Big Bend Cooperative Preschool Lead Teacher

Teaching at Big Bend Cooperative Preschool is a rich, rewarding, and challenging opportunity. We are an independent, multi-age (18 months to 5 years), child-centered, play-based, cooperative preschool. Our motto is “Learning through play”. As the new Lead Teacher for our two and three day programs, you will work collaboratively with other teachers, volunteer board, and working parents, to provide an enriching preschool experience for our children.

A successful teacher will have deep desire to learn. He or she will embrace the co-op model and work to create fun, engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for their students. This position also requires a double focus. As well as planning, preparing and leading daily class times, there will also be administrative duties, which are paramount to the success of our school.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prior to the school year, assist with school set-up and orientation. Engage with families and children individually. Review and revise the daily class schedule and written guidelines/schedules for parent/teachers.

• On an ongoing basis, create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans that allow for and respond to, child emergent activities and play, in collaboration with working parents/volunteer board.

• Organize and oversee all activities of each class session modeling respectful, non-coercive care and supporting our problem solving, child-centered, anti-bias and play-based philosophies.

• Work closely with parents/caregivers as assistant teachers in class, as co-workers at parent meetings and as a resource person on issues of child development. In collaboration with the teachers/volunteer board, train a parent to act as a substitute teacher when you are absent.

• Work with other teachers to maintain a healthy preschool environment (coordinate class set-up, share materials, discuss child development, respond to parent concerns, schedule visiting times, etc.).

• Participate in parent education, including co-teaching at parent meetings, and as needed, informal or formal parent teacher conferences.

• Participate in evening meetings: one parent meeting and one board/business meeting each month.

• Participate in enrollment decisions with the teachers/volunteer board.

• Participate in and support ongoing special events, including summer potluck, community building events, and fundraising activities.

• Participate in, attend or lead workshops related to child/family studies.

• Daily arrangement of school equipment, some heavy lifting required.

• Assist with the care of classroom pets (turtles and fish).

• Perform administrative duties necessary for the co-op.
  

Job Requirements

• Early childhood education degree preferred (not required).

• Experience teaching preschool-aged children (or related/equivalent experience), preferably in a play-based environment.

• Experience in parent education and leadership, or demonstrate an interest and willingness to learn in this area

• Must be flexible and willing to adapt to child-lead learning.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Successful completion of a background check.

• CPR/First Aid for Infant and Child certification.

• Microsoft Office, filing (virtual and physical), and organizational skills.

• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Being part of a strong, tight-knit community.

• Competitive hourly wage.

• Support for continuing education.

• Possibility of teaching alongside your own children.