Horizons Program - Lead Teacher - Grades 1-12

Horizons at University School of Nashville

Horizons Program - Lead Teacher

Rising First through Twelfth Grade

2025 Program Year

University School of Nashville seeks an outgoing, energetic, and organized self-starter to design and teach high quality, culturally competent, project-based curriculum through the Horizons @ USN summer enrichment program. The Lead Teacher will engage students in learning math, science, reading, and language arts. This position requires excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; proficiency with technology; a passion for the mission of the Horizons program; and an unwavering belief in the potential of all young people.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in teaching with a gift for building on students' love of learning and bolstering their basic academic skills. Current teaching licensure is preferred. The program runs from June 2 through July 10, 2025. Participation in pre-program orientation, some evening activities, and quarterly family events during the school year is required. This position offers a stipend of $8,200.

USN has a deep commitment to equitable and just community spaces.  Candidates should be knowledgeable of research on how implicit biases in race, ethnicity, gender identity and socioeconomic class can shape curricula and pedagogy, classroom culture, and student outcomes.  Candidates should be able to translate that knowledge into demonstrable actions that promote equitable and just teaching and learning. 

Responsibilities:

·   Design and teach high quality, culturally competent, project-based curriculum and engage students in learning math, science and language arts

·   Plan and lead community-building games, enriching experiential learning opportunities, and accompany students in swimming pool and field trips

·   Lead the Horizons staff in identifying individual students' learning profiles, building on each youth's academic strengths and coordinating resources and activities to best address their areas of need

·   Participate in daily meals with students; attend parent orientation and faculty meetings; and other duties that may be required

·   Attend in service days prior to the start of the program

·   Assist in the training and supervision of program staff, planning and facilitating professional development and ongoing coaching for staff, and sharing instructional strategies and student information

·   Mentor the assistant teacher(s) and work with other staff to review assessment data to align curriculum across subject areas

·   Develop and nurture a safe, respectful, challenging and fun learning environment

·   Assist in evaluating program effectiveness

·   Aid in accessing and attracting useful resources of community institutions, the school system, public agencies, and local businesses for the benefit of the Horizons programs, as needed and appropriate

·   Help maintain ongoing communication with parents and academic year teachers

·   Participate in students and family events throughout the school year (1 per quarter)

·   Meet regularly with the Program Director as needed to accomplish goals and/or problem-solve as issues occur

Qualifications

·   Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree preferred

·   Current teacher licensure preferred

·   At least two years working as an early elementary school teacher, with a gift for both building on students’ love of learning and bolstering their basic academic skills

·   Proven ability to relate well to diverse children and families, as well as plan and deliver engaging, challenging lessons for urban school-aged children

Skills and Abilities

·   Self-starter with proven ability to work independently

·   Be passionate for the mission of the organization and possess an unwavering belief in the potential in all young people

·   Possess exceptional communication and organizational skills

·   Be energetic and friendly with a mature, sensitive interpersonal style

·   Professional who is dependable and organized, with integrity, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude

·   Eagerness to learn and ability to adapt to change; commitment to one’s professional growth

·   Work collaboratively with colleagues and other members of the USN community

The School

University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of over 1,000 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School, USN’s predecessor, which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974, Peabody College announced plans to close PDS, and a group of parents, alumni, students, and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville. 

USN’s midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings over 108 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. It’s a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.

In the USN community, students expect much of each other, and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their work and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants.

Please be prepared to upload the following items through USN's online application for this position:

Cover Letter

Resume