Early Childhood Educator — Inspire Learning & Growth

Indianapolis Public Schools; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

ReNEW Schools in Indianapolis seeks a passionate preschool teacher who will teach students essential academic and motor skills while creating a positive learning environment. This role requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood and a valid Indiana Teacher's License.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of teaching experience, focusing on diverse learning and effective communication with students and families. You will play a critical role in fostering skills that prepare students for kindergarten.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood is required.
• Must hold a valid Indiana State Teacher's License in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement.
• Minimum three years teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach preschool students academic, social, emotional and motor skills.
• Create an effective learning environment and curriculum.
• Assess student work and analyze classroom data.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Inclusive environment support

Curriculum development

Assessment skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood

Valid Indiana State Teacher's License

Job description

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful.We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A Career in IPS Offers…

Purpose and Impact:

• Essential Contributions: In every non-teaching and non-leadership role, your work directly supports the success of IPS students and schools. Whether you’re maintaining facilities, providing student services, or managing administrative operations, you play a key part in ensuring an equitable and high-quality educational environment.
• Belonging and Community: IPS is a place where every employee is valued. You’ll join a supportive community that promotes respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving students and families.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Training and Development Opportunities: IPS offers a variety of training programs to help staff build new skills and grow professionally. This includes access to development opportunities for administrative, technical, and operational roles, as well as pathways to becoming a certified teacher.
• Skill Enhancement: Whether you’re new to your role or seeking to deepen your expertise, IPS provides resources and support for continuous improvement.

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

• Fair Compensation: IPS ensures competitive wages and regularly reviews pay structures to maintain equity.
• Extensive Benefits Package: Employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, dental and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans. Additional financial benefits include flexible spending accounts and eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Generous Leave Policies: IPS offers vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with paid holidays. Twelve-month employees benefit from floating holidays, and unused personal leave rolls into the sick leave balance.
• Wellness Programs: IPS prioritizes staff well-being with access to wellness initiatives, including health screenings and an employee assistance program for confidential support and counseling.

What We Expect:

• Professionalism and Reliability: Every role at IPS is vital to the district’s success. We expect staff to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing excellent service to students, educators, and families.
• Collaboration and Communication: IPS values teamwork. Working collaboratively with your colleagues ensures a supportive environment for all. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining this culture.
• Flexibility and Problem-Solving: As a large, dynamic district, IPS needs staff who are adaptable and proactive in solving problems to meet the ever-changing needs of students and schools.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

Teaches preschool students academic, social, emotional and motor skills in the public school setting. Creates a flexible preschool program by establishing a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth; establishes effective rapport with pupils; motivates pupils to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for preschoolers as they prepare for kindergarten, in accordance with each pupil's ability; establishes good relationships with parents and with other staff members. Have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as possess the philosophy that "all children can and will learn".

QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood

Required experience includes:Classroom experience teaching at the early childhood level preferably in preschool programming.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Minimum three years teaching experience

• Support multi-cultural, racial, gender, and economic diversity and an international focus within the curriculum
• Ability to work in an inclusive environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences
• Develop and write curriculum proficiently in collaboration with peers
• Evaluation of students using alternative forms of assessment
• Use interdisciplinary curriculum to provide appropriate and motivating educational experiences.

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS: Completion of required items (fingerprinting, CPR. and drug screen) to qualify for working at a certified preschool location location.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Commit to implement curriculum which complements theIndiana Early Childhood Foundations.
• Create an effective environment for child-centered learning, efficiently utilizing the available time for instruction. Instructs pupils in citizenship, basic communication skills, and other general elements of the course of study specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district.
• Assessment/Data:
• Administer assessments which support appropriate learning skills. Analyze Data: Evaluate student work and assessment data to make instructional adjustments (error pattern analysis), evaluate social growth, keep appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.sAnalysis of classroom literacy strengths and weaknesses to formulate plans to improve student readiness.
• Commitment to work collaboratively with administration, colleagues, the Special Education Department, and all staff (during 8-Step Process, Learning Log meetings, STPT, team building meetings, etc.).
• Prepare rigorous, engaging lessons and other instructional materials to meet the individual needs of all students.
• Provide direct, explicit comprehension instruction.
• Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers.
• Establish and maintain district standards as prescribed in board policies and district rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates use of best practices instructional strategies.
• Commit to attend all professional development related to reading/teaching/learning.
• Maintain control that is conducive to safety in the classroom and on the playground.
• Confer with parents regarding academic achievement, as well as behavioral issues.
• Keep attendance and records as required by the district and school.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REAOSNING ABILITIY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but written or oral instructions.Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

Must hold valid Indiana State Teacher's License in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.