Classroom Teacher EE- 5th Grade 

Exempt 1.0 FTE

Reports to: Division Head

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All UCDS employees are expected to embody the school’s mission to design a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning; cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities; and engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model.

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Job Summary 

Classroom teachers are full-time, in-person employees that work together in teaching teams with a group of students from several grade levels. The Early Elementary program is organized into six full-day classrooms for students in grades Preschool-Kindergarten In the Elementary program, students are served in 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th multi-grade classrooms, plus 5th-grade classrooms. Teachers instructing at the elementary level also work in floor-wide teams to plan theme-related curricular projects and field trips. The Classroom Teacher builds generative and collaborative curricula, supports the mission of UCDS, engages in mentorship models, and demonstrates flexibility. Each teacher at UCDS works as a member of a team to design curriculum, instruct students, individualize learning and support school-wide events and programs. In the spirit of innovation, faculty share teaching methods, materials, and assessment techniques within and beyond our school community. The process of building, implementing, evaluating, and revising programs is at the core of UCDS and is required of every faculty member. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Art of Teaching: 

• Creates and sustains classroom culture based on the mission and values of the school
• Co-creates, implements, and delivers hands-on instructional curricula and daily activities that are appropriate to the grade and developmental level of the students, culturally sensitive, follow an anti-bias perspective, and meet children's developmental needs. 
• Co-creates implements and delivers hands-on instructional curricula which are appropriate to the grade and developmental level of the students 
• Employs differentiated teaching strategies to meet the needs of a diverse range of students 
• Provides a variety of learning opportunities, methods, and materials, with a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning and hands-on experiences for the students
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and inspires students to participate fully in the learning process
• Practices thoughtful, respectful, and successful classroom management techniques that support active learning and promote responsibility and self-management 
• Advises and works with students, parents/guardians, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs 

Community: 

• Provides and maintains a dynamic and safe environment 
• Communicates effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including administrators, colleagues, staff, and parents/guardians to maintain constructive and professional relationships 
• Builds partnerships with parents/guardians through clear written and verbal communication in formal and informal meetings as well as documentation
• Attends school-related events and meetings outside the scheduled school day, i.e. after-school planning, committee meetings, overnight trips, and community events
• Collaborates and works effectively in teams with colleagues 
• Employs strong interpersonal skills, including being patient and positive 

Reflective Practice: 

• Participates in annual goal setting and receives regular feedback, facilitated by the Division Head, Assistant Head of School, and Head of School
• Participates in professional learning opportunities at UCDS, the UCDS Institute, and in the larger community 
• Actively completes other duties as assigned 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Classroom Teacher has no direct reports. 

Additional Requirements

Meet the school’s standards when completing all background screenings.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience teaching at the early elementary and/or elementary level.
• Strong understanding of child development and progressive education principles.
• Ability to create and adapt curriculum to meet the needs of learners.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Education, or related field.
• Experience in independent or progressive school settings.
• Familiarity with inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and elementary education.
• Proficiency with technology integration in the classroom 

Qualifications

• Passion for fostering curiosity and a love of learning in young students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with students, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated cultural competence skills and a deep commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
• Flexibility and creativity to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the school community.
• Exceptional skills as a deep thinker, listener, and collaborator.
• Strong capacity for innovation and problem-solving.
• Eagerness to contribute to a vibrant professional learning community.

About UCDS

We are a preschool through 5th grade independent school with an Infant-Toddler Education Program. We encourage students to stretch, reflect, collaborate, and think expansively—enriching their educational growth and ensuring they thrive in school and beyond.

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