Preschool Teacher

Mid; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid Pacific Institute seeks a Preschool Teacher to foster an inquiry-rich learning environment grounded in Reggio Emilia-inspired principles. The teacher acts as a researcher, observing and reflecting on children's thinking to develop emergent curricula and meaningful projects, while partnering with families and collaborating with the Preschool team.

The role emphasizes documenting learning, planning provocations, and sustaining inquiry across short and long-term projects within a supportive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education with significant coursework in Early Childhood Education; Child Development; or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction; Child Development; or a related field preferred.
• Experience with or substantial professional learning in the Reggio Emilia Approach strongly preferred; approximately four or more years in a Reggio Emiliainspired setting preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, inquiry-based curriculum, emergent project work, pedagogical documentation, and reflective assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide in person day to day classroom teaching guidance management and active supervision of children in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Build relationships with children and support social emotional growth and independence.
• Collaborate with the Preschool team on daily routines and curriculum implementation.
• Design and document learning experiences using observation and reflection to inform curriculum.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education with significant coursework in Early Childhood Education; Child Development; or a closely related field

Masters degree in Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction Child Development or a related field preferred

Tools

Cameras, audio/video tools, digital documentation systems, Google Apps for Education

Job description

SALARY RANGE

54630 114862 Annually based on degree student contact hours and FTE

JOB SUMMARY

The Mid Pacific Preschool Teacher creates a safe inclusive inquiry rich learning environment grounded in Reggio Emiliainspired principles and a view of children as capable competent and full of potential As a teacher researcher the Teacher listens observes documents interprets and reflects on childrens thinking to develop emergent curriculum and meaningful project work The Teacher partners with families and collaborates as an equal member of the Preschool teamincluding the Pedagogista Atelierista fellow Teachers and Assistant Teacherswhile sharing responsibility for childrens learning care and safety ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following Other duties may be assigned Teaching Learning and Classroom Practice Provide in person day to day classroom teaching guidance management and active supervision of children in indoor and outdoor settingsBuild positive respectful responsive relationships with children; recognize their individual strengths identities interests and developmental needsSupport social emotional growth independence self regulation relationships and developmentally appropriate conflict resolutionCollaborate with the Preschool team on daily routines schedules curriculum learning experiences and consistent classroom practicesUse observation conversation questions and childrens work to inform teaching decisions and respond to emerging learning needsParticipate actively in team planning reflection and analysis of childrens experiences; contribute to the wider life of the schoolReggio EmiliaInspired Learning and Project Work Approach children as capable competent protagonists in their own learning; honor their theories questions interests and multiple ways of expressing understandingAct as a teacher researcher observe and listen closely develop hypotheses document learning interpret childrens thinking and reflect with colleaguesCollaborate with the Pedagogista Atelierista fellow Teachers and Assistant Teachers to develop sustain and revisit meaningful short and long term inquiriesDesign thoughtful provocations materials experiences and environments that invite exploration relationships creativity and deeper investigationRemain open to unexpected directions and multiple possibilities rather than predetermining inquiry outcomes; use reflective dialogue to shape curriculumContribute to Project Stories and other documentation of group inquiry; plan and coordinate research trips risk assessments transportation family communication materials and child specific needs in accordance with school proceduresIdentify and request curricular materials play equipment and supplies that support emerging projectsPedagogical Documentation and Learning Stories Observe and capture significant learning through photographs video audio childrens words drawings constructions conversations and work samplesTranscribe conversations as appropriate; collect label organize securely store and maintain physical and digital documentation filesReview analyze and interpret documentation with the Preschool team to make childrens thinking development relationships and learning processes visible and to inform curriculumCreate and contribute to documentation panels classroom displays galleries blogs and other communications that share the learning process with children and familiesShare responsibility for writing individual Learning Stories and group Project Stories including thoughtful observation interpretation and analysisCollaborate with the Pedagogista Atelierista Teachers and Assistant Teachers on drafting and review; complete revisions editing labeling submission and final storage within established timelinesAssessment and Family Conferences Use ongoing observation pedagogical documentation professional reflection and child development knowledge to assess each childs growth interests strengths and needsUse evidence of learning to inform classroom practice and communicate a nuanced understanding of each childs developmentPrepare for participate in and lead assigned family conferences; write and revise conference summaries and reports following appropriate reviewMaintain accurate organized and confidential student records and complete required reports within established timelinesLearning Environment Prepare the classroom before children arrive and cultivate the environment as the third teacherwelcoming aesthetically thoughtful inclusive accessible and responsive to childrens inquiriesCollaboratively plan classroom flow and organization; intentionally select present rotate replenish and make materials accessible to childrenMaintain the cleanliness readability organization safety and aesthetic quality of learning spaces; clean and disinfect materials according to proceduresRegularly evaluate and adapt how spaces and materials foster independence relationships creativity inquiry and engagementChild Health Safety and Well Being Share responsibility with all Preschool team members for childrens health safety care and active attentive supervision throughout the school day including playground and outdoor learningMaintain awareness of childrens whereabouts activities interactions and individual needs; use safe respectful developmentally appropriate physical interactionsFollow school health safety child protection and licensing procedures; respond appropriately to accidents injuries medical concerns and emergenciesEnsure learning spaces materials and equipment are safe and appropriately maintainedPrioritize childrens active supervision care safety and well being over documentation email administrative tasks or other responsibilitiesFamily Partnerships and Communication Build trusting respectful responsive and reciprocal relationships with families as essential partners in childrens learningCommunicate thoughtfully accurately and regularly through informal conversations email telephone classroom blogs program updates conferences and family meetingsShare childrens learning through Learning Stories pedagogical documentation galleries displays and other established channels; participate in family education opportunitiesDiscuss sensitive concerns with the Pedagogista andor Principal as appropriate; protect family and child confidentiality and share information only with those with a legitimate professional need to knowCollaboration Materials and Professional Responsibilities Work as an equal collaborative partner with the Pedagogista Atelierista fellow Teachers Assistant Teachers Principal and other school personnel; this position does not supervise other staffContribute to shared classroom and program responsibilities clear communication collaborative decision making and a respectful professional cultureParticipate constructively in meetings planning documentation analysis and pedagogical dialogue; ask questions share interpretations and welcome differing perspectivesGive and receive professional feedback; address challenges directly and respectfully through constructive dialogue and shared problem solvingCoordinate classroom practices and routines with Assistant Teachers without exercising personnel supervisionIdentify order through approved procedures organize maintain and responsibly use materials technology cameras audio equipment and other documentation tools; return and prepare equipment for reuseArrive prepared and on time; meet deadlines; maintain accurate records; attend required faculty and team meetings professional learning conferences open houses performances and school eventsEngage in continuous learning and reflective practice in early childhood education Reggio Emiliainspired pedagogy and contemporary educational theory

