Garden School is excited to announce the opening of a Kindergarten Co-Teaching position for the fall of 2026. We are seeking a talented, nurturing, and collaborative teacher to join our Early Childhood team. 

Our Kindergarten class is nested within what we call the Vertical Classroom which is a mixed age room where three- and four-year-olds occupy one side of the room, kindergarteners occupy another and in the middle is a collaborative “Centers” area. This role is for someone excited to apply the principles of independence, observation, intentional materials design, and child-centered learning within a dynamic independent school setting. Therefore, this role is ideal for an educator with training in Montessori methodology, Progressive education, or similar. 

While we are not a Montessori school, we value the perspective and expertise that Montessori-trained educators bring to a mixed age classroom like ours. As the fifth adult in the room, this individual will serve as an integral member of the early childhood team, helping to design and facilitate purposeful center-based experiences that foster curiosity, agency, creativity, and foundational academic growth. 

Essential responsibilities include designing and facilitating engaging center-based learning experiences that promote exploration, independence, and engagement all in the pursuit of supporting literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning, with students across the entire EC program, though the kindergarten group will serve as home base. 

It is critical that this role be filled by someone eager to work collaboratively with others to differentiate and meet the needs of diverse learners, observe students carefully and use those observations to inform instruction. This role involves parallel teaching, station teaching, and collaborating with the Pre-K & Kindergarten head teachers when lesson planning. 

The ideal candidate will see the importance of fostering a joyful and inclusive classroom culture. They will build strong partnerships with families through ongoing communication and relationship-building and contribute positively to the broader life of the school community as an important member of a Nursery through Grade 12 faculty. 

New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (birth – 2) is required for this role as is a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. The ideal candidate has experience teaching young children in a classroom setting, a strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice, and excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. While not required, experience or training in Fundations and Responsive Classroom is preferred. 

With clear and thoughtful mentorship embedded, someone looking to contribute their expertise to a highly effective multi-age classroom is bound to find great success in this role. If you are a warm and reflective educator who believes young children learn best through purposeful exploration and engagement, please apply by forwarding your cover letter and resume to the attention of Mary Petruso at mpetruso@gardenschool.org

Salary Range: $52,500 - $65,000 commensurate with experience 

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