What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kindergarten Teacher position at Capital Day School?
Position Overview:
As a Kindergarten Teacher at Capital Day School, you will play a vital role in fostering the intellectual, emotional, and social development of young learners. You will create a warm, engaging, and child-centered classroom that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. While embracing some Montessori values, you will also incorporate traditional teaching methods to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
You will develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum that respects individual learning styles, while also guiding students through structured activities and collaborative projects. You will assess student progress regularly, set academic goals, and adapt your teaching to meet the diverse needs of your students.
Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum Development:
- Design and implement a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum that balances structured lessons with child-centered exploration.
- Develop engaging learning activities that incorporate hands-on experiences and real-life applications.
- Differentiate instruction to support varying levels of readiness, interests, and learning styles.
- Integrate foundational literacy, numeracy, social skills, and creative expression into daily lessons.
Classroom Management:
- Create a well-organized, nurturing environment conducive to independent learning and group collaboration.
- Establish clear expectations for behavior and academic performance, fostering self-discipline and positive interactions.
- Implement consistent routines and transitions that help children feel secure and engaged.
- Reinforce positive behaviors and address challenges with empathy and understanding.
Individualized Instruction:
- Assess student progress regularly, using both formative and summative assessments.
- Set individualized learning goals and offer targeted instruction to help students meet those goals.
- Provide one-on-one support and small group instruction as needed to reinforce academic concepts.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress and prepare progress reports each trimester.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with colleagues, parents, and administrators to support student growth and well-being.
- Maintain open communication with parents through regular updates, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Collaborate with the teaching team to plan lessons, share ideas, and enhance the learning environment.
- Engage in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Professional Growth:
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth, staying informed about educational research and methodologies.
- Reflect on teaching practices, seeking feedback and implementing improvements as needed.
- Actively participate in school functions, professional learning communities, and staff meetings.
Requirements:
- A positive, patient, and nurturing attitude that fosters a love of learning.
- Ability to build mutually respectful relationships with students, maintaining sensitivity and understanding for every child.
- Consistent attendance and reliability to support students and colleagues.
- Awareness of child development milestones and a commitment to age-appropriate teaching practices.
- Strong classroom management skills with the ability to set clear boundaries and expectations.
- Respect for both traditional and Montessori educational philosophies, integrating aspects of both into teaching practices.
- Ability to clearly define the roles of lead teacher and assistant, ensuring classroom upkeep and management align with the lead teacher’s expectations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Previous experience working with kindergarten-aged children, preferably in a classroom setting.
- Familiarity with Montessori principles is beneficial but not required.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Passionate about fostering an inclusive, positive, and engaging learning environment.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person