PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATE TEACHER - SUBSTITUTE POSITION

Saint Mark’s School is an independent, Episcopal coeducational day school in Altadena, California. Founded in 1960, the School serves the needs of approximately 300 Preschool through Sixth grade students from diverse ethnic, racial, religious and economic backgrounds. The School’s mission is to develop the unique intellect and character of each student in a nurturing environment committed to academic excellence, respect for diversity, responsibility and spiritual growth.

The ideal candidate will work effectively as a member of a preschool team to plan all aspects of the preschool program within a Responsive Classroom framework. Qualified candidates should demonstrate a passion for working with preschool-aged children, a growth mindset, flexibility, a commitment to ongoing professional development, strong communication skills and the skills to engage and inspire students. The preschool associate teacher will be responsible for supporting the lead teacher with the general supervision of a class of preschool-aged children and maintaining a safe and engaging preschool classroom environment. S/he must be able to relate to and work well with both children and adults and cultural competency and ability to navigate and promote sensitivity with issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity. The preschool associate teacher will be under the direct supervision of the lead teacher and will be evaluated and supported by the preschool director in collaboration with the lead teacher.

The associate teacher must be professionally prepared to meet licensing requirements as a teacher of young children. A minimum of 12 units of early childhood education, including the core courses required to be considered teacher qualified, is required. A minimum of an AA in early childhood education or child development is preferred. At least 2 years of prior experience is preferred. Compensation will be based on education and years of experience.

Date Posted:

12/26/2020

Position Type:

Part-Time Preschool Lead Teacher - Long-term Substitute

Date Available:

Immediately 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Acting in a manner corresponding to the requirements of the Employee Handbook of Saint Mark’s School or the requests of the head of school, assistant head of school, or preschool director.
• Assisting with the planning and implementing a developmentally age-appropriate program for the class to which the associate teacher is assigned.
• Independently supervising an area of activities as set forth by the lead teacher.  Assisting the lead teacher in other appropriate ways.
• Relating professionally to each child, his/her parents and other staff.
• Showing respect for each individual child.  Handling student work and possessions with care.
• Assisting in maintaining a neat, clean, comfortable, and child-oriented classroom atmosphere, which is appealing in terms of appearance, learning environment and decor.
• Supervising children in the classroom and on the playground in a manner that is conducive to the Title 22 health and safety standards. Reporting potential hazards or safety issues to the lead teacher or preschool director. 
• Providing necessary set-up and clean-up of classroom areas and materials used in each day’s activity or project.
• Helping with setting-up and putting away playground equipment.
• Keeping the lead teacher aware of children with learning or developmental needs or problems that might require intervention or referral.
• Assuming an equal share of the housekeeping/set-up responsibilities of the staff.
• Preparing and cleaning up the snack daily which may include the preparation of food, properly storing leftover food, cleaning up of the preparation area and utensils.
• Learning and operating office equipment and technology as necessary.
• Arriving promptly at assigned time and completing daily tasks.
• Completing a CPR, Pediatric First Aid and Preventive Health Course and subsequent renewals when needed. Administering basic first aid when necessary.
• Attending necessary staff meetings and in
• -service/licensing training programs as requested.
• Participating in recommended conferences, courses, retreats, and pursuing ongoing professional growth.
• Arranging for own substitute from approved list, when needed and leaving clear instructions.
• Supervising and assisting during snack and lunch times.
• Supervising children during nap and assisting with the setting-up, putting away, and cleaning of nap cots. Keeping a quiet restful atmosphere in the room.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualities:

• Applicants must meet the Title 22 requirement of a fully (12 core ECE units) or partially qualified teacher (6 core ECE units, taking continuing ECE courses to become a fully qualified teacher)
• Knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management and assessment
• Experience working in early childhood education
• Knowledge of Title 22 Licensing Regulations
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups; exercise sound judgment
• Nurturing, positive, joyful, and flexible disposition; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high stress environment; ability to work collaboratively with staff, administration, and families; ability to work with administration and faculty in planning, coordinating, and maintaining a supportive, meaningful, and responsive learning and play-based environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, students, parents, and the community
• Possession of valid Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certificate
• Associate degree or higher in early childhood education or child development preferred with a desire for continuing education

Physical Abilities:

Job includes some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting low on the ground and/or crawling; hearing, speaking, observing and significant fine finger dexterity. Specific abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 40% walking and 45% standing and the ability to lift or move 50 pounds. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere. 

Salary:  As per pay scale

Submissions: Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and current resume to Preschool Director Bailey Tripp at Baileyt@saint-marks.org. 

Non-Discrimination Policy: Saint Mark’s School is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, the presence of mental, physical, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.