The Orchard School

Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, Progressive school for 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43- acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment. We seek, and strive to maintain, a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.

The Position

Orchard seeks educators who provide nurturing guidance through modeling and through essential teacher-student relationships. This is possible when teachers know their students, care about them, and see them each as individuals.Orchard expects teachers to put children at the center of their own learning, facilitate engaging hands-on project-based learning, and have a deep understanding of child development and learning differences. Orchard seeks to hire educators who possess a passion for equity and social justice, and who desire to grow personally and professionally in the field of education.

Required Qualifications and Attributes

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Elementary Education, or related Science or Math field
• A minimum of two years of elementary school classroom experience preferred
• A commitment to Orchard’s definition of progressive education
• Ability to organize and lead community-wide projects on behalf of the grade (Dime Day and other integrated projects), acting as project manager for logistics and instructional lead with other building coordinators
• Comfortable working in a Makerspace environment
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons
• An understanding of differentiated instruction
• Ability to design hands-on, experiential learning activities that advance the targeted learning outcomes
• Ability to work with technology to support, supplement, and enhance teaching and learning
• Affinity and enthusiasm for working with elementary children
• Capacity to inspire others
• Demonstrated history of positive energy and strong relationships in the classroom with children and other adults
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to learn and improve professionally
• Sound judgment and emotional maturity
• Self-initiator
• Ability to collaborate and work with a team and with parents
• Willingness to engage in all aspects of the Orchard community

Orchard values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin in the administration of its admission, tuition assistance, or employment determination.

The Orchard School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.