Who we are?

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. Ethical Culture School, located on the Upper West Side at 63rd Street and Central Park West, is comprised of approximately 450 students Pre-K through 5th Grade and 80 faculty members.

What is essential about working at our school?

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of equity and inclusion deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace diversity of ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs and seek a student body and faculty that reflect the pluralism and socio-economic diversity of metropolitan New York. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

Position Summary
We are currently seeking a Pre-Kindergarten Head Teacher who is committed to and considers diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethics to be at the core of their work with students and colleagues, and who will contribute to the academic success of all students. He/She/They will foster a student-centered learning environment, emphasizing experiential and collaborative approaches.

The hiring range for this role is $68,212-$161,916 (subject to union negotiations).

Responsibilities

The Head Teacher responsibilities will include:

• Designing and planning daily lessons consistent with the the scope and sequence of the Pre-Kindergarten curriculum;

• Assessing and monitoring individual student growth and promoting social emotional development;

• Implementing behavior management strategies that promote pre-academic and social and emotional success;

• Working collaboratively with special subject teachers;

• Maintaining a safe learning environment that helps foster social and emotional development for pre-k students;

• Sharing weekly updates with families related to curricular initiatives and student growth;

• Maintaining accurate student record keeping of grades and attendance;

• Preparing for and communicating student performance and growth with parents and or guardians at scheduled conferences;

• Ability to confidently address behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in the classroom in order to maintain a safe environment;

• Successfully mentoring an associate teacher(s);

• Participating in weekly grade-level and team meetings.

Requirements

The successful incumbent will possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree, Masters degree preferred;

• Previous experience teaching elementary age children;

• In depth knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices;

• Understanding of developmentally appropriate assessment strategies including use of observations and recordings to design individual learning goals;

• Knowledge in a variety of literacy strategies and approaches to math instruction;

• Experience in developing culturally relevant social studies curricula with a hands-on, developmentally appropriate focus;

• Strong communication skills and the ability to confidently discuss pre-kindergarten social, emotional and academic development;

• A commitment to progressive education as outlined on our website;

• Strong computer skills including familiarity with google meets, seesaw, relevant portfolio tools

• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize various tasks, stay organized and calm in challenging situations;

• Initiative, creativity, flexibility, and collaboration;

• Respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms;

• The ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback.

To Apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a resume and contact information for three references.
EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. ECFS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.