Lower School Lead Teacher

University School of Nashville

Lower School Lead Teacher

August 2026

Purpose: To lead a self-contained classroom and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that the fundamental skills of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies are presented in a thoughtful sequence and practiced in engaging contexts in alignment with the school’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of various learning styles and needs of students at appropriately challenging levels
• Create a classroom community using Responsive Classroom (or similar classroom management philosophy) and social and emotional learning curriculum, including social-emotional  learning strategies
• Maintain a safe learning environment for students in your care following all safety precautions and instructions 
• Coordinate with the Student Support Team to meet the needs of students who require intervention or extension 
• Collaborate and cooperate with other teachers at the assigned grade level for planning purposes 
• Communicate with parents through email, phone calls, progress reports, and conferences in a professional, positive, and timely manner
• Participate in grade-level, division, committee, and all-school meetings 
• Participate in professional growth opportunities, set goals for improvement, and engage in teaching that is innovative and dynamic 
• Build rapport with students and parents that is positive and caring
• Support the mission of University School of Nashville
• Perform other duties as determined by the Head of Lower School and the Director

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of three years of experience as a lead teacher preferred
• Experience with a diverse school community
• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom is a plus
• Knowledge of Structured Literacy instruction
• Experience with Bridges Math preferred (not required)

Skills and Abilities

• Provide instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies based on implemented curriculum
• Prioritize efficiency and effectiveness, think creatively and flexibly, and incorporate best practices into a growth-oriented teaching style
• Work collaboratively with all faculty and staff members
• Differentiate curriculum to meet a range of learning profiles, so each child has the opportunity to do work that is appropriately challenging
• Embrace a growth mindset with regard to pedagogy
• Communicate thoroughly, accurately, and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor
• Demonstrate integrity and confidentiality

Physical Requirements

• Maintain an active presence in the classroom, moving about to work with students individually and in small groups.
•  Accompany students and provide active supervision during their daily activities. This includes moving to and from speciality classes, Journey and Forest Days, lunch, and daily recess, among other locations, both on and off campus. 
• Be able to respond and ensure a safe environment for students in your care in the event of an accident, safety drill, lockdown, or any other emergency.

The School

University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of over 1,000 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School, USN’s predecessor, which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974, Peabody College announced plans to close PDS, and a group of parents, alumni, students, and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville. 

USN’s midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings over 108 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. It’s a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.

In the USN community, students expect much of each other, and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their work and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants.

Please be prepared to upload the following items through USN's online application for this position:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume