Reporting to the Director of the Lower School, the successful candidate for the Grade 1 Teacher position will take a student-centered approach to all schoolwork and will use the school’s mission to design and support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students. Applicants should be well-grounded in educational theory, particularly in balanced literacy and mathematics. In addition, the applicant should be able to understand and apply various classroom instructional strategies to help students develop a sense of curiosity about the world. 

As a member of the Lower School faculty, the teacher’s primary responsibilities include teaching and managing a self-contained classroom and communicating with parents, colleagues, and administrators. The teacher is responsible, with colleagues and the Lower School Director, for the development and implementation of the instructional program in the areas of language arts, mathematics, and social studies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Teaching grade 1 students in a self-contained classroom;
• Preparation of classroom materials, including lesson plans and assessments;
• Planning, preparation, and implementation of lessons;
• Administration and evaluation of class work, assignments, and assessments;
• Planning, evaluation, and revision of curricula, lesson content, lesson materials, and methods of instruction;
• Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote a healthy learning environment; 
• Regular participation in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow expertise in the subject matter;
• Providing assistance and advice to students during free periods and before and after school;
• Collaboration with members of the Lower School faculty, staff, and the entire K-12 community;
• Serve as a “Panther Pod” (advisory) leader;
• Enthusiastic participation in the greater life of the school;
• Willingness to take on other duties as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree/advanced degree in education, and experience of at least 5 years as a lead teacher at the lower elementary level; 
• Comprehensive knowledge of curriculum (literacy and math) and instruction within the area of education for elementary grades;
• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively and methodically with students, faculty, staff, and parents on a regular basis;
• Ability to use effective classroom management techniques;
• Commitment to developmental education, differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary teaching, and community service. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts;
• Work at a desk and computer;
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds;
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment;
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

SALARY AND  BENEFITS

Polytechnic School is committed to attracting and retaining talented, dedicated employees through a competitive compensation plan that is commensurate with experience.A full benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 403(b) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. 

About Polytechnic School

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others. Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world. Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity t...o think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives. To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us at www.polytechnic.org.

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