Overview

Middle Way School is pioneering a new model of education based on the best in education research and enhanced by the wisdom and compassion of Buddhist traditions. Master teachers with a deep understanding of childhood development are the pillars of this education. The Fifth/Sixth Grade Math Teacher is responsible for co-creating, evaluating, implementing and documenting curricula in cooperation with the Head of School, curriculum coordinators, and the Fifth/Sixth Grade Lead Teacher. The Fifth/Sixth Grade Math Teacher is responsible for supporting students’ development in all areas including social-emotional, physical, academic. 

MWS school culture relies on daily meditation and ample professional support. We expect our teachers to meet conventional outcomes in unconventional ways and use skillful means to differentiate in ways that help meet students academically and socially. Teachers are expected to explore the Middle Way model of development and actively engage in its creation. 

Responsibilities

• Developing and documenting math curriculum including unit and lesson plans
• Collaborating with other staff regarding curriculum development and documentation of work.
• Providing differentiated instruction to support and challenge students in math.
• Assisting and facilitating activities with lead teacher 
• Creating a positive, nurturing classroom community
• Setting up and maintaining an organized and inviting classroom environment
• Co-maintaining frequent contact with parents including contributing to the Weekly Newsletter
• Participating in parent-teacher conferences 
• Pursuing ongoing professional development
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned from time to time as business needs

require.

Core Competencies 

• Knowledge of current best practices in math education and awareness/mindfulness practices.
• Skillful means and strong instincts with respect to the social-emotional needs of 5th and 6th graders. 
• Background in progressive education and constructivist theory and ability to put it into practice.
• Knowledge, understanding, and use of active learning strategies to support a range of learners
• Ability to creatively integrate and adapt curriculum to engage learners
• A creative and rigorous approach to information gathering and analysis, ability to understand broad ideas and synthesize
• Clear communication – excellent command of written and spoken English. 
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team – especially when it is necessary to facilitate change, overcome an impasse, face an issue, or ensure that decisions are made.

Qualities

• A passion for education and carrying out the vision and mission of Middle Way School
• A love and understanding of children and early childhood development
• An interest in personal and professional growth
• Openness to Buddhist philosophy
• Flexible, open-minded
• Adaptable, patient with change
• Able to work independently and in teams
• Practical and resourceful 
• Able to see the merits of perspectives other than his/her own; openness to different and new ways of doing things
• Reliable and respectful of deadlines
• Humor!

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Preferably 2-3 years of experience in grade level
• Strong classroom management skills 
• Responsive Classroom experience appreciated

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to kneel, reach, run, bend, lift and stand for periods of time.
• Ability to lift 25-30 lbs.
• Ability to see, hear, and speak with children to ensure children's health and safety. 

Terms

• Part-time, exempt
• On-site at Middle Way School in Saugerties, NY for the entirety of the academic year
• Schedule is 12.5 hours per week, with occasional additional hours for professional development, report writing, and school events.
• All school breaks paid 
• All employees must pass a New York State background check
• Annual salary $20,000

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in a position at Middle Way along with a resume to careers@middlewayschool.org. 

We hire and enroll without discriminating against any identifying factor which may include race, age, national or ethnic origin,  religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic background. We will make accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities to the fullest extent possible. As an institution and as individuals we recognize that we have the responsibility to actively change the power differences that perpetuate biases against historically underrepresented groups. Our inclusion efforts are a dynamic process. We welcome your experience and invite your input on how our school community can continue to evolve.

About Middle Way School

Middle Way School is an independent progressive school with nearly 100 students ages 3-12 currently enrolled in grades pre-K through 6. As one of the first Buddhist schools for children, Middle Way is exploring the rich potential of integrating wisdom and compassion with progressive education. Our aspiration is to prepare students to take their places in the modern world with the noble qualities of intelligence, confidence and discipline, with an understanding of interdependence and a fundamental motivation of altruism. Middle Way is incorporated in the State of New York and recognized by the NYC Department of Education as a nonpublic school. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. The research and development of the MWS model is overseen by Middle Way Education, a separate not for profit organization dedicated to creating pathways for traditional Buddhist wisdom and knowledge to enhance modern education for the benefit of this and future generations. We are grateful to the generous donors of Khyentse Foundation who have given significant financial support to the school. Guided by a number of teache...rs and scholars, Middle Way is not tethered to one single Buddhist tradition or path. Nor do we blend them together until they are unrecognizable. Rather, we respect the variety of wisdom traditions, the lineages, and the varied paths that have helped individuals connect with the wakefulness of the dharma for 2,500 years. We hire and enroll without discriminating against any identifying factor which may include race, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic background. We will make accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities to the fullest extent possible. As an institution and as individuals we recognize that we have the responsibility to actively change the power differences that perpetuate biases against historically underrepresented groups. Our inclusion efforts are a dynamic process. We welcome your experience and invite your input on how our school community can continue to evolve.

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Connections working at Middle Way School