Kindergarten Teacher (rev.01302025)

Position Description and Qualifications

Job Posting Summary: 

Classroom teacher for a group of 18 Kindergarten students in a self-contained setting, responsible for instruction in Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies. Close collaboration with colleagues is essential. In partnership with families, the teacher will understand, guide, nurture, and challenge students, helping them develop creativity and the ability to work both cooperatively and independently.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth’s Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
• Adheres to the Essential Expectations of an Ensworth Faculty, Staff, or Administrator
• Works on campus from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM with some meetings taking place after 3:30 PM
• Serves as a homeroom teacher for 18 students
• Supervise and mentor an assistant teacher, providing guidance and support to ensure a collaborative and effective classroom environment
• Works with Reading Teacher to implement Orton Gillingham reading curriculum
• Works with Math Coach to implement Think Mathematics math curriculum
• Completes quarterly progress reports with grades and marks
• Writes narrative comments for each student in two quarters
• Communicates with parents regularly and as necessary
• Participates in grade level and other meetings as required
• Serves as a chaperone for field trips and service-learning trips
• Helps with other Lower School and whole school duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education – Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Prior teaching experience at the lower elementary level
• Familiarity with Orton Gillingham, Writing Workshop, Singapore math, & Responsive Classroom preferred
• Basic/Intermediate understanding and ability to use computers and technology including GoogleSuite, basic office equipment, projectors, mechanical equipment, etc.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumnae, volunteers, and the public.
• Adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, problem-solving skills, loyalty, and congeniality are essential.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification 
• Continued Education Programs (as required by Grade Level and/or position) – Periodically participate in different training sessions identified by you, the employee and/or Divisional Leadership/Supervisor with the goal of keeping our teachers and staff up to date with current teaching methods, practices and any new knowledge in their respective field. Depending on the program, such training may need to take place outside of normal working hours and/or in the summer months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate. Frequently works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate.
• Regularly uses close and distance vision. Works at a computer screen for periods of time. Ability to observe students from various distances.
• Frequently required to move around the classroom, work at a desk for extended periods of time, frequently positions oneself to work with small children on the floor, frequently moves around campus
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30/50 lbs. across the classroom/office 
• Sometimes works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts. Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.
• Ability to periodically work flexible hours to support before and after-school or weekend events 
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter, résumé, statement of philosophy, and/or copies of college transcripts. Contact masonerk@ensworth.com with any questions.

About Ensworth School: 

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls approximately 1,200 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school’s challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.

Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.

It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.