4th and 5th Grade Literacy and Social Studies Teacher Co-Teacher

Job Title: Co-Teacher for 4th and 5th Grade Literacy and Social Studies

Employment Status: Full-time; Exempt

Report to Work Dates: All days that program is in session during the academic year. The hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a weekly faculty meeting that ends at 4:30 pm. 

Background:

Founded in 1970, Bixby School is a small independent school serving approximately 110 students from preschool through 5th grade. Some of the defining characteristics of a Bixby education include small classes of students who demonstrate a wide range of individual needs and strengths, and a strong focus on the social-emotional growth, independence, and creativity of students. Our students’ days are richly balanced with academics, play, movement, music, art, and sports. Bixby is a close, supportive community of positive, dedicated staff and families who have returned over generations. Bixby students are curious, kind and fun!

Position Summary: 

A Core Belief of Bixby School is that “committed, well-qualified teachers are fundamental to the success of our school.” As a Bixby School teacher, you will nurture students’ cognitive, academic, social and emotional growth and development in a manner that reflects Bixby’s mission to: “nurture children’s love of learning as they discover their individual gifts and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their world.”

The educational journey for a Bixby student is grounded in the understanding that students thrive when they have the autonomy to direct their own learning. Opportunities for meaningful choice help to foster a love of learning and curiosity about the content. 

Bixby School uses a content specialist model in which teachers teach only one subject to students in multiple grades, similar to most middle schools. Literacy and Social Studies are integrated into one cross-content subject class. Teachers have significant professional autonomy to design instruction that prepares students to successfully transition into middle school.  

Defining features of a Bixby literacy and social studies classroom include:

• Co-teaching model with one lead teacher responsible for designing and delivering instruction, with support from an experienced support teacher
• Cross-curricular instruction in Literacy and Social Studies, as opposed to separate instruction in each of these content areas
• Extended class periods for the Literacy/Social Studies co-curricular content
• Small class setting, with materials tailored to the students' needs and pacing 
• Weekly choice reading and writing 
• Exploration of new genres of reading and writing that stretch their existing knowledge and skills. 
• A combination of direct instruction and individualized programming to meet their needs. 
• Students develop personalized learning goals that they can measure, adjust, and reflect upon as they grow 
• Phonics and word study
• Reading
• Writing
• Listening and Speaking
• Keyboarding
• Digital and visual literacy

Defining features of Bixby’s social studies program explores how humans have survived, thrived, evolved, and devolved over time. Defining features of a Bixby social studies class include:

• Student directed inquiry
• Awareness of the impacts and expressions of the human experience across multiple domains
• Hands on exploration and projects
• Perspective taking
• Formulating ideas and strategies for action to contribute to our community

Salary:$50,000-$60,000 per year

A background check will be completed for applicants being considered for employment.

To learn more about Bixby School, or to apply to this position go to: https://www.bixbyschool.org/about/employment-opportunities/