CIS is a college-preparatory, independent school with a rich history of whole-child education and an emphasis on global perspectives. The focus of the curriculum is to provide an individualized educational experience for each student and to foster the pursuit of excellence and joy in learning and living. Class sizes are intentionally small to facilitate high quality teaching and mentorship. As a member of the Lower School Division, classroom teachers are responsible for teaching students in their specified grade level. Specifically, the classroom teacher teaches reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies with a global perspective focused on one continent at each grade level. Additionally, classroom teachers support the social, emotional and character development of each student in his/her class.
Columbia, Missouri
CIS is a growing school of 450 students, age 3 - 12th grade, located in a mid-sized city halfway between the major metropolitan areas of St. Louis and Kansas City. Columbia is home to the flagship University of Missouri, and so offers all the amenities of a college town—and a populace that values education, cultural opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and collegiate athletics. Outdoor opportunities abound in the area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Teach our lower school curriculum to students in kindergarten
Update and create curriculum in conjunction with grade level partners and lower school division goals
Create opportunities for students to understand themselves and others as both individuals and members of a larger community
Collaborate with your grade level partners to establish continuity with the curriculum and primary grade level experiences
Collaborate with Specialist Teachers (science, technology, media center, art, music, World Languages, and physical education) to establish meaningful connections for learning
Work with students on an individual basis outside of regularly scheduled class times (as needed)
Provide regular, weekly feedback (written and verbal) to students and parents
Prepare progress reports and conduct conferences for students and parents each semester
Attend faculty, divisional, and in-service meetings as scheduled
Support the mission of the school through teaching, advising, and participating as a member of the faculty
Other Duties
Supervise before school, recess, lunch, and dismissal activities
Provide support for and chaperone lower school functions (socials, etc.)
Attend school related functions, when appropriate, in support of students
Attend professional development opportunities
Model life-long learning through personal and professional growth
Serve as an ambassador for the school at Open Houses and other admissions or public relations activities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher
Minimum of 2-5 years teaching experience is preferred
Demonstrated passion for working with children and an understanding of the developmental needs of the age group
Highly skilled teacher with effective pedagogical and classroom management techniques (include any experience with Responsive Classroom)
Include any experience teaching Eureka Math Squared and Fundations Program
Effective written and oral communicator
Commitment to the success of every student
Proven collaborator and team member
Innovative and optimistic thinker
Life-long learner with a growth mindset
How to Apply
Interested candidates for the 2025-2026 school year should submit the following to resumes@cislions.org: Letter of Interest, Statement of Educational Philosophy, and Resumé/CV.
Columbia Independent School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 378 students in junior kindergarten through grade twelve, located in mid-Missouri near the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College. Founded in 1998, CIS seeks to foster superior academic, artistic, athletic, and social growth for each of its students. Students come from a variety of socio-economic, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds from Columbia and the surrounding area, as well as foreign countries. Columbia Independent School is a member of National Association of Independent Schools, ISACS, National Association for College Admission Counseling, The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, and National Honor Society.
Columbia Independent School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.