Young Fives Teacher - Monteith

The Grosse Pointe Public School System; Grosse Pointe Woods (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grosse Pointe Public School System is seeking a Young Fives Teacher to provide a developmentally appropriate, engaging learning environment for students in the Young Fives program. This role supports academic, social-emotional, physical, and developmental growth as students prepare for kindergarten.

Responsibilities include planning developmentally responsive experiences, balancing explicit instruction with play, and aligning with district curriculum and goals while honoring each child’s

Qualifications

• Michigan Elementary Teaching Certificate required.
• Michigan elementary endorsement(s) required.
• Early Childhood endorsement preferred.
• Experience teaching Young Fives or early elementary grades preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate instruction.

Responsibilities

• Implements the established Grosse Pointe curriculum while adapting instruction to meet developmental needs.
• Creates a warm, welcoming classroom that promotes belonging, independence, curiosity and confidence.
• Plans and facilitates learning experiences with play, exploration, movement and hands-on learning.
• Develops early literacy and numeracy skills through engaging activities.
• Supports social-emotional development, including self-regulation and cooperation.
• Develops motor skills and school-readiness for transition to kindergarten.
• Establishes routines and expectations to foster independence.
• Uses assessment to monitor growth and inform instruction.
• Selects resources to meet diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Integrates culturally diverse themes and materials into instruction.
• Provides differentiated learning opportunities and appropriate supports.
• Collaborates with special education staff and other professionals within MTSS.

Education

Valid Michigan Elementary Teaching Certificate.

Appropriate Michigan elementary endorsement(s) required.

ZA or ZS Early Childhood endorsement preferred.

Experience teaching preschool, Young Fives, kindergarten, or other early elementary grades preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.

Significant experience and/or coursework in related fields preferred.

Job description

• Position Type: Instructional/ Teacher - Elementary
• Date Posted: 8/28/2026
• Location: Monteith Elementary School

JOB SUMMARY

The selected candidate will be responsible for providing a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and nurturing educational environment for students enrolled in the Young Fives program. The Young Fives Teacher will support students' academic, social-emotional, physical, and developmental growth while building the foundational skills and confidence necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten.

The teacher will plan and implement developmentally responsive learning experiences that balance explicit instruction with purposeful play, exploration, movement, collaboration, and hands‑on learning. Instruction will be aligned with the Grosse Pointe Public School System curriculum, policies, goals, and objectives while recognizing and responding to the unique developmental needs of young learners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Michigan Elementary Teaching Certificate.
• Appropriate Michigan elementary endorsement(s) required.
• ZA or ZS Early Childhood endorsement preferred.
• Experience teaching preschool, Young Fives, kindergarten, or other early elementary grades preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Significant experience and/or coursework in related fields preferred.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements the established Grosse Pointe curriculum while adapting instruction and learning experiences to meet the developmental needs of Young Fives students.
• Creates a warm, welcoming, structured, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that promotes student belonging, independence, curiosity, and confidence.
• Plans and facilitates learning experiences that incorporate purposeful play, exploration, movement, hands‑on learning, and explicit instruction.
• Develops foundational early literacy and numeracy skills through engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences.
• Supports the development of students' social‑emotional skills, including self‑regulation, communication, problem‑solving, cooperation, independence, and positive peer relationships.
• Provides opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills and other school‑readiness skills necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond.
• Establishes consistent classroom routines and expectations that help young learners successfully navigate the school environment and develop increasing independence.
• Uses developmentally appropriate assessment practices, observation, and student work to monitor individual growth and inform instruction.
• Identifies, selects, and modifies instructional resources and strategies to meet the needs of students with varying developmental levels, backgrounds, learning styles, and individual needs.
• Includes culturally diverse themes, perspectives, materials, and experiences within classroom instruction and the learning environment.
• Provides differentiated learning opportunities and appropriate levels of support and challenge based on each student's developmental readiness.
• Collaborates with special education staff, interventionists, support staff, administrators, and other professionals to address individual student needs within an MTSS framework.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with families regarding student development, progress, classroom experiences, and strategies to support learning and school readiness at home.
• Partners with families to support a positive transition into the school environment and ultimately into kindergarten.
• Collaborates with kindergarten teachers and other elementary colleagues to promote curricular and developmental alignment and a successful transition from Young Fives to kindergarten.
• Maintains accurate and efficient student records and documentation.
• Creates a positive learning environment in which students are actively engaged and encouraged to explore, ask questions, take appropriate risks, and develop a love of learning.
• Models professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, families, colleagues, and the community.
• Participates in professional learning and collaborative opportunities related to early childhood education, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student development.
• Meets professional obligations through effective work habits, including meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, communicating proactively, and collaborating with colleagues.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands 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 enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout school and the classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, sitting, standing, and climbing stairs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on the computer are necessary to complete paperwork.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all‑inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

COMPENSATION

Salary is based on the GPEA CBA, which may or may not recognize previous professional teaching experience. GPEA Members are also eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including health/dental/vision/life and long‑term disability insurance. Membership in the Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement System www.michigan.gov/ors.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

• The successful candidate must meet the State standard for a clear criminal history and provide mandated fingerprint clearance.