Classroom Excellence Partner (Early Relational Health)

Ellis Early Learning, “Ellis,” (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high quality early education and care for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four (Universal) Boston Pre-K classrooms. Ellis operates two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain and serves over 300 children annually.

As a result of a transformational gift, Ellis is establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) to elevate teaching quality and child outcomes. We will hire dedicated Classroom Excellence Partners (CEPs) and all-school teachers to strengthen educator support, and help educators thrive in their challenging roles. By investing in on-the-job learning and professional development, we will cultivate excellent, culturally humble educators and prepare Ellis to become a training ground for the field. This initiative will have a lasting, generational impact on the children we serve.

ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ELLIS MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Learn more at www.ellisearlylearning.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ellis is seeking a Classroom Excellence Partner (CEP) with expertise in early relational health, infant and early childhood mental health to join our team. The CEP will advance educator development, support instructional quality, and foster best-in-class learning environments with a particular emphasis on building strong, nurturing relationships that support social-emotional growth and mental health in young children. The Center of Excellence will initially have six Classroom Excellence Partners (CEPs), including the Director of the CoE, in addition to Ellis’s existing family support team of three social workers.

The CEP will work alongside educators to implement effective teaching strategies and respond to classroom mental/behavioral health, all with cultural humility. Spending significant time each week within their assigned classrooms, CEPs will collaborate closely with 12 to 14 educators across four classrooms, to ensure every child receives the highest quality education. With no direct supervisory responsibilities, CEPs will focus on building long-term, trust-based partnerships with educators to support their professional growth. The goal is to empower, support, and foster thriving teachers who deliver excellence in early education.

The ideal candidate will care deeply about the early education field, educational equity, and racial and social justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Instructional/Curriculum Coaching

·        Partner with educators to implement high-quality, equitable, and innovative teaching methods aligned with Ellis's mission and priorities, emphasizing cultural humility and relational health.

·        Spend approximately 80% of time in classrooms providing on-site reflective coaching, modeling instructional strategies, and offering real-time feedback to teachers.

·        Role model effective teaching practices by demonstrating curriculum-aligned activities, and co-teaching when appropriate.

·        Support inclusive, equitable, and developmentally appropriate practices that prioritize mental and relational health and social-emotional learning.

2.     Teacher Collaboration

·        Conduct regular one-on-one and small group sessions with educators to engage in reflective practice, discuss classroom strategies, curriculum planning, address challenges, and identify growth opportunities.

·        Build trusting relationships with teachers, acting as an ally in their professional journey and fostering an environment of open communication and shared goals.

·        Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team with other professionals (educators, childhood mental health consultants/providers, social workers, etc.) to ensure comprehensive support for teachers.

·        Work with educators to create individualized development plans aligned with their specific classroom contexts and professional goals.

3.     Classroom Environment Support

·        Help educators create classroom environments that promote child well-being, foster social-emotional learning, and encourage positive behavior.

·        Provide coaching on managing challenging behaviors that are challenging in the classroom, using evidence-based and practice-informed strategies, to support social-emotional development and relational health.

·        Offer guidance and tools to integrate mental health awareness into daily classroom activities and interactions.

4.     Professional Development

·        Engage in continuous professional development to deepen expertise in teaching, classroom management, and early relational health/early childhood mental health.

·        Participate in weekly group sessions with other CEPs and CoE colleagues to reflect on and share best practices, collaborate on challenges, and codify and document learning.

·        Receive specialized training in teaching methods and early childhood mental and behavioral health strategies to enhance skills and build a shared language among CEPs and educators.

This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role. As this exciting opportunity evolves, the person in this position will be instrumental in shaping the Center of Excellence. New responsibilities may emerge as the work progresses.

QUALIFICATIONS

·        Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

·        8 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a coaching, mentoring, or instructional support role.

·        Specialized expertise in infant and childhood mental health and relational health strategies.

·        Deep knowledge of early childhood teaching methods, child development, and culturally responsive practices.

·        Proven ability to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with educators and other professionals.

·        Ability to navigate and manage mental/behavioral health challenges within an educational setting with sensitivity and effectiveness.

·        Demonstrated skills in classroom observation, feedback, and modeling best practices in an early education context.

·        Deep commitment to advancing equity in early childhood education, with a passion for supporting the success and growth of early childhood educators.

·        Passion for building something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking initiative in a dynamic environment.

·        Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

WHY ELLIS?

At Ellis, you will be part of an organization dedicated to creating high-quality learning environments where every child can thrive, and every educator can flourish. We value diversity, inclusion, and innovative approaches to early childhood education.

Ellis offers a competitive salary and benefits package—including vacation and sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance—along with opportunities for professional growth and making a lasting impact on children, families, and educators in the Boston area. Join us and help shape the future of early childhood education.

HOW TO APPLY?

If you are passionate about supporting educators in delivering high-quality early education, please send a cover letter and résumé detailing your experience and qualifications to hr@ellisearlylearning.org.