Lower School Head Teacher

Princeton Day School; Cedar Grove (NJ); On-site; USD 67,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Princeton Day School in Cedar Grove, NJ seeks an experienced Lower School Head Teacher for the 2027-28 school year. The candidate will design lessons, monitor student growth, and foster social-emotional development in a developmentally appropriate program.

The role emphasizes collaboration with specialists and families, as well as ongoing professional learning within a supportive independent school community.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of successful head classroom teaching.
• Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree preferred with coursework in elementary teaching, literacy, and math.
• Developmentally appropriate practices and a broad knowledge of effective teaching strategies.
• Training in Responsive Classroom and in Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Fundations.
• Experience with Bridges in Mathematics or workshop model math programs.
• Experience with knowledge-building reading curricula.
• Data-driven, differentiated instruction.
• Commitment to Service Learning and Sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Create a classroom environment reflecting the school mission and values.
• Design and plan daily math, reading, writing, and social studies lessons aligning with curriculum.
• Assess and monitor student growth; promote social-emotional development.
• Use formative assessment to drive instruction and planning.
• Implement behavior management to maintain a safe environment.
• Collaborate with curriculum leaders, specialists, and support staff.
• Share regular updates with families about curricular initiatives and growth.
• Incorporate technology to enhance learning; mentor an assistant teacher.
• Participate in grade-level, team, and school-wide meetings; join a professional learning community.

Skills

Head classroom teaching

Communication skills

Collaboration

Diversity appreciation

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Elementary teaching & learning coursework

Tools

Responsive Classroom

Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Fundations

Bridges in Mathematics

Job description

Princeton Day School is seeking an experienced Lower School Head Teacher beginning in the 2027-28 school year. PDS is looking for teachers committed to nurturing and supporting Lower School students.

For this position, the ideal candidate is expected to:

• Create a classroom environment that reflects and promotes the mission and values of Princeton Day School
• Design and plan daily math, reading, writing, and social studies lessons consistent with the scope and sequence of the grade-level curriculum
• Assess and monitor individual student growth and promote social-emotional development
• Use formative assessment to drive instruction and planning
• Implement behavior management strategies that promote academic and social and emotional success
• Work collaboratively with curriculum leaders, specialists, and support staff
• Share regular updates with families related to curricular initiatives and student growth
• Incorporate technology in the classroom to enhance the learning experience
• Communicate student performance and growth with parents/guardians
• Confidently address behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in the classroom in order to maintain a safe environment
• Successfully mentor an assistant teacher
• Participate in weekly grade-level and team meetings
• Participate in school-wide, divisional, and grade-level meetings
• Participate fully and cooperatively in a professional learning community

Required / Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of successful head classroom teaching
• Bachelor's degree required, Masters degree preferred, with coursework in elementary teaching and learning, literacy, and math
• Theoretical understanding and classroom experience in applying developmentally appropriate practices and a broad knowledge of effective teaching strategies
• Training in Responsive Classroom approach
• Training in Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Fundations
• Experience with Bridges in Mathematics or workshop model math programs
• Experience with knowledge-building reading curricula
• Experience in designing instruction that is data-driven, differentiated, and actively engaging
• Willingness to incorporate Service Learning and Sustainability into classroom initiatives
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize various tasks, and stay organized
• Exhibits initiative, creativity, flexibility, and collaboration
• Shows respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms
• Shows the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback

Compensation Range

$66,500 - $107,000 a year (this role is eligible for benefits)

At Princeton Day School, offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package is one way we recognize our employees' contribution to the success of the school and our role in helping our employees and their families be healthy, feel secure, and maintain work/life balance. Full-time and part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for PDS' competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous 403(b) match, paid time off, and many other valuable benefits.

Princeton Day School is the region's premier independent day school for students from Pre-K through Grade 12. We aspire to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community in which all members are seen, challenged, affirmed, respected and valued. Nestled on a picturesque 106-acre campus just two miles from Downtown Princeton and with a history dating back to 1899, PDS provides students with unparalleled opportunities for discovery, exploration and innovation and seeks employees who are passionate about their work and who embrace the importance of lifelong learning.