Lower School Classroom Teacher (Begins Late August 2024)

Job Summary:

Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the School currently enrolls 942 students. It employs over 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers, and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage, and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking a dynamic, innovative, and experienced Lower School (Junior Kindergarten - Third Grade) Teacher to join our expert faculty working on a grade-level team with two other teachers. The Lower School Teacher should possess a holistic view of children, an understanding of the developmental issues of elementary age students, a passion for integrated learning, and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include instruction in all major curricular areas: reading, phonics, word study, writing, handwriting, mathematics, and social studies. Regular communication via newsletters, phone calls, e-mails, and conferences with parents is expected. Working with outside specialists and making curricular modifications in the classroom environment are often necessary. The Lower School Teacher is also expected to collaborate regularly with our Lower School specialists and Director of Studies with shared curricular goals as the focus of their work. The Lower School Teacher will also modify the curriculum for different types of learners and write descriptive narrative report cards.

Required Qualifications:

● Elementary Education Degree; M.A. in Education preferred

● Significant classroom teaching experience; 5 year minimum preferred

● Knowledge about and experience with the developmental, social, emotional and cognitive stages of the primary early grades

● Excellence in classroom management techniques, especially toward building SEL and executive functioning skills

● Experience with early reading and mathematical instructional strategies

● Passion for connecting with students and creating a healthy classroom community

● Ability to collaborate, create, and modify curriculum with colleagues on a team

● Flexibility in working with colleagues to integrate topics between disciplines

● Demonstrates a commitment to building diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging skill set

● Evidence of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in practices and curriculum

● Enthusiasm for professional development and continuing to expand knowledge about pedagogy and best practices to promote student growth

● Superior communication skills in both oral and written forms

● Exhibits a strong sense of professionalism, sound judgment, and emotional maturity

● Proficiency with Google Classroom Suite and additional educational technology

● Experience with supervising and mentoring assistant or student teachers

● Adept at clear and tactful communication with parents

● Ability to embrace and manage parental help around special events that enrich the curriculum

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with background and experience; comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply:

Please submit cover letter with resume by email or fax to (no telephone inquiries please):

Human Resources

Francis W. Parker School

330 W. Webster Avenue

Chicago, IL 60614

fax: 773.549.4430

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Grade levels:

• 1st grade
• 2nd grade
• 3rd grade
• Kindergarten

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Private school

Work Location: In person