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teaching Learning and Classroom Practice Provide in person day to day classroom teaching guidance management and active supervision of children in indoor and outdoor settings
• Build positive respectful responsive relationships with children; recognize their individual strengths identities interests and developmental needs
• Support social emotional growth independence self regulation relationships and developmentally appropriate conflict resolution
• Collaborate with the Preschool team on daily routines schedules curriculum learning experiences and consistent classroom practices
• Use observation conversation questions and childrens work to inform teaching decisions and respond to emerging learning needs
• Participate actively in team planning reflection and analysis of childrens experiences; contribute to the wider life of the school
• Reggio EmiliaInspired Learning and Project Work Approach children as capable competent protagonists in their own learning; honor their theories questions interests and multiple ways of expressing understanding
• Act as a teacher researcher observe and listen closely develop hypotheses document learning interpret childrens thinking and reflect with colleagues
• Collaborate with the Pedagogista Atelierista fellow Teachers and Assistant Teachers to develop sustain and revisit meaningful short and long term inquiries
• Design thoughtful provocations materials experiences and environments that invite exploration relationships creativity and deeper investigation
• Remain open to unexpected directions and multiple possibilities rather than predetermining inquiry outcomes; use reflective dialogue to shape curriculum
• Contribute to Project Stories and other documentation of group inquiry; plan and coordinate research trips risk assessments transportation family communication materials and child specific needs in accordance with school procedures
• Identify and request curricular materials play equipment and supplies that support emerging projects
• Pedagogical Documentation and Learning Stories Observe and capture significant learning through photographs video audio childrens words drawings constructions conversations and work samples
• Transcribe conversations as appropriate; collect label organize securely store and maintain physical and digital documentation files
• Review analyze and interpret documentation with the Preschool team to make childrens thinking development relationships and learning processes visible and to inform curriculum
• Create and contribute to documentation panels classroom displays galleries blogs and other communications that share the learning process with children and families
• Share responsibility for writing individual Learning Stories and group Project Stories including thoughtful observation interpretation and analysis
• Collaborate with the Pedagogista Atelierista Teachers and Assistant Teachers on drafting and review; complete revisions editing labeling submission and final storage within established timelines
• Assessment and Family Conferences Use ongoing observation pedagogical documentation professional reflection and child development knowledge to assess each childs growth interests strengths and needs
• Use evidence of learning to inform classroom practice and communicate a nuanced understanding of each childs development
• Prepare for participate in and lead assigned family conferences; write and revise conference summaries and reports following appropriate review
• Maintain accurate organized and confidential student records and complete required reports within established timelines
• Learning Environment Prepare the classroom before children arrive and cultivate the environment as the third teacher welcoming aesthetically thoughtful inclusive accessible and responsive to childrens inquiries
• Collaboratively plan classroom flow and organization; intentionally select present rotate replenish and make materials accessible to children
• Maintain the cleanliness readability organization safety and aesthetic quality of learning spaces; clean and disinfect materials according to procedures
• Regularly evaluate and adapt how spaces and materials foster independence relationships creativity inquiry and engagement
• Child Health Safety and Well Being Share responsibility with all Preschool team members for childrens health safety care and active attentive supervision throughout the school day including playground and outdoor learning
• Maintain awareness of childrens whereabouts activities interactions and individual needs; use safe respectful developmentally appropriate physical interactions
• Follow school health safety child protection and licensing procedures; respond appropriately to accidents injuries medical concerns and emergencies
• Ensure learning spaces materials and equipment are safe and appropriately maintained
• Prioritize childrens active supervision care safety and well being over documentation email administrative tasks or other responsibilities
• Family Partnerships and Communication Build trusting respectful responsive and reciprocal relationships with families as essential partners in childrens learning
• Communicate thoughtfully accurately and regularly through informal conversations email telephone classroom blogs program updates conferences and family meetings
• Share childrens learning through Learning Stories pedagogical documentation galleries displays and other established channels; participate in family education opportunities
• Discuss sensitive concerns with the Pedagogista andor Principal as appropriate; protect family and child confidentiality and share information only with those with a legitimate professional need to know
• Collaboration Materials and Professional Responsibilities Work as an equal collaborative partner with the Pedagogista Atelierista fellow Teachers Assistant Teachers Principal and other school personnel; this position does not supervise other staff
• Contribute to shared classroom and program responsibilities clear communication collaborative decision making and a respectful professional culture
• Participate constructively in meetings planning documentation analysis and pedagogical dialogue; ask questions share interpretations and welcome differing perspectives
• Give and receive professional feedback; address challenges directly and respectfully through constructive dialogue and shared problem solving
• Coordinate classroom practices and routines with Assistant Teachers without exercising personnel supervision
• Identify order through approved procedures organize maintain and responsibly use materials technology cameras audio equipment and other documentation tools; return and prepare equipment for reuse
• Arrive prepared and on time; meet deadlines; maintain accurate records; attend required faculty and team meetings professional learning conferences open houses performances and school events
• Engage in continuous learning and reflective practice in early childhood education Reggio Emiliainspired pedagogy and contemporary educational theory

