Laboratory Schools: Head Teacher, Early Childhood

Job Description:

Job Summary: 

Nursery - 2nd grade homeroom teachers receive direction and support from the N-Second Grade Principal and Administrative team. Duties include instructing and supervising a group of Early Childhood students and providing instruction in all subjects except physical education, music, and art.   Create a nurturing, challenging, and supportive classroom environment that fosters mutual respect and age-appropriate levels of independence. Monitor the performance of students and communicate concerns with administrators, other teachers and learning/counseling faculty, and parents. Interact with parents and other members of the faculty and administration on a daily basis.

 

Full-time teachers are expected to work a 40-hour week and the required number of days as stipulated in the Faculty Association contract. All teachers are expected to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

 Responsibilities:

• Head Teachers build deep relationships with students, families, and staff to foster a community. Maintain strong lines of communication with families about student progress, and go above and beyond to support and collaborate closely with teammates in the united pursuit of Labâ™s mission. We are looking for team members who will emanate optimism, share feedback to solve problems, reflect on how actions impact others and take ownership over creating a culture of kindness, respect, and excitement about learning. 
• Head Teachers are responsible for building a nurturing, challenging, and supportive classroom environment that fosters mutual respect, age-appropriate levels of independence, a climate that supports learning and provides differentiated instruction.  
• Head Teachers are responsible for instruction in math, reading, writing, science, computational thinking and social-emotional learning.
• Head Teachers develop curriculum to support play, exploration and the construction of relationships and ideas. 
• The anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2021. 

Competencies:  

• Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development required.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Work independently and as part of a team required.
• Manage stressful situations required.
• Maintain confidentiality required.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
• Use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) required.

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:  

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Masters degree preferred. 

 

Experience:   

• Prior early childhood teaching experience required. 
• A minimum of three years of teaching experience preferred. 
• Experience developing curriculum preferred. 
• Experience working with a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language, and nationality. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
• Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property.
• When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.
• Demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• Professional References Contact Information

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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