Lead Early Childhood Center Teacher
: Job Details :

About Frankford Friends School:

Since 1833, Frankford Friends School has offered a values-based Quaker education in the heart of Philadelphia. FFS students explore, problem-solve, and work together to expand their understanding of themselves and the world beyond. Frankford Friends School students are members of a community that is highly diverse and inclusive. The racial composition of the school closely mirrors that of the City of Philadelphia. Frankford Friends School`s curriculum emphasizes the 21st century skills of critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework to engage our students in understanding issues in our communities. An important aspect of this initiative is the formation of partnerships with people and organizations who are working on the same issues that students explore in class. Not only do students see what action might look like, but they understand the connection between what they learn and local action and service, and become true protagonists for change in their own communities. Project-based learning is a huge component of the program. Our graduates attend selective public and private high schools.

General Position Description:

The Preschool Teacher creates and administers a Reggio-inspired and project-based classroom program that is conducive to student learning and which emphasizes mutual respect for all people. They are a collegial member of the Early Childhood teaching team and of the FFS faculty and staff. They create a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children. They support families in their child's first school experience through frequent communication and discuss individual needs, and provide guidance on extending learning experiences to the home environment.

Reports to:

Director of Early Childhood Center

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement a creative, engaging and stimulating classroom program with daily learning centers and interdisciplinary, project-based, collaborative work;
• Promote high expectations, demonstrate a caring attitude, and establish an environment that supports social, emotional, and academic development in students;
• Adapts teaching methods and instructional materials to varying needs, interests, and abilities;
• Frequently communicate with parents and caregivers about their child's progress (phone, email, conferences, newsletters, report cards). Be available for individual meetings when needed;
• Evaluate the progress of each student through formal and informal assessment;
• Use positive and productive techniques for improving student behavior;
• Encourages students to be responsible and independent;
• Integrate the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community and stewardship into the curriculum and when interacting with community members;
• Diaper changing and potty training;
• Oversee, mentor, and direct assistant teachers;
• Creates a strong sense of community.

Other duties as assigned: The essential functions and duties listed above are intended to describe the general components of the position and the level of work performed by a Preschool Teacher. The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The omission of functions or duties does not exclude them from this position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position, as determined by the Head of School.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

The successful candidate is a collegial and dedicated teacher who is well versed in their subject area, able to form excellent relationships with young children and has:

• A minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in working with ages 2-5 yrs;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;
• The interest in and capability to work, plan, and implement project-based learning initiatives;
• The ability to establish cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents;
• Strong organizational and classroom management skills;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the school's mission, culture and values;
• An understanding and commitment to living the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community and stewardship;
• Flexibility and a commitment to a continuous process for professional growth - teaching, use of educational technologies,cultural competency, and inclusivity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to be adaptive, reflective, resilient, and flexible in work situations.

Educational Requirements:

• AAS in Early Childhood Education; BA/BS/MA in Early Childhood Education preferred

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• This position requires significant flexibility and the capacity to work in a variety of settings: office, classroom, community meeting spaces, outdoors, etc. It may require the ability to sit, stand, walk up and down up to three flights of stairs and through the campus, for the entirety of the school day and to occasionally lift up to 35 lbs.
• The Early Childhood Teacher encounters a wide variety of challenges and deadlines and works with a varied and diverse array of contacts. They must be able to work in an environment that can be highly stressful at times and be willing to be flexible as needed.
• Be able to pass all criminal record checks, background checks, and child abuse clearances.

The School believes that children benefit most from in-person classes and activities as well as from relationships with faculty and staff who engage with them in all areas of school life. The School encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and reserves the right to require its employees to receive the COVID-19 primary series and booster vaccinations, subject to the limitations of federal and state law, employee eligibility, and the availability of the vaccine.

FFS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender. In addition to federal law requirements, FFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Type:

• Exempt | Full-time, 12 month

Hours:

• On campus hours between 7:45 and 4:15 on all school days

Wage Range and Benefits:

• Salary is commensurate with experience, with benefits to include: paid parental leave; tuition remission and free after care for children who attend FFS; health care; professional development; 5% match on retirement contributions; and 10 days PTO.

This description is subject to change by Frankford Friends School as the needs and requirements of the position change.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to ...@frankfordfriends.org. Please include Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Center in the subject line.