Lower School Associate Teacher; part-time

Columbus Academy seeks a part-time (five hours per day) Associate Teacher in the lower school.

The individual selected for this position will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

• Assist in managing the essential classroom activities of approximately 15-18 students in a child-centered, student-driven curriculum that includes play, sensory experiences and hands-on learning activities in early childhood and primary instructional responsibilities for language arts, mathematics and social studies in Lower School
• Collaborate with colleagues—particularly team members—on curriculum design and development
• Contribute to periodic updates to parents related to student progress, via written reports and in-person conferences
• Make use of technological resources necessary for curriculum integration and institutional communication
• Hold students accountable for the school’s standards of behavior
• Work with others in the school community to support each student’s emotional well‑being
• Enthusiasm to learn and implement our Responsive Classroom program
• Embrace outdoor learning experiences for students

Preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in elementary education or a related field
• At least two years of experience as an elementary or early childhood educator
• Knowledge of varied pedagogy and trends in instruction and curriculum design at the early childhood and elementary school levels
• Ability to teach a full range of early childhood and elementary school subjects and to differentiate instruction
• Professional orientation towards collaboration and innovation
  
  Willingness to take direction from the lead teachers related to all aspects of classroom management
• A reflective practitioner, committed to a continuous process of self‑improvement and lifelong learning
• Enthusiasm for teaching young children
• A positive sense of humor, self‑confidence, and effective oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of, and experience in, best practices in foundational literacy instruction
• Ability to engage, motivate and develop student learning

Candidates must be able to manage the following conditions:

• Classroom environment
• Mobility around school buildings and on different floors (handicap accessible)
• Repetitive motion (use of a keyboard)
• Periodic need to move light furniture, hang visuals in classroom, carry objects (no more than 40 pounds), etc.
• Ability to spend considerable amounts of time outdoors each week in support of the school’s outdoor learning program
• A non‑smoking campus

Columbus Academy believes strongly in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We strive to foster a diverse campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic background.

Legal requirements:
All Columbus Academy employees must pass required criminal records checks. Where appropriate, individuals will also be required to provide proof of academic credentials.