The Orchard School

Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, Progressive school for 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advance each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43-acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment. We seek, and strive to maintain, a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.

The Position

Orchard seeks educators who provide guidance through prioritizing teacher-student relationships. We believe this is possible when teachers are encouraged to truly know their students, care about them, and see them each as individuals.Orchard expects teachers to use a student-focused approach, model multiple strategies to learning, facilitate engaging hands-on projects and studies, and have a deep understanding of child development and learning differences. Orchard seeks to hire educators who possess a passion for equity and social justice, and who desire personal and professional growth in the field of education.

Required Qualifications and Attributes

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• A minimum of two years of early childhood classroom experience preferred
• A commitment to Orchard’s definition of progressive education
• An understanding of approaches to learning and differentiated instruction
• An ability to design hands-on, experiential learning activities that advance the targeted learning outcomes
• A flexible approach to working on a grade team or co-teaching partnership
• An ability to collaborate and work across teaching teams
• Experience working with parents as partners
• A demonstrated history of energy and enthusiasm in the classroom
• An ability to work with technology to support, supplement, and enhance teaching and learning
• Confidence and enthusiasm for working with young children
• An ability to inspire others
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to learn and improve professionally
• Sound judgment and emotional maturity
• Self-initiator
• Willingness to engage in all aspects of the Orchard community