TEACHER PROFILE

• Fostering Effective Relationships The Teacher builds positive working relationships with the classroom school and local community
• Establishing an Inclusive Learning Environment The Teacher creates a safe caring environment that is inclusive of and engaging for all learners
• Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge The Techer shows an understanding of content knowledge and an appreciation for ongoing learning in the discipline
• Validating a Professional Pedagogy The Teacher ensures that every student is provided quality and optimum learning experiences
• Inspiring Instructional Leadership The Teacher models practices that support evidence informed teaching and learning and motivates and inspires others to excellence

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education with significant coursework in Early Childhood Education; Child Development; or a closely related field
• Significant professional experience working with young children in an early childhood setting and demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice
• Masters degree in Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction Child Development or a related field preferred
• Experience with or substantial professional learning in the Reggio Emilia Approach strongly preferred; approximately four or more years in a Reggio Emiliainspired setting preferred
• Knowledge and Expertise Knowledge of child development inquiry based curriculum emergent project work pedagogical documentation and reflective assessment
• Commitment to the image of the child as capable and competent families as partners and the environment as the third teacher
• Technical Skills Ability to use cameras audiovideo tools digital documentation systems email and common educational technology responsibly
• Ability to organize and securely maintain digital student records and documentation
• Communication and Collaboration Skills Strong oral and written communication including family communication documentation and Learning Stories
• Ability to collaborate respectfully with colleagues share responsibility and engage in reflective dialogue and constructive problem solving
• Professional Competencies The ideal candidate will demonstrate Curiosity flexibility empathy professionalism accountability and a commitment to continuous learning
• Strong organization time management follow through and regular and predictable attendance at work

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a full time in person 10 month position Regular program hours are 715 am245 pm Hours may be adjusted to maintain teacher to student ratios in accordance with DHS licensing requirements and to meet professional responsibilities including conferences meetings school events professional learning and documentation Teachers receive a 30 minute lunch break generally between 1230 pm and 200 pm scheduled to ensure appropriate supervision of children Regular and predictable attendance at work is required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Our campus consists of multiple buildings on 44 hilly acres that requires frequent walking including uphill and stairs The individual is required to talk and hear often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard The employee may be required to stand walk lift and carry approximately 10 15 pounds reach with arms and hands climb or balance and to stoop bend kneel crouch or crawl Requires close vision

MENTAL DEMANDS

On a daily basis must frequently problem solve make decisions interpret data organize speak write plan and clearly communicate

EQUIPMENT USE

Frequently uses telephone computer iPad Google Apps for Education Blackbaud Education Edge Database Occasionally uses copiers printers and other office hardware

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor work is frequent Outdoor work loud noise and exposure to coldhot temperatures may occur occasionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Mid Pacific Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status marital status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training