The Packer Collegiate Institute, a historic and vibrant PK-12 independent school located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic lower schoolHead Teacher for the 2026/27 school year. Packer’s mission is to prepare students for meaningful and purposeful lives by “thinking deeply, listening actively, speaking confidently, and acting with purpose and heart.” Teachers create an engaging, collaborative learning environment that emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, as well as student well-being.

The Lower School at Packer is busy, joyful, and deeply collaborative. Demonstrating an expertise in child development and research-informed practices, teachers inspire a love of learning and build a nurturing classroom culture that supports curiosity, mutual respect, and community. Lower School Head Teachers provide general classroom instruction in literacy, mathematics, and social studies. The role also includes mentoring an Associate Teacher and actively contributing to a grade-level teaching team as well as the wider division and school community. Strong written and oral communication skills are required. 

Anticipated Start: August 2026

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Environment:

• Foster a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that supports students' academic, social, and emotional growth and well-being.

• Develop meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a strong sense of community and belonging

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Design and implement rich, engaging, and developmentally appropriate lessons that align with Packer’s mission and Lower School curriculum.

• Collaborate closely with teaching partners, specialists, and administrators to develop a cohesive and supportive learning environment, share resources, and align expectations.

Assessment, Documentation, & Differentiation

• Assess, monitor, and document student progress using a variety of methods, including observations, portfolios, and formal assessments. Use documentation and assessments to celebrate learning, inform instruction, and communicate effectively with families

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students. Partner with Learning Specialists, PS/LS Psychologist, counselor, and Student Support Team.

Mentorship & Reflective Practice:

• Mentor, support, and partner with an Associate Teacher, providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for their professional growth.

• Participate in reflective practice and team meetings to refine the curriculum and align with Packer’s mission and values.

Professional Growth:

• Actively engage in professional development opportunities, including working with Instructional Coaches, conferences, and workshops to hone and develop research-informed best practices.

• Participate in school-wide events, initiatives, and committees to contribute to the life of the Preschool/Lower School Division and the broader Packer community.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field 

• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant teaching experience (preferably with at least two years as Head Teacher in an independent school setting)

• Experience mentoring and collaborating with colleagues in a co-teaching or team model.

• Strong understanding of child development and research-informed best practices in early childhood and elementary education.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with an ability to create an inclusive classroom environment.

Skills & Attributes:

• Warm, nurturing, and passionate about educating young children.

• Ability to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that are child-centered and inquiry-based, and value curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, able to build meaningful and supportive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

• Strong classroom management, excellent observation, assessment, and documentation skills.

• Ability to be thoughtful and responsive to individual children's needs

• Creativity, flexibility, and a reflective teaching practice. 

• Growth mindset and openness to feedback

Click here to apply. 

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for Lower School faculty (both Associate and Head Teachers) align with the physical demands of working with young children. Generally, the role requires 25% sitting, 25% walking, and 50% standing. 

Mobility/Dexterity:

• Ability to move around the classroom, bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor to interact with students at their level for extended periods

• Ability to lift and carry children or objects weighing up to 25–50 pounds (e.g., a child needing assistance, classroom materials, etc.)

• Ability to move freely indoors and outdoors, including navigating playgrounds, sidewalks, and nature-based learning areas

• Ability to keep track of multiple children simultaneously and respond to their needs promptly

• Competent hand-eye coordination to manipulate small objects, craft materials, scissors, and writing tools. Ability to help children with tasks such as tying shoes, zipping jackets, etc.

Stamina:

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.

• Ability to maintain energy throughout a school day (which can involve teaching, supervising recess, and leading physical activities)

Classroom and Activity-Specific Tasks

Classroom Setup and Maintenance:

• Rearranging desks, chairs, and other classroom furniture

• Preparing bulletin boards or displays, which might involve climbing a small step ladder

Outdoor Activities:

• Supervising and sometimes participating in outdoor play (in a variety of weather), which may include running, walking, and ensuring safety during physical play

Emergency Response:

• Reacting quickly in emergencies to assist students, evacuate the classroom, or provide basic first aid

Reasonable Accommodations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Packer's values and vision of educational excellence include embracing diversity, fostering community, nurturing a sense of belonging, and ensuring all learners are valued and challenged. We actively embrace the diversity of New York City and seek employees who share Packer’s values of equity, inclusion, and belonging, and who wish to learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds and perspectives may be underrepresented.

The Packer Collegiate Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Salaries are determined based on a scale reflecting years of teaching experience and level of education.

About The Packer Collegiate Institute

Grounded in rich traditions while embracing the future, Packer is a diverse community that balances the value of scholarship and the intellect with the importance of meaningful and sustained relationships. Guided by dedicated adults, Packer students are challenged to develop talents, pursue aspirations, and become empathetic, responsible, globally-minded women and men. We educate students to: Think Deeply Speak Confidently Act with Purpose and Heart

Connections working at The Packer Collegiate Institute