Lower School Associate Teachers

The School: Recognized as a premier independent school in the nation, Columbus Academy has, since its founding in 1911, exemplified the country day school educational model. The heart of this model is the idea that the best interests of children are served when home and school work together. At Columbus Academy, parents are integral members of our community. In our welcoming school, fully dedicated to the development of young scholars, athletes and artists of every kind, parents find what they are looking for: The school to trust with childhood. We believe that diversity, inclusion, equity and justice are essential measures of our excellence. Our goal is not to mold young minds but to light them on fire. Visit us and you will see this in the way we teach and the way our 231-acre campus is designed – the light, the energy and the interconnectedness of our mindfully designed learning spaces that allow for children to gaze out to the open sky.

The Position: Columbus Academy seeks part-time (five hours per day) Associate Teachers in various lower school grades with responsibilities to begin in August 2024.

Position Expectations (the individual selected to this position will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities):

• Assist in managing the essential classroom activities of approximately 15-18 students in a child-centered, student-driven curriculum that includes play, sensory experiences and hands-on learning activities in early childhood and primary instructional responsibilities for language arts, mathematics and social studies in Lower School
• Collaborate with colleagues – particularly team members – on curriculum design and development
• Contribute to periodic updates to parents related to student progress, via both written reports and in-person conferences
• Make use of technological resources necessary for curriculum integration and institutional communication
• Hold students accountable for the school’s standards of behavior
• Work with others in the school community to support each student’s emotional well-being
• Enthusiasm to learn and implement our Responsive Classroom program
• Embrace outdoor learning experiences for students

Qualifications (preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in elementary education or a related field
• At least two years of experience as an elementary or early childhood educator
• Knowledge of varied pedagogy and trends in instruction and curriculum design at the early childhood and elementary school levels
• Ability to teach a full range of early childhood and elementary school subjects and to differentiate instruction
• Professional orientation towards collaboration and innovation
• Willingness to take direction from the lead teachers related to all aspects of classroom management
• A reflective practitioner, committed to a continuous process of self-improvement and lifelong learning
• Enthusiasm for teaching young children
• A positive sense of humor, self-confidence, and effective oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of, and experience in, best practices in foundational literacy instruction
• Ability to engage, motivate and develop student learning

Physical Conditions (candidates must be able to manage the following conditions):

• Classroom environment
• Mobility around school buildings and on different floors (handicap accessible)
• Repetitive motion (use of a keyboard)
• Periodic need to move light furniture, hang visuals in classroom, carry objects (no more than 40 pounds), etc.
• Ability to spend considerable amounts of time outdoors each week in support of the school’s outdoor learning program
• A non-smoking campus

Legal Requirements: All Columbus Academy employees must pass required criminal records checks. Where appropriate, individuals will also be required to provide proof of academic credentials.

To Apply: Interested candidates should apply online at columbusacademy.org/apply.

Columbus Academy believes strongly in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We strive to foster a diverse campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic background.