Elementary Teacher

Full Time Teacher: 1st-2nd Grade Lead Teacher

Mission

We take a joyful, community-oriented approach to raising engaged citizens, deep learners, and brave adventurers with the skills, creativity, and heart needed to better the world.

About UCo-op:

University Cooperative School is a community oriented PreK-5th grade school with a progressive, child centered, hands-on, multi-age approach to learning. Social and emotional development, the creative arts, academics, outdoor and service learning are key components of our program. University Cooperative School features small class size, a team of passionate, dedicated teachers, and an engaged group of parents. Since 1975, University Cooperative School has been nurturing the whole child. We are committed to play-based learning and creating a positive and fun environment for our students. You can learn more about our awesome school at www.ucoopschool.org

Role Description:

UCo-op is looking for a teacher to provide an educational atmosphere where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth. The teacher is responsible for effective classroom management and fosters an environment that is responsive to student needs and in alignment with U Co-op values.

This is a full-time salaried position in the K-2 Pod. The teacher will work collaboratively as a member of a multi-aged pod, and be the primary math teacher for 1st and 2nd grades. UCo-op is a joyful, dynamic, and exciting place to teach and learn. The ideal candidate is hands-on, values curiosity, and is passionate about building relationships with kids and their families. They are committed to creating a more equitable world and a classroom environment that celebrates, welcomes, and embraces diversity.They foster contagious excitement for the subject matter they teach and are committed to preserving the joy of childhood.

We understand that students thrive when they are taught by educators and surrounded by adults who reflect their own identities, cultures, and experiences. University Cooperative School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, actively seeking to diversify our workplace and enrich our educational environment.

Contract Duration: 2024-2025 School Year with the intent to continue on for subsequent years

Reports to: Education Director

Schedule considerations: You will work primarily onsite at U Co-op and must be occasionally available for in-person parent meetings and/or community events (annual auction, Mudfest etc.) after hours and on weekends. Additionally there are short class trips usually in the fall and spring. Events are always scheduled ahead of time.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Developmentally appropriate/engaging math instruction for 1st and 2nd grade students- including the implementation of self-curated curriculum and resources

Facilitation of a multi-aged environment

Identification, selection, and modification of instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, academic needs, and learning styles.

Maintaining effective and efficient record keeping procedures, including progress records of each child’s growth and development, attendance records, etc.

Providing an encouraging environment in which students are motivated to be actively engaged in the learning process.

Collaborating with peers to enhance the instructional environment, promote teamwork and create a positive school atmosphere. This includes meeting weekly and participating fully in staff meetings.

Modeling professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, guardians, peers, and community. Including communicating positively, courteously and respectfully both orally and in writing, with will all community members on a regular basis.

Ensuring that student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for age group.

Participating in goal setting and assuming responsibility for meeting their personal goals, team goals and student goals.

Demonstrating gains in student performances. Also providing narrative reports of student progress. Working with parents/guardians to promote understanding of their child’s growth and development. Conducting regular formal and informal parent/teacher conferences on each child’s progress.

Welcoming and encouraging parent participation. Effectively training, supervising, and utilizing parent classroom volunteers. Attending parent meetings.

Supervising all activities to ensure safety at all times.

Participating in professional development opportunities.

Meeting professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: meeting deadlines, honoring schedules and other people’s time, coordinating with peers.

Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Education Director. All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established as part of the annual performance planning process or as the result of organizational planning.

Requirements:

WA State teaching certification

Experience teaching elementary aged children (preferably in a progressive setting)

Ability to deeply connect and relate well with children

Ability and desire to create/implement a curricular scope and sequence

Strong knowledge of child development

Respectful and positive approach to child behavior, conflict resolution, and problem solving

Flexibility, sense of humor, excellent communication skills

Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with a team

Ability and desire to have regular parent volunteers in the classroom

Strong References

Enthusiasm for working with children

Engaging and inspiring teaching style

Passion for social justice and commitment to inclusivity

Strongly Desired:

Experience with parent education

Experience working with a collaborative teaching team

Background in the creative arts

CPR/First Aid Certified

Salary: SPS salary schedule equivalent + full benefits

Interested teachers should send their resume, letter of interest, and three letters of reference to teacherjobs@ucoopschool.org. Philosophies of education, teaching artifacts, and work samples also welcome. The position will remain open until filled.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

University Cooperative School does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status, in the hiring of staff or in the administration of educational policies and programs, admissions policies, scholarship, and other school-administered programs.