Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Position Summary

We’re seeking an energetic, motivated, and experienced Pre-Kindergarten Instructor (Teacher) to join our instructional team of two teachers in the classroom space. This role is right for you if you have a passion for supporting young children by implementing a developmentally appropriate, interactive, culturally responsive, play- and project-based program for early learners ages 3-5. You’ll help with lesson plans, guide classroom activities, assess student progress, maintain classroom organization, and partner with families to support each child’s growth. You will work closely with the Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to create exceptional learning opportunities for the youngest students in our school, developing a foundation and love for lifelong learning!

This role also requires ensuring compliance with DHS standards and maintaining a safe, engaging environment that fosters curiosity, cooperation, and the core values of integrity, pursuit of excellence, wonder, and respect alongside HPA Malama Kaiaulu?s tenets of lokahi, pilina, kuleana, and ha?ina

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and support daily classroom instruction in individual, small group, and large group settings in a positive and joyful learning environment

• Prepare materials and organize learning activities

• Maintain a very clean, well-organized, and safe classroom environment

• Supervise students indoors and outdoors to ensure safety and positive relationship building

• Assist in monitoring student progress and documenting observations

• Support the lead teacher, as well as other teachers at HPA, to ensure continuity and scaffolding in programming

• Ensure compliance with DHS regulations under the guidance of the Lead Teacher

• Communicate regularly with families to share progress and updates

• Ensure smooth transitions between activities and manage classroom behavior positively

• Fill in as the lead teacher when needed, following lesson plans and maintaining classroom structure

Minimum Qualifications — must meet one of the following:

1. A degree in child development or early childhood education from a regionally accredited college or university (or transferable) and six months of experience in an early childhood program.

2. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and one year of supervised teaching experience in an early childhood program.

3. An organized two-year (60 semester credit) college program with a certificate in early childhood education from a regionally accredited college or university (or transferable) and one year of supervised teaching experience in an early childhood program.

4. A bachelor’s degree in elementary education from a regionally accredited college or university (or transferable), six months working in an early childhood program, and six semester credits in approved child development or early childhood courses (may be part of degree).

5. A bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university (or transferable), six months working in an early childhood program, and twelve semester credits in approved child development or early childhood courses (may be part of degree).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in ECE

• 2 years in a preschool/early childhood setting

• 12 credits in child development or early childhood education, which may be included as part of the degree.

• Strong initiative, with a problem-solving and strengths-based approach

• Familiarity with Hawaiian culture-based education

• Personable, collaborative, and warm, child-centered character

• Passionate, creative, and organized, with strong oral and written communication skills

• Experience working collaboratively with others

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time throughout the day

• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and crouch to interact with children at their level

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 30 pounds (e.g., classroom materials, children as needed)

• Ability to work at a computer or desk for planning and documentation

• Ability to use hands and arms to reach, grasp, push, and pull classroom items

• Ability to move quickly in response to emergencies or to assist children

• Visual and auditory ability to monitor and respond to children's needs in both indoor and outdoor environments

• Ability to tolerate varying noise levels and adapt to an active classroom environment

Employment Term: School year/10-month

Starting salary: $55,000 - $58,000 annually depending on experience.

If you're interested, please submit a cover letter, your teaching philosophy, and three letters of recommendation.

ABOUT US:

The mission of Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA) is to provide exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawai'i. Our work is grounded in HPA's Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder.

Located on Hawaii Island, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, HPA is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Our students live and study within rare landscapes, precious ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. We embrace these attributes to create unique signature programs, research partnerships, and growth opportunities to empower students with a sense of purpose and the real-world skills to explore and reinvent that purpose over a lifetime. HPA's goal is to be among the greenest of schools and to undertake a leadership role in sustainability education, where our campus serves as a living laboratory that sends engaged citizens and agents of change into the world.

We seek individuals who believe in our school mission and core values and who share our commitment to the children of Hawai'i Island as well as the dynamic young people who come to HPA from around the world.
HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.

HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.

Salary : $55,000 - $58,000