Kindergarten Teacher

Free Union Country School (preschool through fifth grade) is located in Albemarle County, VA, just 15 minutes outside of Charlottesville.

We are a community where learning is valued for children and adults, individuals are respected, diversity is understood as a strength, and teamwork is essential. Children possess an intrinsic and deep love of learning. It is our job to create an environment that supports intellectual curiosity, creativity, self-confidence, kindness, and respect. To this end, we employ experiential, inquiry-based, and collaborative teaching methods, with a focus on both academic and social development.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF FREE UNION'S FACULTY & STAFF:
● Uphold the mission, vision, and values of the school community
● Possess knowledge of child development and pedagogy, but more importantly, be someone who finds boundless joy in interacting with and inspiring a band of enthusiastic young learners
● Be a confident leader who is warm, approachable, kind, and eager to build community and engagement with students, parents, staff, and the community at large
● Hold a deep understanding of and demonstrated commitment to progressive education, its pedagogy, and values
● Collaborate with faculty and staff to build a shared vision for a learning community
● Demonstrate inclusive and equitable practices to ensure that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging

QUALITIES WE REQUIRE:
● Classroom teaching experience with early childhood or elementary-age students
● A sense of caring and respect for children, families, colleagues, and community
● A demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice
● Knowledge of how to teach phonological awareness, phonics, and early writing skills
● Experience with Science of Reading instruction and assessment
● Evidence of a child-centered approach to teaching and learning
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● Experience in assessing student cognitive growth as related to goals, objectives, and outcomes
● A thirst for professional development and learning
● Collaborate with and guide Assistant Teacher in classroom activities
● Proficiency in classroom leadership, organization, and management
● Experience with curriculum development and flexibility to meet individual student needs
● Bachelor’s degree

PREFERRED:
● Training in Responsive Classroom
● Awareness of Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards, elementary curriculum, and methodology of effective teaching
● Master’s degree
● Understanding of the Singapore Math approach
● Teaching licensure

COMPENSATION:
● Anticipated annual salary range based on experience and education
● Free Union believes a strong benefits package is important for employee stability and retention. These benefits include subsidized health plans, retirement contributions, and tuition remission.
● Free Union allocates resources to teacher growth and professional development, including funding for curriculum development, professional conferences and workshops, and other academic and pedagogical pursuits.

How to Apply: In addition to submitting your resume, please submit the following materials to Laura Swindler, Director of Teaching and Learning, laura.s@freeunioncountryschool.org
● Letter of application addressed to Timothy Baynum, Head of School
● Resume or curriculum vitae
● Brief statement of educational philosophy
● Contact information for three professional references

NONDISCRIMINATION: Free Union Country School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identification, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its staffing, admissions, tuition assistance, educational policies, extracurricular or other school-administered programs.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Elementary : 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person