POSITION:       EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

REPORTS TO:  DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

St. Matthew’s is an independent Episcopal day school for students in Preschool through Grade 8. The school provides a challenging academic program and places a strong emphasis on building character and empathy, as well as a focus on service learning. At St. Matthew’s, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion and are seeking candidates for whom these are shared values. To learn more about St. Matthew’s Parish School, please view our website: http://www.stmatthewsschool.com.

St. Matthew’s Parish School’s Early Childhood Program classrooms are team-taught by two educators who take joint responsibility for planning, teaching, and monitoring the success of all learners in their class. Each section is team-taught by a pair of dedicated and experienced early childhood teachers. Given the team-teaching model, strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, not only within the teaching partnership but also within the broader team of Early Childhood teachers. Our program nurtures growth in all areas of human development: cognitive, physical, personal-social, creative, and spiritual.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Plan and conduct an effective, developmentally appropriate program to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of each child—in the classroom, outside, and in both small-group and large-group activities.
• Communicate thoughtfully and professionally with parents and colleagues regarding curriculum, students, and development issues, verbally and in written form.
• Create a pleasant, inviting classroom atmosphere in which children feel comfortable and secure, along with an atmosphere of support and safety to encourage children to experience and acquire new skills.
• Provide experiences that promote individual self-expression in conversation, imaginative play, and creativity.
• Integrate student and teacher use of technology meaningfully into instruction and effectively utilize technology for planning and administrative functions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date observations of students.
• Provide positive guidance to help children develop self-control.
• Confer with the Director, school counselor, and teaching partner to resolve student issues.
• Provide support with each student’s developmental needs, such as, but not limited to, toileting, social interactions, unpacking and packing up, emotional regulation, self-care needs, and illness.
• Create informative weekly newsletters and consistently use Vidigami, our school photo software.
• Work collaboratively with a co-teacher and the full teaching team.
• Be open to the development of new programs and curriculum as deemed appropriate by the Early Childhood Director, Learning Specialists, and Head of School.
• Demonstrate professionalism through reliability, participation in school obligations, and a respectful attitude in professional relationships.
• Demonstrate integrity, patience, openness, sensitivity, enthusiasm, and friendliness.
• Participate in Open Houses and Retreats as needed.
• Attend field trips as needed.
• Perform any other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organization’s Values.

COMPENSATION
Anticipated base compensation is $70,500 to $80,000, commensurate with experience.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is an exempt position. Competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes, but is not limited to, a national medical and dental insurance plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and a retirement plan (up to a 9% match). In addition, St. Matthew’s has a nearly 70-year record of supporting teachers through a strong professional development program.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.

The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools, and is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EDUCATION

• BA or BS degree in the area of child development, education, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Clear or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or Early Childhood Master Teacher Permit (must cover preschool-age children).
• Coursework in early childhood education or child development; 12 credits preferred, but 6 units accepted if currently attending school.
• Minimum of three years’ training and experience in Early Childhood/Preschool/Pre-K classrooms.
• Experience working in a licensed childcare facility.
• Ability to meet state and/or accreditation requirements for education and experience.
• Excellent classroom management skills necessary to ensure a safe, productive, and positive environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative team.
• Experience developing, writing, and delivering curriculum.
• Ability to work effectively, communicate, and collaborate in a team situation.
• Proficient in technology and adept at learning new skills.