Lower Elementary School Teacher

Lower Elementary School Teacher

The Manitou School is seeking a warm, flexible, passionate, progressive Lower Elementary School Teacher to join our teaching team. The ideal candidate will be committed to providing a supportive, engaging, and challenging environment that fosters students' love of learning. The position is available from the 2026/27 academic year onwards.

Candidates must be comfortable in a co-teaching environment, collaborating with our other teachers and learning specialists in key areas, including curriculum development, parent communication, and assessments. Ideal candidates will be flexible and comfortable teaching anywhere from Kindergarten through 3rd grade.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development & Instruction:

• Design, plan, and implement lessons that align with school standards and curriculum.
• Provide differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring all learners have access to success.
• Utilize a variety of teaching strategies and resources to engage students and enhance their learning experience.
• Regularly assess students’ understanding and offer timely feedback to students and families regarding progress and areas for improvement.

Student Assessment & Support:

• Use assessment data to inform instructional planning and adjust teaching strategies to better support student growth.
• Provide additional support to students who require extra help, through individual or small group instruction.

Classroom Management:

• Intentionally cultivate a classroom community where each student feels seen, valued, and a true sense of belonging, through inclusive practices, relationship-building, and responsive teaching.
• Foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to take risks, ask questions, and build resilience in the face of challenge.
• Use restorative practices to help students navigate conflict, reflect on their actions, and repair relationships, supporting a caring and accountable classroom community.

Collaboration & Professional Development:

• Work closely with other elementary school teachers, counselors, and staff.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and stay current on educational best practices.
• Engage in reflective practice and contribute to a collaborative culture of continuous improvement, including sharing feedback, co-planning, and supporting colleagues’ growth.
• Receive and apply feedback with a growth mindset, reflecting on practice and incorporating input to strengthen teaching and collaboration.
• Attend school meetings, conferences, and community events as required.

Communication:

• Regularly communicate with parents and guardians regarding student progress, needs, and classroom activities.
• Foster an open line of communication to ensure students' academic, social, and emotional needs are met.
• Partner with families to support student development, offering strategies and resources that can be reinforced at home.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• MA/MS in Childhood Education, or similar degree, required.
• NY State Teaching certification preferred.

Experience

• 3 years of experience working with children and parents at the lower elementary level.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate students of varying academic abilities.
• Skilled at communicating and collaborating with parents.
• Familiarity with or desire to learn how to work with particular programs that are used school-wide, such as Moving With Math, Jolly Grammar/Jolly Phonics, and Learning without Tears.
• Experience with narrative evaluations preferred.
• Commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning.
• Knowledge of Spanish language is a plus.
• Desire to wear many hats within our school community and remain a dynamic asset to our small team.

Applicants must be confident in their ability to provide the following to our students:

• A classroom environment that fosters social and emotional development
• Creative lesson plans geared toward the specific students in your class
• Differentiated instruction for different types of learners in a mixed-age setting
• The love of a challenge, and comfort with academic risk-taking
• Project-based units of inquiry
• Straightforward and age-appropriate discussions about diversity
• Hands-on, experiential learning in real-world contexts
• A well-managed classroom with clear expectations and routines
• Short written descriptions about the topics covered or interesting projects that have been happening in class to be included in monthly school newsletters, along with photos
• Personalized narrative assessments for each student twice annually

In order to apply for this position, please send a resume, an educational philosophy statement, and three written references to careers @ manitouschool.org.

About the Manitou School

The Manitou School is a small, progressive, independent school in the Hudson Valley. Our fully bilingual education program uses progressive teaching methods grounded in social-emotional development – creating a warm, engaging environment where children can learn and grow.

Through inquiry-based learning models, adaptive curriculum, and a variety of enrichment programs, our school offers a heart-centered approach to education that puts the well-being of our students at the center of all we do.

A Manitou education is one that sees each child as the center of the educational experience and creates a school environment where every child thrives. We also offer parents an opportunity to have greater involvement with the school and develop programs that benefit the community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Commute:

• Cold Spring, NY 10516 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Cold Spring, NY 10516: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000