2nd Grade Elementary Teacher

Applewild School invites applications for a 2nd Grade elementary teaching position for the 2025-2026 school year. We are looking for a homeroom teacher for our 2nd grade classroom to teach reading, writing, Foundations, Social Studies, and math (Bridges). We use Responsive Classroom as part of our social emotional curriculum. We are a metacognitive school for someone who enjoys working with younger children and who truly has a passion for teaching. It demands energy, creativity, flexibility, humor and a desire to work within a collaborative environment. Our students engage in hands-on experiences that allow them to explore their world with their senses and have opportunities to exercise their developing skills and talents. We educate the whole child and a solid understanding of child development guides our curriculum and activities. The new 2nd grade teacher will work with the Associate Head of School, the Dean of Early Learning, the Dean of Students and faculty members to support our school’s efforts to adopt best practices. RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to: > Creates a welcoming, supportive, nurturing classroom by teaching an excellent affective curriculum using approved materials and methods consistent with Applewild’s philosophy and ethos, the faculty member plans and teaches language arts, mathematics, social studies (Fundations and Bridges math). > Assesses and reports on student progress by actively communicating with students’ families using email, telephone, notes, checklists, grades, comments and parent conferences. > Communicates effectively and sensitively with families and communicates effectively and collaboratively with fellow faculty and administration on student progress and concerns. > Attends and participates in faculty meetings and other professional learning committees Should enjoy nature walks with students and support teaching collaboratively as part of our K-3rd team during Design Time! > Utilizes universal design to gracefully meet the needs of a range of learners. > Creates a welcoming, supportive, and nurturing classroom. > Supports general schoolhouse management tasks such as supervising lunch/transitions/recess, welcoming students at arrival and dismissal, etc. > Must have the ability to ascend and descend stairs, as well as be able to move about our hilly campus as well as work outdoors periodically > Must be able to regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: > Demonstrated respect for children and different learning styles > Demonstrated skill in developing curricula and balancing published materials with individually, personally created curricula > Demonstrated familiarity with current “best practices” in education and an inherent interest in keeping up with the latest in education and brain science research > Effective communication skills, both oral and written > Master’s degree in Elementary, Early Childhood Education or related discipline About Applewild School: Applewild has been a cherished community institution since 1957 and we are continuously evolving our programs to offer a compelling and relevant education. We have a main campus in Fitchburg, Massachusetts which is approximately one hour from Boston. On our main campus we offer preschool through 9th grade, including a junior boarding program for students in grades 4-9. In 2014 we opened a satellite location in Devens which serves over 100 preschool families. We are presently constructing a new 50,000 sq ft athletic & wellness center that includes two basketball courts, 4 squash courts, a 6-lane swimming pool, as well as spaces for strength training and yoga, and a spacious new student center. We are thankful to draw a broad range of students from over 32 towns and several countries, and well over half of our students receive financial assistance in order to attend. Our core values and competencies lay the foundation for a culture that encourages respect, honesty, compassion, and fairness. Our faculty have invested in their professional growth to create an educational environment that is deeply metacognitive --- our goal is to teach children to be the protagonists in their own educations. At Applewild, we know that once children feel emotionally safe and valued for who they are, then children will avail themselves to deeper and more authentic learning experiences. When considering adult additions to our community, we seek smart, creative, and thoughtful professionals who are interested in trying new things knowing that some failures are intrinsic to cultivating a culture of progress. We are looking for professionals who care deeply about developing the next generation for a future we know will be marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Intellectual curiosity, cognitive agility, passion, and emotional resiliency are paramount for success. We are committed to offering a progressive but proven curriculum, so professionals seeking to join our community must be keen on teaching using student-centered and project-based learning. We are a small school so everyone wears multiple “hats” to meet the needs of our community. The School is accredited through the Association of Independent Schools of New England and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and The Association of Boarding Schools. Applewild School is an equal opportunity employer and as such does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We welcome individuals that add to the diversity and vibrancy of our community. Candidates should send a letter of interest, and resume to Amy Jolly, Head of School to employment@applewild.org (please indicate position in subject line).