Dwight-Englewood School

Position Opening

Lower School Assistant Teacher

The Dwight-Englewood Lower School is a place where teachers encourage children to embrace every aspect of childhood play and exploration, while paying close attention to each students’ growth and progress. Our faculty understand the importance of balancing explicit instruction with more open-ended inquiry, and they bring this perspective to their planning and work with students. In addition, faculty understand the importance of observing and assessing students both formally and informally in all subject areas and throughout the day in order to plan instruction for whole groups, small groups and individuals. The ability to listen, work with a diverse community and a range of learners, as well humor and humility are essential. Dwight-Englewood encourages faculty to practice both the art and science of teaching, and we seek out teachers who are excited by the opportunity to do so.

Lower School assistant teachers are a vital part of the grade-level team. Working closely with the classroom teachers, learning specialists and administration, the assistant teachers support the children and the classroom teachers in all aspects of their Lower School experience. Assistant teachers set goals alongside their cooperating teachers and participate in the full life of the school. We value their contributions and support their continued professional development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support and model the spirit of the mission and founding documents of the Dwight-Englewood School
• Collaborate and communicate with teachers to know and support the academic, social, physical and emotional needs of children
• Work with classroom teachers to create a classroom/learning environment that is developmentally appropriate and supports a range of learners

• Continue to grow as a professional through internal and external professional development opportunities and participation in learning communities

Specific Duties

• Support the range of students through work with whole groups, small groups and individual children across the curriculum. This may require work with students who need remediation or more challenging material, as needed and determined alongside the classroom teacher and the student support team.

• Assist in planning and implementation of curriculum for individual, small and large group activities, both indoors and outdoors, that promote learning in the areas of social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and that motivate children’s enthusiasm for active participation in the learning process.
• Develop curriculum and lead small group and whole group lessons in subject areas including but not limited to math, reading, word work, and writing.
• Work with classroom teachers to assess and collect information about students using a variety of tools including formal and informal assessments. Use information to inform instruction and share with classroom teachers, administrators, and parents during conferences.
• Supervise children during non-academic times such as snack, recess, rest and dismissal
• Ensure safety and well-being of students in the classroom, as well as in the play spaces and on field trips

• Participate in school and classroom events such as parent conferences, grade-level planning meetings and faculty meetings

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education, an understanding of current practices in early childhood and an ambition to be a Lead Teacher preferred
• Understanding of developmental and curricular expectations and benchmarks for early childhood and elementary school aged children
• Previous teaching experience in a lower school setting preferred
• Familiarity with a variety of responsive classroom and Reggio practices
• Desire to work in a community committed to professional development and a willingness to learn