Elementary/Middle School Math Teacher

Kazoo School is an outdoor, independent school situated on the edge of the Kleinstuck Preserve in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our mission is to prepare our students to become confident critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens by providing a progressive educational environment that nurtures, empowers, and inspires.

While we have indoor classrooms, we spend as much time as we can outside throughout the year, in all kinds of weather. Our student-led approach emphasizes a place-based and inquiry-based learning, with a focus on the natural world and natural materials. Kazoo educators and students know the value in pausing a lesson to watch a hawk circle the field. At Kazoo, math happens in the woods, science labs are held under the shade of Kleinstuck, Spanish language learning occurs in the mud kitchen, restorative justice conversations transpire on woods walks, and books are read in hammocks as teachers and students partner to learn deeply about the world around us.

We are seeking a Math Teacher teaching elementary through middle school.

Math Educator Job Description

The expectations of independent school faculty are many. Most notably, an independent school educator:

• cares for children, within and beyond the classroom.
• exhibits enthusiasm for the topics one teaches.
• collaborates with teaching colleagues & administrators.
• helps to build and sustain the school community.
• partners with families, communicates effectively and frequently with them.
• supports school activities by attending them outside of regular school hours.
• commits to ongoing professional development via an annual program of research, workshop attendance, classroom and school visitations, etc.
• is willing and able to learn new skills and apply them flexibly, such as teaching core academic areas in the outdoors.
• knows that learning is a lifelong journey; actively seeks out new learning opportunities.

In short, independent school teachers are expected to teach by who they are and how they relate to others as much as or more than by the lessons they create.

Knowledge of Subject Matter

The Kazoo School educator:

• fully understands content material to be shared with students, and is able to guide students in deeper exploration of the subject matter as needed.
• understands interrelationships of content areas and integrates subject matter into other areas.
• directs students to appropriate and relevant resources.
• applies current ideas and issues in education.
• seeks further knowledge of subject matter.
• models for students how to seek new knowledge and that adults do not always have all of the answers.
• integrates current events with curriculum, as age-appropriate.
• integrates themes of democracy, diversity, and sustainability.
• understands that academic learning is built on a foundation of physical and social-emotional well-being, and meets those student needs first.
• understands and utilizes multiple methods of assessment that are non-competitive and encourage students to set goals and find joy in mastery.
• embraces outdoor learning year-round.

Knowledge of Child Development and the Learning Process

The Kazoo School educator:

• uses understanding of child development and individual needs to set appropriate goals for each student.
• uses a variety of teaching styles in response to students’ unique needs.
• develops plans based on individual and group needs and interests.
• assesses and monitors student progress in relation to specific objectives.
• communicates with families about student progress and plans for continued growth.
• utilizes appropriate reinforcement strategies – drawing on students’ intrinsic motivation and helping students understand natural consequences.
• assesses while teaching and makes appropriate modifications.

Presentation Skills

The Kazoo School educator:

• maintains clear objectives and goals and shares these with students, as appropriate.
• utilizes a variety of teaching strategies, with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
• engages students as active participants in class activities.
• plans activities/lessons that are relevant and meaningful to students and draws on students’ prior knowledge and experiences while extending the learning.

Student Rapport

The Kazoo School educator:

• is an enthusiastic teacher and learner, a positive model for students.
• uses positive reinforcement methods –inclusive language, helping kids find tools to regulate their bodies, routines that help kids grow.
• elicits students’ desire to learn.
• supports students’ autonomy and problem-solving abilities.
• exhibits a sense of humor and fairness.
• demonstrates and fosters respectful relationships with each student.
• demonstrates caring and kindness with students.
• is responsive to students’ interests, opinions, thoughts, and ideas.
• gives students a voice about things that matter to them.

Professionalism and Collegiality

The Kazoo School educator:

• maintains consistent communication with families– proactively and responsively.
• positively collaborates with teaching partners and colleagues.
• participates actively in committee work.
• is willing to discuss, try out, and reflect on new ideas and techniques.
• accepts criticism and works to improve.
• works actively to build and improve Kazoo School’s program and impact on the greater community.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

Please email a cover letter, resume and references to admin@kazooschool.org for consideration.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000