University School of Nashville invites qualified candidates to apply for a lower school teaching position. Lower school teachers have responsibility for self-contained classrooms of 18 students and work on grade level and cross-grade level committees to ensure that the fundamental skills of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies are presented in a thoughtful sequence and practiced in engaging contexts. 

Individual planning responsibilities also include differentiating the curriculum so that each child has the opportunity to do work that is appropriately challenging. Careful attention is given to a social curriculum in which students learn to care for themselves and their classmates as they practice skills of empathy, responsibility and self-control.

We seek applicants who honor individual learning styles, are able to work effectively on a team, have advanced communication skills, and creatively use the latest educational research. Applicants must have a degree in elementary education, either at the undergraduate or graduate level.

University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of 1,080 students kindergarten through twelfth grade.  In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School (PDS), 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.

Our mid-town location next to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us daily of our 106-year-old roots 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.

A deep-rooted culture of achievement at USN means that 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 teaching, and we offer many opportunities for professional development. 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. 

Candidates wishing to be considered for this position should complete the online application available at usn.org/jobs.