Kindergarten Lead Teacher

The Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering instruction in core curricular areas for the assigned grade level. Teachers are expected to provide an enriched curriculum for all students, offer extended opportunities for those capable of deeper understanding, and support students who need additional assistance.

Beyond academics, teachers play a vital role in fostering students’ social and emotional growth. They are expected to maintain regular, meaningful communication with parents and guardians and cultivate a collaborative, collegial relationship with peers and administrators.

Teachers must uphold and support The Gooden School’s Mission Statement, model respectful behavior, and appreciate the excellence within our community. Additionally, they should actively seek opportunities for professional growth and contribute to the development of their colleagues.

The Kindergarten Teacher position is an exempt position and reports to the Assistant Head of School and the Head of School. In all of the various facets of this job, the Kindergarten Teacher exercises the utmost discretion and honors confidentiality in all matters. As an employee of The Gooden School, the Kindergarten Teacher helps ensure that the school motto, “Respect for self, Respect for Others and Respect for the World,” is adhered to in all areas of school life.

This job description provides a general outline of duties and responsibilities, which include but are not limited to the responsibilities listed, as well as any others assigned by the Assistant Head of School or  the Head of School.  As a member of The Gooden School Staff, the person in this position will:

Classroom Environment & Student Engagement

• Help ensure that classroom environments are safe, both physically and emotionally, for students and staff, and that reflect effective classroom and playground management strategies
• Meaningfully and personally engage with all lower school students
• Model, teach, and expect age-appropriate and disciplined behaviors in a way that is mission-consistent and respectful
• Hold high, but not necessarily uniform, standards for student expectations
• Maximize the instructional schedule
• Deliver an engaging, appropriate, enriched curriculum
• Seek and support opportunities for student growth beyond the classroom – field trips, special events

Instruction & Curriculum

• Seek knowledge of current instructional theories and best practices in demonstration of a commitment to professional growth
• Demonstrate a repertoire of effective and engaging instructional strategies that meet the needs of all students
• Plan and implement an enriched, developmentally appropriate curriculum for Kindergarten
• Follow the Curriculum Map while continually assessing possible improvements and coordinating with other faculty to ensure consistency from grade to grade
• Update the Curriculum Maps on the google drive as needed
• Send weekly class letter (WAAG) by 5:00 pm Friday for the following week
• Post lesson plans on the Faculty Folder on the server by 5:00 pm Friday for the following week

Student Assessment & Reporting

• Complete report cards on time, each trimester
• Write clear and meaningful comments that reflect individual student academic progress, class participation, and citizenship as well as any areas in which improvement is needed
• Attend to record-keeping weekly or bi-weekly

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Actively cooperate with and support all colleagues
• Work to establish positive relationships with parents and collegial working relationships with fellow teachers and other staff members
• Communicate regularly with parents, meet with them during Conference Days or as requested, and respond to all calls or emails within 24 hours
• Be available for In-Service week prior to the start of the school year and throughout the balance of the last month of the regular school year for meetings and/or professional development
• Attend Chapel services and all-staff, department, and committee meetings
• Serve on faculty/staff committees, as requested
• Be punctual in attendance and diligent in completing assigned tasks and duties
• Behave and dress in a professional manner that engenders respect
• Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with a team of faculty colleagues, administrators, and parents to nurture children both inside and outside the classroom

Mission & Community

• Understand and respect the core principles and qualities of an Episcopal school
• Look for opportunities to promote academic, social, and emotional growth in all students
• Become fully familiar with the contents of the Employee Handbook 
• Participate in activities that serve the larger life of the school
• Support and uphold school-wide expectations by implementing strategies such as Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline to ensure a consistent and positive learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field.
• Valid teaching certification or license (as required by the state or country).
• Experience in a kindergarten or early childhood education setting preferred.
• Enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep passion for working with young children.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster partnerships with families and colleagues.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter, and any relevant certifications to employment@goodenschool.org Attention: Laurie Tortell.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Gooden School is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Contact Information