate as a team to determine project themes, and work to promote and support student interest within the themes. The teacher is responsible for presenting a curriculum that meets the developmental needs of each child and maintains a healthy and positive social climate. The teacher will maintain a guiding relationship with each individual child while successfully responding to the evolving needs of the whole classroom. They must be confident teaching in a non-traditional classroom setting and flexible enough to adapt easily to the changes that arise. Candidates should also be capable and comfortable taking short hikes, spending time outside year round, and working in tandem with the Outdoor Educator and other specialists. The teacher is also responsible for establishing strong home-school connections through regular communication, home programming, parent meetings and conferences.

Primary Duties:

• Develop and present curriculum in accordance with The Skola's educational pillars
• Maintain the safety, security, and well-being of each child during the hours of supervision
• Assess and respond to the evolving needs of each child and classroom as a whole
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Solid foundation in child development
• Ability to work successfully as part of an educational team
• Experience in developing and/or implementing curriculum
• Emphasizes a holistic and hands on learning approach geared at addressing the children's physical, social, and emotional needs
• Comfort and experience working and teaching in the outdoors
• Physically able to participate in short hikes and other outdoor activities, carry up to 40lbs, and do campus maintenance tasks (e.g. chop wood, shovel, etc.)
• Prioritizes outdoor play, movement and physical activity, artistic and creative activities
• Provide parent education through parent meetings, class letters, parent conferences and consultations as requested.
• Follow all professional expectations and responsibilities as outlined in the contract, (e.g. faculty meeting attendance, evaluation procedures, and peer mentoring meetings).
• Develop professionally through reading, conferences and workshops
• Manage a classroom in an organized, peaceful, rhythmic manner
• Work within budget to purchase materials needed to implement a program
• Reports to the ED through weekly, collaborative staff meetings
• Ability and desire to take ownership of a living and evolving curriculum as we grow
• Take responsibility and care of the teaching space- aligning the space with the curricular focus (Creating and modifying project walls throughout the year, organization of materials, light cleaning duties as shared by staff, etc).
• Create clear daily lesson plans and necessary training and transition time for short and long-term substitute teachers
• Prior to returning from a short or long-term leave, time will be spent with staff for up-to-date information on student progress and lesson plans to be prepared to implement projects and curriculum at the appropriate academic levels
• Appropriate preparation of materials prior to the start of the school day for maximum success as well as space organization before leaving at the end of the day

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred)
• Child/Infant First Aid/CPR certification
• Previous teaching experience/ experience in a classroom setting
• Wilderness First Aid desired