Position Title: Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Reports to: Head of Primary School

Employment Status: Full-Time 10 Months

FLSA Classification: Exempt

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Lead teachers are inquisitive, nurturing, flexible, and creative. They model lifelong learning for their colleagues and students. They involve themselves in areas of The Walker School beyond their classroom walls. The lead teacher is responsible for fulfilling all responsibilities in accordance with the mission and philosophy of The Walker School and the shared vision for transformative, innovative learning in the primary school. While serving in the primary school, all teachers model ethical and professional behavior, accept personal responsibility for their actions, and demonstrate a commitment to the school, its mission, and its policies.

The pre-kindergarten lead teacher will work alongside a teaching assistant in a collaborative manner but will have the primary responsibility for planning, teaching, evaluating, and reporting for all students in the class. Lead teachers work with a team of teachers, including co-curricular teachers, learning specialists, counselors, and administration, to create a child-centered environment for the students and a cooperative and positive adult working environment. The lead teacher is responsible for establishing strong relationships with students and families, encouraging them to communicate respectfully, and optimally developing their problem-solving skills, abilities, interests, and enthusiasm for learning.

QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate should ensure a safe, happy, and secure learning environment and be adept at supporting children with varying needs. A background in organizing and maintaining an inviting learning space is essential. Preferred qualifications include experience in multisensory teaching methods such as Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, and Singapore Math. Strong time management skills and a commitment to fostering effective home-school partnerships are also key attributes for this role. All faculty and staff are expected to adhere to the Walker School Essential Expectations.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Creatively plan for, organize, and carry out deep learning experiences that provide children with opportunities to ask questions, make connections, draw conclusions, and take ownership of their learning

• Develop strong relationships with students and nurture the whole child by effectively communicating through active listening and appropriate responses

• Demonstrate current and accurate knowledge of subject matter and best practices in early childhood education

• Oversee the careful, differentiated instruction and social-emotional growth of students

• Collaborate with colleagues in lesson planning as well as grade-level and school-wide goals

• Generate lesson plans and instructional goals for students that support, challenge, and extend their thinking

• Plan and facilitate engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students

• Use appropriate materials and resources that support curriculum and student needs

• Use appropriate assessments and documentation to track student growth and inform instruction moving forward

• Keep accurate records of each student’s progress and maintain close communication with the child’s guardians, student support team, and the head of primary

• Submit and post required report cards, administrative reports, budget requests, newsletters, webpage updates, calendars, and family communication on time

• Communicate positively and effectively with guardians, colleagues, and the head of primary

• Demonstrate effective and timely verbal and written communication with parents pertaining to a child’s progress and needs as well as general information (through phone calls, emails, website, conferences, and quarterly progress reports)

• Conduct parent-teacher conferences throughout the year to share student progress and next steps

• Actively participate in weekly grade-level meetings and faculty meetings

• Integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning using best practices for early childhood education

• Participate actively in professional learning opportunities and demonstrate a growth mindset toward learning

• Serve on committees and assume tasks that are required to improve the overall functioning of the school

• Assist Head of School and Head of Primary with duties that may be assigned as necessary, such as admission testing and open house

• Ability to meet the physical demands associated with working with young children: reaching, squatting, kneeling, sitting on the carpet, pushing, pulling, grasping, standing for extended periods, lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 20 pounds

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree, although a Master’s Degree is preferred.

SCHOOL DESCRIPTION

The Walker School is a leader among independent schools in the metro Atlanta area and has long been recognized for its strong academic program, close relationships between students and faculty, and abundant opportunities for students to engage in meaningful experiences both in and out of the classroom. Walker enrolls students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12 and is open to all faiths. Our commitment to diversity provides a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students to discover who they are and to successfully navigate an ever-changing world. The Walker School is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. The best candidates will be able to demonstrate a proven commitment to working in diverse, multicultural settings.

SALARY and BENEFITS

The Walker School’s salary and benefits are competitive and include medical, vision, and dental insurance, tuition remission, and a retirement plan through TIAA-CREF.

Interested applicants must complete the online application on the Careers Page at www.thewalkerschool.org/about/careers.