Elementary Lead Teacher

Position: Elementary Lead Teacher

Reports to: Elementary and Enrichment Coordinator; Director of Upper School; Head of School 

Location: The Discovery School, 102 15th St., Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250

About the School

The Discovery School is a private, non-profit school that offers a unique educational experience through a gradual evolution from pure Montessori, to a blended curriculum, to pure International Baccalaureate (IB) over the course of the child's academic career, serving children ages 18-months through eighth grade.

Through a progressive and internationally-minded framework, students receive a firm foundation in academic skills and participate in a wide variety of enrichment opportunities from a dedicated and caring faculty. Students in our toddler and primary program engage in learning in a Montessori prepared environment with Montessori trained teachers. Students in our elementary school are a part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Our middle school seeks to challenge students with academic rigor in a low-pressure environment. 

Who We Are Looking For

Discovery seeks a dynamic, creative, and dedicated Elementary Teacher with a strong passion for learning, a growth mindset, and a commitment to innovation in education. As an IB World School, our culture is about having the freedom and latitude to discover our passions and thrive on encouraging this mindset. 

 The Elementary Lead teacher should have a deep love of and respect for our students and believe that Discovery School students are:

• Explorers pursuing their passions 
• Spirited and reflective risk-takers 
• Peacemakers 
• Resourceful and persevering innovators 
• Leaders who inspire others to discover and act on what is possible 
• Responsible, courageous world citizens

Job Summary:

The Discovery School Elementary Lead Teacher understands and promotes the school’s mission, vision, core values, and policies both within and outside the immediate school community. The elementary teacher is responsible for providing an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) that supports the children's individual needs.

 The Teacher is responsible for interpreting and implementing all classroom-based assessments as indicated in the School’s curriculum guide. The Lead Teacher is also accountable for regularly evaluating the program to ensure children's social, emotional, and academic needs are met according to the Florida Council of Independent Schools, IB-PYP, and state licensing standards. The Lead Teacher is professionally responsible for implementing best practices based on current research in education.

 This job requires the employee to spend most working hours with young children. This includes but is not limited to standing, bending at the waist, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting.

Normal Hours:

• Monday thru Friday that school is in session 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
• Other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Head of School

Planning, Preparation, Instruction, and Communication:

• The teacher creates instruction that supports the development of the child's cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth.
• The teacher uses the School Curriculum, IB standards, and current research-based best instructional practices to develop integrated units of inquiry and instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students.
• The teacher is responsible for maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the PYP Coordinator and specialty teachers, coordinating curriculum integration and implementation.
• The teacher works with students of various abilities assigned to the classroom, including those with learning differences, as diagnosed. The teacher may be required to participate in child study team meetings, training, and planning cooperatives to meet each child’s needs.
• The teacher uses various assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children’s work samples, continuums of development, NWEA Map, portfolios, etc., to help make instructional decisions for individual students.
• The teacher is responsible for preparing a peaceful environment in which the furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the group; for maintaining a clean, orderly, and attractive environment, including the care and maintenance of plants, animals, classroom materials, and equipment; for communicating needs for the classroom in accordance with school policy, i.e., maintaining inventory of classroom materials and any additional materials needed.
• The teacher creates an environment that demonstrates rapport with respect and kindness for all students and between students. The teacher models and teaches conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in the classroom.
• The teacher promotes an understanding and appreciation of all cultures.
• The teacher promptly reports discipline concerns beyond typical classroom strategies to the IB Coordinator and/or Director. A meeting with parents may be needed.
• The teacher is responsible for the safety of the children left in their charge, within the classrooms, and on the playground, until dismissed to a responsible adult. The teacher is responsible for the appropriate treatment and well-being of all children, based on respect. No child should ever be left unsupervised either inside or outside the classroom, except when directed by the teacher.
• The teacher is responsible for understanding and implementation of the School Emergency Operations Plan and must follow School-wide security protocols. 
• The teacher is responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school’s program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family in the school community.
• The teacher establishes a positive relationship with the parents of the students and maintains regular communication with parents with regard to their child’s specific needs. The teacher provides for parent and/or student-led conferences, meetings, and communication throughout the school year in accordance with school policy. The teacher responds to parent concerns in a timely manner.
• The teacher communicates to parents and others about the classroom and curriculum in the school community. The teacher executes on PREP (Parent Education and Retention Program) and is imbued with Discovery's Be Our Guest attitude.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree, Masters's degree in education a bonus but not required.
• At least 3 years of teaching experience.
• Experience with IB and/or progressive learning approaches. 
• Comfortable with integration of technology as a tool enabling learning.
• Deep capability to engage in differentiated instruction strategies. 
• Ability to make connections across disciplines, respond to students' ideas and inquiry by adapting lesson plans.
• Exceptionally strong spoken and written communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage in a collaborative community. 
• Adept at communicating Discovery’s story to various constituencies.
• Is committed to Discovery’s Characteristics of Professional Excellence
• Model the Portrait of the Graduate 
• Passionately pursue their own professional growth and development 
• Unabashedly hold children at the center of all decisions and actions 
• Cultivate an inclusive and vibrant learning community 
• Discover and act on what is possible

Work Authorization: The candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b), LTD and STD, paid & holiday leave, and life insurance.

Start Date: As soon as possible

To Apply:

The Discovery School is an equal opportunity employer.