Ellis Early Learning, “Ellis,” (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high quality early education and care for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four (Universal) Boston Pre-K classrooms. Ellis operates two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain and serves over 300 children annually.

As a result of a transformational gift, Ellis has recently established a Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) to elevate teaching quality and child outcomes. The CTL team is comprised of Classroom Educator Partners (CEPs) and all-school teachers to strengthen educator support and help educators thrive in their challenging roles. By investing in on-the-job learning and professional development, we will cultivate excellent, culturally humble educators and prepare Ellis to become a training ground for the field. This initiative will have a lasting, generational impact on the children we serve.

ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ELLIS MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Learn more at www.ellisearlylearning.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ellis is seeking a Classroom Educator Partner (CEP) to join our team to advance educator development, support instructional quality, and foster best-in-class learning environments. The CTL has five Classroom Educator Partners, in addition to Ellis’s existing family support team of three social workers.

The CEP will work alongside educators to implement effective teaching strategies and manage classroom mental/behavioral health, all with cultural humility. Spending significant time each week within their assigned classrooms, CEPs will collaborate closely with 12 to 14 educators across four-five classrooms, to ensure every child receives the highest quality education. With no direct supervisory responsibilities, CEPs will focus on building long-term, trust-based partnerships with educators to support their professional growth. The goal is to empower, support, and foster thriving teachers who deliver excellence in early education.

The ideal candidate will care deeply about the early education field, educational equity, and racial and social justice. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional/Curriculum Coaching

· Partner with educators to implement high-quality, equitable, and innovative teaching methods aligned with Ellis's mission and priorities, emphasizing cultural humility.

· Spend approximately 80% of time in classrooms providing on-site coaching, modeling instructional strategies, and offering real-time feedback to teachers.

· Role model effective teaching practices by demonstrating curriculum-aligned activities, and co-teaching when appropriate.

· Support inclusive, equitable, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Teacher Collaboration

· Conduct regular one-on-one and small group sessions with educators to engage in reflective practice, discuss classroom strategies, curriculum planning, address challenges, and identify growth opportunities.

· Build trusting relationships with teachers, acting as an ally in their professional journey and fostering an environment of open communication and shared goals.

· Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team with other professionals (educators, childhood mental health consultants/providers, social workers, etc.) to ensure comprehensive support for teachers.

· Work with educators to create individualized development plans aligned with their specific classroom contexts and professional goals.

Classroom Environment Support

· Help educators create classroom environments that promote child well-being, foster social-emotional learning, and encourage positive behavior.

· Provide coaching on managing challenging behaviors that are challenging in the classroom, using evidence-based and practice-informed strategies, to support social-emotional development and relational health.

Professional Development

· Engage in continuous professional development to deepen expertise in teaching, classroom management, and early relational health.

· Participate in weekly group sessions with other CEPs and CoE colleagues to reflect on and share best practices, collaborate on challenges, and codify and document learning.

· Receive specialized training in teaching methods and early childhood mental and behavioral health strategies to enhance skills and build a shared language among CEPs and educators.

Boston Public Schools (Pre-K) Collaboration

· Communicate with BPS coach about scheduled visits for each classroom.

· Schedule time to observe and/or meet with BPS coach & team when coach is on site. 

· Meet with BPS coach periodically to check in about team goals, strategies, and challenges. 

· Communicate with BPS support staff (i.e. Behavioral Health Team) and attend meetings when appropriate. 

· Attend BPS trainings and internal coaching series during the first year. 

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

· 8+ years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a coaching, mentoring, or instructional support role.

· Deep knowledge of early childhood teaching methods, child development, and culturally responsive practices.

· Proven ability to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with educators and other professionals.

· Ability to navigate and manage mental/behavioral health challenges within an educational setting with sensitivity and effectiveness.

· Demonstrated skills in classroom observation, feedback, and modeling best practices in an early education context.

· Deep commitment to advancing equity in early childhood education, with a passion for supporting the success and growth of early childhood educators.

· Passion for building something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking initiative in a dynamic environment.

· Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit eligible employees. Benefits include:

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick time, with vacation accrual prorated based on date of hire and increasing annually, up to maximum accrual at your second anniversary. Employees also receive a paid birthday holiday. 
• Health & Wellness: Medical insurance, along with dental and vision coverage options. In addition, employees benefit from a      generous Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) to help offset eligible healthcare expenses. 
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match to support long-term financial planning. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are also available for healthcare and dependent care expenses. 
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability (LTD) coverage for added financial security. 
• Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential resources for personal, family, and work-life support. 
• Childcare Benefit: Discounted childcare is available for employees with children enrolled in the program