Kindergarten Teacher

Winchester Thurston School, a Junior Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 independent day school in Pittsburgh, announces a search for a Kindergarten Teacher beginning for the 2025-26 school year. The Kindergarten Teacher provides direct instruction and supervision for students in Kindergarten. The individual in this position must understand the emotional and educational needs of young children, be able to effectively communicate with them, and respond appropriately to individual learning differences in children. The Kindergarten Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and the daily supervision of the Director of Lower School. The Kindergarten Teacher will work closely with the Director of Lower School, the other Kindergarten Teacher and Assistant Teachers, other Lower School faculty members, students, and parents. The individual in this position teaches and serves in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School.

Responsibilities

• Teach a Kindergarten homeroom, managing the curriculum, discipline, and classroom community and environment

• Plan and work collaboratively with a partner Kindergarten teacher, the classroom Assistant Teacher, and specialists in designing and executing curriculum and learning experiences using an interdisciplinary approach that is in accord with divisional curriculum and the school’s educational philosophy

• Work with the classroom Assistant Teacher to identify the process in which they will effectively work together in the classroom to support the students, instruction, and other activities

• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the interests and learning styles of children with diverse backgrounds and needs, working closely with the Lower School Counselor and Director of Support Services

• Create and maintain an appropriate and organized classroom environment with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices, safety, and well-being

• Incorporate social-emotional learning and related supports into the curriculum and classroom experience

• Work as a team member with the other early elementary teachers, Lower School teaching colleagues, and administrators by attending all school-wide meetings, Lower School faculty meetings, and in-service days, and serving on committees as needed

• Communicate with and respond to parents’ questions and concerns in an effective and timely manner through a variety of means, including email, telephone, student progress reports, and parent notices

• Work on curriculum revision and program development with other teachers, the Director of Lower School, the Director of Academics, and the Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning

• Complete student assessment reports (e.g., grades reports, interim comments, etc.) in accordance with school guidelines and the deadlines established by the Lower School Director

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for and engagement in the school’s:

o City as Our Campus initiative, actively seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities within and outside the classroom

o Commitment to equity and inclusion, including but not limited to, curriculum, teaching practice, and professional growth

o Strategic priorities through designing and implementing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, student-centered, and/or project-based

• Commit to ongoing professional growth through personal and professional learning; engage in activities including but not limited to: participating in goal setting, upholding expectations in the professionalism checklist, engaging in the faculty growth system, participating and contributing to collaborative curricular and professional learning groups, etc.

• Be an active part of the Admission Team and assist with meeting prospective families, attending admission events, and screening prospective candidates for admission; attendance will be required at several events and screening days that occur outside of the traditional school day

• Fulfill duties that are connected with non-academic responsibilities, including but not limited to, taking attendance, lunch and recess duties, chaperoning field trips, after-school events or grade-level trips, and other assignments

• Participate in a mentoring program with an experienced faculty member during the initial employment period

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education, with experience teaching in an early childhood setting required; a Master’s degree is preferred
• Understanding and demonstrated knowledge of early child development and developmentally appropriate practices for young students required
• Strong communication skills for working effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Ability to utilize educational technology in the classroom
• Demonstrated ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population
• Responsive Classroom training and experience

Applicants may apply at https://www.applitrack.com/winchesterthurston/onlineapp/ and will need to complete an application as well as submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for 3 professional references.

Winchester Thurston School is an equal opportunity employer. WT is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and women.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100.00 - $300.00 per day

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100 - $300