Imagine your school day begins when you enter the front door of a charming, ornate, historic home. Now imagine this historic home is part of a neighborhood of six homes, woven together to create a school that is dedicated to growing and challenging a diverse group of elementary school students in a joyful community. And this community is committed to fostering an environment where kindness, compassion, curiosity, and questioning are valued. If you are energized by these ideas, and you value collaborating with other passionate, student-centered educators who teach the whole child, then Forsyth School is looking for you. 

At Forsyth, our mission is to foster a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children to pursue challenges with confidence. And our Honor Code is embedded in the fabric of our institution, reminding us of our commitment to make Forsyth a special place. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

This is a part-time, 4.5 hours a day (22.5 hours a week) position. Teachers at Forsyth work in a highly collaborative, cooperative, student centered environment. As a Part-Time Early Childhood music teacher and teaching assistant, you will work closely with and support early childhood classroom teachers to provide developmentally appropriate, joyful learning experiences for 2 year olds - 5 year old students. In addition to working as the Early Childhood music teacher, you will also support Early Childhood classrooms as a teaching assistant.  At the heart of all of your work as a Forsyth teacher is the desire to live our mission and do your part to create and uphold a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

OPPORTUNITIES (TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES)

• Nurture the social, emotional, musical, and developmental needs of early childhood students 
• Develop and implement culturally responsive teaching practices to meet the needs of students
• Work collaboratively with Forsyth’s Music Specialist to develop curriculum and plan two school-wide musical programs
• Support in the early childhood classrooms as a teaching assistant
• Actively participate in a faculty culture that is committed to being at the leading edge of Age 2 – Grade 6 education 
• Advance a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust
• Be an inclusive, positive, active contributor to the school community
• Report to the Lower Division Director

ABOUT FORSYTH SCHOOL

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Forsyth is an age 2 – Grade 6, co-ed independent school of 375 students. The campus is bordered by Washington University and Forest Park, one of the largest city parks in the nation and home to many of the city’s great cultural institutions, including free museums, a world class zoo and a thriving food and music scene. Forsyth’s unique facilities, six stately historic homes, all built in the 1920s and 30s, have been transformed into classrooms and community spaces. These nurturing, intimate spaces, as well as excellent teaching, have made challenge and high expectations for students the center of Forsyth’s ethos since its origin in 1961. 

HOW TO APPLY

In your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and any other supporting materials. Candidates will be informed before references are contacted. 

Forsyth School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, family composition, genetic information, citizenship, national and ethnic origin, or on the basis of any other protected status. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please submit your materials as soon as possible, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Jason Hooper, assistant head of school for academics and lower division director, with any questions about the application process.

Forsyth’s background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• A love of early childhood age children and a passion for music instruction
• Demonstrable commitment to teaching and learning in a dynamic and diverse school environment that promotes the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Verifiable commitment to professional growth and openness to feedback and improvement 
• A growth mindset, sense of humor, flexibility, comfort with change and openness to quickly pivoting to meet students’ needs
• Excellent interpersonal skills and keenness to connect with students, families, and colleagues
• Excellent writing skills
• Eagerness to learn about and implement the Responsive Classroom approach in the classroom 
• Bachelor’s degree required

About Forsyth School

Forsyth School provides an unforgettable experience for children age 2 through Grade 6. Forsyth's one-of-a-kind campus consists of six historic homes; walkable resources include Forest Park and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The challenging and engaging curriculum promotes age-appropriate independence and prepares students to thrive in secondary school and beyond. At Forsyth, our talented and caring faculty encourage students to explore and question, enabling them to learn deeply. Each child's unique identity is known, celebrated, and nurtured by our supportive community. The results are profound: children take risks, pursue challenges, and find joy in learning. The "Forsyth experience" is enriched by the school's unique campus, location, and commitment to the natural world. Mission: Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children to pursue challenges with confidence.

Connections working at Forsyth School