Kindergarten Leave of Absence/Long-Term Substitute

Bethlehem Children’s School (BCS) seeks an experienced childhood educator who is enthusiastic, compassionate, creative, and passionate about working with students in a warm and supportive environment. This position is a full-time long-term leave replacement position for our Kindergarten class of 8 students. Students attend on a full day (8:15am-3pm) schedule, Monday-Friday. Additionally, the Kindergarten Long-Term Substitute will work closely with families and meet each student where they are on their learning journey. The Kindergarten Long-Term Substitute is evaluated by the Dean of Faculty and reports to the Head of School at BCS.

About BCS: Bethlehem Children’s School is a progressive, early-childhood focused independent school in Slingerlands, NY. BCS offers a multi-age, child-led, experiential education for the whole child, emphasizing nature, wisdom, and wellness. BCS currently serves children ages 2 through Kindergarten, with a vision to inspire a lifelong love of learning while developing a deep connection to self, others and the world. Our students spend time outdoors everyday, rain or shine.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the classroom and its participants live up to high expectations of excellence in carrying out the BCS mission
• Design and implement an age-appropriate Kindergarten curriculum that is play-based, nature-focused, and supports all areas of children’s development.
• Meaningfully embed academic concepts into learning experiences
• Monitor and assess student progress
• Lead twice yearly parent-teacher conferences and write student reports (three times a year) reflecting on students strengths and areas for growth
• Create clear routines and structures to manage the overall functioning of the classroom (transitions, schedules, supervision, setup/cleanup, snack/lunch, outdoor time, etc.)
• Cultivate a classroom community in which all children and families feel seen, heard, and valued
• Communicate with families through weekly email updates and ongoing individual communication with families, as needed
• Proactively and responsively support student behavior using developmentally-appropriate strategies in accordance with the BCS behavioral policy
• Foster an atmosphere of acceptance, trust, and respect in the classroom, as well as positive social-emotional growth
• Partner with the Dean of Students to support children’s growth and development, and respond to the varied needs of students
• Participate in school-related events, including parent-teacher conferences, fall class potluck, and school’s open house
• Engage in ongoing professional growth and self-reflective practice
• Build strong collaborative relationships with fellow BCS staff

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching young children, preferably a minimum of three years of work experience in elementary education
• A passion for student-centered, nature-based, and progressive education
• Demonstrated skill developing a nurturing and caring environment for students
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a group of individuals
• Strong collaboration skills; able to work well with a team
• Ability to be flexible, creative, and empathetic
• Love of the outdoors and commitment to supporting children’s engagement with nature
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in childhood education, elementary education, early childhood education, or a related field. (Required)

Work Hours, Salary, and Benefits: This position is a full-time position through the remainder of the school year (June 13). Work hours are 8:00am-3:15pm, Monday-Friday, with an expectation of additional classroom prep time every week. The salary range for a Kindergarten teacher ranges from $40,000 to $42,000, pro-rated, commensurate with education level and experience. Vacation time is as follows: three days for Thanksgiving, one to two weeks for Holiday Break in December, one week each for Winter Break and Spring Break, and all Bethlehem School District-wide holidays. Bethlehem Children’s School sponsors reduced-rate health insurance. BCS also runs an afterschool program and a 10-week summer camp where teachers can work for additional pay.

All BCS employees are expected to follow the guidelines as outlined in the Staff Handbook, which is provided upon hiring. In summary, this means demonstrating a commitment to the mission of BCS, professionalism, and a growth mindset. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to .

For further information about Bethlehem Children’s School’s history, mission, and program, please visit and read our website at www.bethelehmchildrensschool.org.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $40,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $42,000