Second Grade Teacher

Position Description: Lower School Teacher - Second Grade

Position Title: Lower School Teacher - Second GradeReports to: Head of SchoolExempt/Non-exempt: Exempt Schedule: 10-Month Employee

THE GIRLS’ SCHOOL OF AUSTIN is a private K-8 school of 150 students in the historic Tarrytown district of Austin, Texas. The GSA brings together a diverse student body with a strong emphasis on creativity, community building, collaboration, and problem solving. Classes in Spanish and the visual and performing arts enrich the strong academic program starting in Kindergarten. Significant use is made of the artistic and natural resources in Austin and the surrounding area.

JOB SUMMARY

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Second Grade Teacher who is committed to the mission and ideals of the GSA and who can inspire a love of learning in their students. The successful candidate will have the ability to teach Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies to second graders. The Lower School at GSA uses Singapore Math’s Math in Focus program and Project Lead the Way for Science.

At The Girls’ School of Austin, Lower School educators are knowledgeable about child development, and they leverage that knowledge in developing engaging and effective teaching units and lesson plans. Because each grade level only has one classroom, each teacher must understand the value of working cooperatively and collaboratively with a community of other educators as well as have the ability to work independently. Effective communication with colleagues and parents is also a must.

In addition, candidates will understand when and how to integrate social/emotional skill building, inquiry, technology use, and assessment into curriculum and pedagogy.

Flexibility and a commitment to your own learning are integral to success in this setting!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions and Key Objectives

Teach one section of Second Grade (up to 18 students)Develop units and lessons that are developmentally appropriate and are aligned with the mission and values of the school. Maintain a classroom culture and environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.Provide regular and appropriate feedback on student work and in trimester reports.Attend required meetings (team, faculty, department, parent).Fulfill duties of supervising students before school, at lunch and recess, on field trips, and at dismissal.

Additional Expectations

Maintain mature and age-appropriate judgment and boundaries.Develop and sustain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues.Develop and sustain partnerships with parents that support each student's well-being, learning, and increasing autonomy.Represent the school and what it stands for positively at public events, admissions events, community events, development events, etc., some of which take place outside of the regular school day and calendar.Affirm and defend the dignity and worth of each member of the community and maintain an environment that fosters respect. Follow safety protocols and accident & illness procedures.Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.Preferred: Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Texas EC-6 certification

Experience

at least 3-5 years’ experience in teaching elementary school students in an academic setting.scaffolding of content and skills, including executive functions.classroom organization and management.multicultural curriculum design and pedagogy.effective collaboration with colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The strongest candidates will show strengths and experience in:appreciation and respect for young people as learners and people, through challenging and joyful moments alike;passion about the mission and vision of the school;demonstrated ability to prepare cohesive teaching units and daily lesson plans.mastery of the subject area(s) being taught;outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, and colleagues from diverse lived experiences and identities;knowledge of best practices in multicultural curriculum and pedagogy;ability to apply best practices for integrating technology into curriculum and pedagogy;ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively;flexibility;a commitment to one’s own learning and professional development;strong organizational skills;technological proficiency.

We encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ candidates, or candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Head of School.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is generally performed in a standard school classroom environment.Work full-time in person and maintain regular and predictable attendanceAbility to move throughout the campus during all weather conditionsAbility to lift as much as 30 pounds