Successful Lower School Fellows progress through a two-year program (following the first year, the Fellow is considered for another one-year contract) that prepares them for careers in education as high-caliber lead teachers. As a full-time member of the Lower School faculty, the Fellow’s primary responsibilities include developing the knowledge and skills required to successfully teach early elementary, manage a self-contained classroom, work with students in grades K-5, and communicate with parents, colleagues, and administrators.
The Fellow reports to the Lower School Director and works with support from program coordinators and mentor teachers.
The successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to all schoolwork and will use the school’s mission to support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Meet regularly with Fellow program coordinators to receive ongoing professional development and feedback and implement any recommendations made
Meet all professional development goals
Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote a healthy learning environment
Under the regular guidance of the mentor teacher and the Student Success Team, plan and implement classroom instruction, assess and support the academic progress and social-emotional growth of the students, and foster diversity, inclusion, and social justice to promote a healthy learning environment
Collaborate with members of the Lower School faculty, staff, and the entire K-12 community
Supervise students at play and during snack and lunch
Serve as a “Panther Pod” co-leader (Lower School advisory program)
Participate enthusiastically in the greater life of the school
Willingness to take on other duties as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree (required)
Desire for a career as a lead teacher
Coursework related to inclusive learning environments and opportunities, preferred
Commitment to professional growth and working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents on a regular basis
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts
Work at a desk and computer
Ability to spend time sitting on the floor and working at a child’s level
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment
Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold
Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.
Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.
Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity t...o think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives.
To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us at www.polytechnic.org.