Jumpstart Summer Kindergarten Teacher (SY24-25)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Kindergarten Summer Jump Start Teacher to join our summer team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Under the general supervision of the Metco Elementary Coordinator, the teacher facilitates student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documents teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; address specific educational needs of individual students and by creating flexible, safe, and optimal learning environment; and provides feedback to students and Metco Elementary Coordinator regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. Outstanding applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 
Job Responsibilities:

• Actively engage students socially and academically by implementing hands-on learning through a district-approved curriculum.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.
• Develops culturally responsive lesson plans and translates them into learning experiences in the content areas of ELA and mathematics.
• Modifies instructional methods to fit individual student’s needs, including students with special needs; informally assess student performance and progress, reporting concerns to the Elementary Coordinator.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures.
• Supervises students in activities that take place outside the classroom during the school day.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Metco staff administrators.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility. 
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiating instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of elementary school curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications:

• Certification/License: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license as an elementary teacher.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or related discipline applicable to a teaching assignment.
• Experience working in a K-5 education setting, preferably with students from diverse backgrounds; a commitment to inclusive pedagogy.

Application and Selection Process:  

Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation have been attached to your online application. All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.