New Haven, CT
Posted: 23-Apr-26
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Type: Full Time
Salary: $50,000 - $60,000
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Head Teacher (Grades 4/5)
Cold Spring School | New Haven, CT
Cold Spring School, a progressive PreK–6 independent school in New Haven, CT, seeks a Head Teacher for a mixed-age 4/5 classroom.
At Cold Spring, we see children and adults alike as people in progress who are curious and capable lifelong learners. We are looking for an educator who is inspired by inquiry-based, concept-driven learning and who values strong relationships, student agency, and classrooms filled with purpose, joy, and deep thinking.
The Head Teacher leads a class of up to 22 students in partnership with an Associate Teacher, designing integrated, thematic curriculum across disciplines and supporting each child’s academic and social-emotional growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and facilitate integrated, inquiry-based curriculum grounded in student interest
- Balance emergent curriculum with intentional development of core skills and understandings
- Use observation and documentation to study and respond to students’ thinking
- Create a warm, inclusive classroom community with clear expectations and routines
- Communicate regularly with families and build strong, collaborative partnerships
- Welcome students and families with warmth and presence, fostering a strong sense of belonging
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in a reflective, team-based environment
- Serve as an ambassador for the school through admissions events and community engagement
Who You Are
You are a reflective, relationship-centered educator who believes meaningful learning grows from curiosity, connection, and purpose. You bring warmth, flexibility, and intention to your work, and you see students as capable individuals with ideas worth exploring.
You value collaboration, welcome feedback, and are committed to your own growth. You have experience with progressive, inquiry-based education and an understanding of emergent curriculum and Reggio-inspired practices.
What It’s Like to Work at Cold Spring
Cold Spring is a place where teachers are trusted as professionals and supported in doing meaningful, creative work with children.
- A collaborative, relationship-driven culture where your voice and ideas matter
- The opportunity to design curriculum and engage deeply with student thinking
- Ongoing professional growth, including school-based professional learning and Seedlings summer workshops
- A community that prioritizes joy, curiosity, and continuous learning for both students and adults
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- Elementary teaching experience, ideally in upper elementary, multi-age settings, or independent school settings
- Strong understanding of child development and progressive education
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and retirement benefits
- Professional development benefits
- Partial tuition remission for dependent children
Application Process
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references directly to Director Jennifer Le Varge [jlevarge@coldspringschool.org
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- Elementary teaching experience, ideally in upper elementary, multi-age settings, or independent school settings
- Strong understanding of child development and progressive education
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
