General Expectations Statement

In performing assigned tasks and duties, all employees of Dexter Southfield are expected to demonstrate quality work and meet deadlines (with or without direct supervision); interact professionally with students, parents, faculty, staff, and others; work effectively as individual and team contributors on all assignments; and communicate and coordinate efforts with colleagues and other stakeholders to help the School meet its goals. Those working in teaching roles are also expected to demonstrate effective classroom management skills and deliver quality academic instruction to ensure student success.

Position Purpose:  

Lower School teacher position is to foster a supportive, engaging, and enriching learning environment for young students, typically from pre-kindergarten through elementary grades. Inspire a love of learning by engaging students in hands-on, interactive activities that stimulate curiosity and creativity. The Lower School teacher plays a critical role in the cognitive, social, and emotional development of young students, helping to build a strong foundation for future learning.

 Essential Job Functions:

• Establish and maintain a positive, engaging classroom environment that promotes a culture of high expectations for students in a supportive, academically rigorous learning environment that promotes character, respect, and goodwill
• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that align with School curriculum standards
• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate instruction across all subject areas, including math, reading, writing, social studies, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar, and collaborate with grade-level team and specialist faculty (science, art, music, academic support, etc.) to develop curriculum, projects, and assessments (e.g., text-based, project-based, web-based, cooperative learning, discussion groups, field trips, homework, etc.)
• Address the individual academic, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs of each student, promoting growth and encouraging confidence in their abilities
• Coordinate timely and ongoing communication and feedback to faculty and parents, including emails to parents and regular progress reports to parents.
• Use diverse teaching methods to reach all learners and inspire creativity, self-expression, and appreciation for the grade-level curriculum
• Collaborate closely with colleagues, administrators, and families to support student success and ensure cohesive cross-curricular learning.
• Implement effective assessment tools to evaluate, record, and report on student progress
• Demonstrate a commitment to training and professional development to remain current with educational standards, emerging technology, classroom resources, and pedagogy
• Actively participate in grade-level and divisional meetings, school functions, and professional development opportunities. Serve on division and school-wide committees and initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of student performance and report progress as required
• Maintain a safe and organized classroom and learning environment, ensuring proper care of equipment, supplies, and resources
• Occasional extended hours, including after school, evenings, and weekends, may be required
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• At least three years of full-time classroom experience teaching elementary-aged students
• Experience in planning, organizing, developing, and conducting comprehensive lesson plans and instruction
• Strong background in teaching principles and theories, behavior management, and conflict resolution strategies
• Effective interpersonal, time management, and communication skills (oral, written, non-verbal)
• Proficiency in relevant educational technology and software
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, non-verbal)
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment and workplace
• Ability to work effectively as both a team player and an individual contributor
• Ability to actively foster, promote, and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents
• Understanding of the academic, social, and developmental needs of elementary-aged students
• Engage in ongoing, continued education and professional development
• Ability to be flexible, effectively manage stress, and adapt to changing work priorities and assignments  

Requirements:

This job requires one to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, as well as the ability to stand, sit, walk, and effectively use extremities to reach, hold, touch, push, pull, lift, and carry. The incumbent must also effectively communicate (oral, written, and nonverbal) with others. This job typically requires 30% sitting, 33% walking, and 37% standing and is performed under minimal temperature variations in a generally hazard-free environment. Depending on the classroom assignment, this role may require one to relocate classrooms throughout the day and require ascending and descending stairs. Incumbents will occasionally be required to work extended hours, including after school, during evenings, and on weekends.

Dexter Southfield’s 36-acre campus is composed of several buildings, playing fields, and outdoor learning spaces, which are accessible via internal and external walkways, stairs, nature paths, hills, and uneven terrain. This position requires one to transfer between these areas in all weather conditions.

All employees of Dexter Southfield are required to verify employment eligibility and successfully complete CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks as a condition of employment.

About Dexter Southfield

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