Prekindergarten Teacher

Description

Creation Village World School (CVWS) is seeking a highly qualified and passionate Early Years Teacher for our Prekindergarten classroom.

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to the Dean of PYP, the PreK Teacher is responsible for daily functions and management of the classroom. 

Core Purpose

The role of the Primary Years Programme teacher is to provide enjoying and stimulating educational opportunities with the philosophy and mission of IB at the center of student learning. All teachers are expected to create and implement a curriculum that includes educating the whole student, with a specific focus on the Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning. Hands-on, Project-based Learning is a priority in stimulating student curiosity and achievement. Additionally, teachers are encouraged to create strong relationships with students and parents, immersing themselves in Creation Village’s community. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Interactions with Children

• Lead a grade level classroom responsible for all aspects of student development and classroom growth
• Develop stimulating curriculum to enhance student learning experiences
• Create nurturing educational environment
• Work collaboratively within a PLC to implement IB expectations
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of individual students
• Partner with parents/guardians to help address student needs
• Foster a positive working environment for self and colleagues
• Participate in on-going professional development opportunities
• Attend regular staff meetings and PLCs
• Communicates frequently with children throughout the day, naming objects, actions, using who, what, when, where, why, and asking open-ended questions.
• Exhibits behavior management consistent with Creation Village's philosophy of whole child living based on the CREATION Health principles, including reflecting children’s feelings, approaching children to speak with them, directing comments toward children’s behavior, not at the children themselves, etc.
• Treats each child with dignity and respect, recognizing the cultural and socio-economic diversity of the population.
• Responds to the individual needs and learning styles of children.
• Responds to children in distress promptly and appropriately.
• Is responsible for all mealtime activities of the group. Helps children serve themselves family-style and sits with children; preferably eats with them. Monitors children closely during meals in the essence of the CREATION Life living principles.
• Protects the safety of all children in the center.
• Directly supervises children at all times.
• Uses positive phrasing with children.

Implement the International Baccalaureate in instructional practice to include but not limited to:

• Read IB grade-specific documents in advance of teaching each unit.
• Become proficient in integrating ATL, ATT, Learner Profile, Central Idea and Themes into instruction.
• Actively participate in trainings connected to the best practices.
• Utilize the CVWS IB Templates as the foundation for creating Weekly Lesson Plans while incorporating other school curriculum and approved resources.
• Tracking and monitor student progress through Toddle to grade-specific standards by using the Learning Target Checklist.
• Actively participate in PLC’s to create a transdisciplinary approach to instruction and integrate into project-based learning.
• Complete reflection surveys/interviews.

Develop students in mind, body, and sprit:

• Integrate with Creation Village’s classroom management, instruction, and routines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate room that creates a safe and enjoyable learning environment for the students.
• Observe, evaluate, document, and report each student's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health to the lead teacher.
• Identify students showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and report the situation to the lead teacher, Dean, or Head of School.
• Meet with the Head of Academics to discuss each student's progress and needs, determine their priorities for the student, and suggest ways to promote learning and development.
• Involvement and leadership in an extra-curricula club, activity, or organization as determined by teacher and Head of Academics.

Parent Engagement

• Creation Village establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with each child’s family to foster children’s development. These relationships are sensitive to family composition, language culture.
• Communicates with parents daily.
• Makes parents aware of classroom and center activities and encourages family involvement
• Participates in parent conferences as needed.
• Accommodates special requests from parents whenever possible.
• Trains new employees on responsibilities, including Parent Interactions, and signs off on completed training tasks.
• Establishes a sense of trust with parents by ensuring high visibility and showing availability and genuine concern for each child enrolled in the program.
• Attends, participates in, and contributes constructively to monthly staff meetings, Open Houses, Family events, Community Events, and required workshops.
• Informs the Center Coordinator of any pertinent information regarding children, parents, or other staff.

Reggio Environment

• Creates classroom environment reflecting the diversity of children & families and children’s interests, including all areas of the room, i.e., blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, literacy, art, science, math, and music.
• Leaves classroom at the end of the day with tables cleaned, sanitized, and floors free of debris and toys.
• Shares cleaning duties fairly with co-workers and a clean safe and attractive classroom.
• Establishes a safe, healthy space for children.

General/Professionalism

• Has good work habits, is in place and ready to work on time, and shows no undue tardiness or absenteeism.
• Documents and remains current with state requirements for physical examination, First-Aid, CPR, in-service training, etc...
• Tidies children’s appearances throughout the day – that shoes are on proper feet, tied, hands and faces clean, etc...
• Uses smocks for messy activities and bibs for infant and toddler meals.
• Follows the schedule of Creation Village.
• Follows opening and closing procedures as dictated by work schedule.
• Acts as a positive representative of Creation Village to parents and community.
• Covers responsibilities (i.e., prepares lesson plans and materials for activities for use) when absent.
• Supports and directs new staff, teacher aides, volunteers, student interns, etc., in the policies and practices of Creation Village, including classroom schedule, behavior management, lesson planning, classroom upkeep, etc.
• Cooperates with and shows respect for co-workers at all levels.
• Models professional behavior and appropriate communication at all times, reflecting the CREATION Health living principles.
• Maintains a healthy and positive attitude toward the program, the children, the parents, and the team.
• Prepares for and contributes to regular supervisory meetings.
• Sets professional goals and objectives.
• Seeks supervision and remains open to supervisor’s suggestions.
• Participates openly in peer observation process.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years working in ECE
• Credentials: CDA, DCF 45 mandated hours
• Current First-Aid and CPR certification
• Willing and able to pursue higher education in accordance with NAEYC, and state guidelines for Early Childhood Education teachers.

Physical Requirements

• Physical constraints required include the ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, the ability to see and read newsprint with or without corrective lenses, to speak and be understood under normal circumstances, to lift and carry children and other items weighing up to 50 pounds, and the use of arms, hands, legs, and feet with or without corrective devices to accomplish the job, including the evacuation of the building during emergencies.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience: Working in a Reggio Emilia ECE center or IB PYP school
• Credentials: ECE undergraduate degree or higher