Preschool Assistant Teacher

Kazoo School’s mission is to prepare children to be confident critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens by providing a progressive educational environment that nurtures, empowers, and inspires. As the school looks to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year, Kazoo School has embraced a new outdoor education program and is currently looking for a full-time Preschool Assistant/Child Care Assistant.

Kazoo School began with an organizational meeting in October of 1972, attended by a small group of parents and teachers led by Christine Morgan and Stephen Phillips. The education of the whole child was the interest that bound those few parents and teachers at the beginning of the school’s development as they sought to build a challenging and nurturing program for their children. That interest and celebration of childhood continue to be the most important aspect of our educational mission.

With a clear sense of purpose, The Kazoo School opened its doors in January 1973; there were eleven children and two teachers in that first class. For over 45 years, our goal has been to educate students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. We encourage students’ academic excellence in an environment that values social responsibility and respect for others. We believe that small class sizes, a warm and supportive environment, and a commitment to the arts are all essential elements of a well-educated person.

Kazoo School has grown and developed because of the cooperative spirit that began over 45 years ago when parents and teachers worked together to found this incredible institution. That partnership continues today. The tradition of parents and teachers working together in school life remains a fundamental cornerstone of all we do. We recognize that the accomplishment of our educational mission depends on the partnership of all constituencies and our continuing commitment to building a community of learners.

Assistant Teacher Job Description For independent schools, the expectations of faculty are many, most notably the following:

• Caring about kids, within and beyond the classroom.

• Exhibiting enthusiasm for the topics one teaches.

• Collaborating as a team player with teaching colleagues & administrators.

• Seeing the school as a community.

• Partnering with parents, communicating effectively, and frequently with them.

• Marketing the school by a willingness to showcase one's teaching and to communicate with prospective families.

• Supporting school activities by attending them.

• Committing to ongoing professional development via an annual program of research, workshop attendance, visiting of others' classes and schools, writing, etc.

• Learning new skills, such as integrating technology into the classroom, as changing pedagogy dictates.

• Modeling self-disciplined and ethical behavior.

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

Knowledge of Subject Matter

The Kazoo School teacher:

- has sufficient understanding of the material to give clear and accurate directions and answer questions

- understands interrelationships of content areas, can integrate subject matter into other areas

- directs students to appropriate resources

- applies current ideas and issues in education

- seeks further knowledge of the subject matter

- models for students that adults do not always have all of the answers and how to seek new knowledge

- integrates current events with curriculum

- integrates themes of democracy, diversity, and sustainability

- emphasizes physical and social-emotional learning alongside academics

- understands and utilizes multiple methods of assessment that are non-competitive and encourage students to set goals and find joy in mastery

Knowledge of Child Development and the Learning Process

The Kazoo School teacher:

- 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’ individual needs

- develops plans based on individual and group needs and interests

- assesses and monitors student progress in relation to specific objectives

- communicates with parents about student progress and plans for continued growth

- utilizes appropriate reinforcement strategies – drawing on student intrinsic motivation, helping students understand natural consequences

- assess while teaching and makes appropriate modifications

Presentation Skills

The Kazoo School teacher:

- maintains clear objectives and goals, and shares these with students, as appropriate

- utilizes a variety of teaching strategies

- engages students as active participants in-class activities

- plans activities/lessons that are relevant and meaningful to students and draw on students’ prior knowledge and experiences

- plans activities/lessons that are challenging but not frustrating for students

Student Rapport

The Kazoo School teacher:

- is an enthusiastic teacher and learner, a positive model for students

- uses positive reinforcement methods – emphasis on positive behavior, 4 pillars, I Care language

- 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 teacher:

- maintains consistent communication with parents – both proactive and responsive

- collaborates with teaching partner(s) and others

- 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 reputation – not just getting by

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Kazoo School will be adhering Michigan Safe Schools: Michigan's 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap procedures in keeping their students and staff safe.

Experience:

• Early Childhood Education: 3 years (Preferred)

Company's website:

• https://www.kazooschool.org/

Company's Facebook page:

• https://www.facebook.com/KazooSchool

Work Remotely:

• No

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.10 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17