Position Available: Lead Teacher for the 3-4 year old circle

 

Full-time position starting August 2022 (10-month annual appointment)

 

Job Description:  CNS is seeking a highly motivated Lead Teacher to be responsible for teaching a group of young children ages 3 to 5 years of age. CNS seeks candidates who can establish a thoughtful, pro-social, emotionally intelligent, play based curriculum.  Familiarity with  child-centered, inquiry based, and emergent curriculum models is preferred. Comfort with the co-operative model is a requirement, as parents are integrated into our daily program. School hours are 8:00-3:15. Candidate must provide proof of COVID vaccination or legal exemption. Salary range is $35-$41k based on experience and qualifications. 

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The Cooperative Nursery School (“CNS”) is a non-profit, parent owned and operated preschool founded in 1967. CNS is licensed by the Commonwealth of PA as a Private Academic Nursery School serving 38 children from 3 to 5 years of age.  The school is located in the Mount Airy/Germantown section of Northwest Philadelphia. We are situated in a stone cottage on the green grounds of the Unitarian Society of Germantown, with a creek running past the playground. Educationally, the school functions under the leadership of a Director/Lead Teacher, a Lead Teacher; two Assistant Teachers; an Administrative Assistant; and a team of parents who co-op daily. Circle time is conducted with a same-age group, while the majority of the day’s activities are open to the full school cohort. Lead Teachers are responsible for guiding circle times and curriculum, but are supported by and work in partnership with the full staff team throughout the school day and in planning sessions. 

 

According to each child’s needs, CNS nurtures social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.  We embrace a play based, emergent curriculum that is integrated with elements of the “Reggio Emilia”approach. We spend time outside every day, in all weather, and utilize our environment to inspire and shape our learning.  Children are encouraged to utilize their curiosity, explore their interests, expand their understanding of their world, and learn to care for each other. At CNS, we strive to create an anti-biased culture where we are welcoming, inclusive and a safe environment for our families, students and teachers. We encourage awareness and celebration of our unique characteristics like race, ethnicity, body shape, LGBTQIA identity, socioeconomic, religious, family configuration, or neurodivergence. 

 

 

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• PA Teacher Certification in Education, preferably for grades Pre-Kindergarten - 4 (previously 2840 Early Childhood N-3, now 2825 PREK-4), or a Private Academic Certificate 

• Must possess initiative, energy, and creativity

• Candidate must be dependable, nurturing, self-directed, yet flexible

• Be a team player, able to contribute constructively in collaboration with colleagues and with parents

• Have excellent social and communication skills

• Have knowledge of progressive education and/or emergent curriculum

• Must demonstrate dedication and commitment to equity and social justice

• The capacity to understand, appreciate, and reflect the diversity of CNS’ families

• Possess a strong work ethic and a positive attitude

• Candidates with experience in early childhood education are preferred

 

Review of Applications will begin immediately and they will be accepted until position is filled.

 

Applicants should supply the following materials: Cover letter and Resume (references will be requested during the interview process)

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Submit application materials to: Andrew Piccone, CNS Board Chair

boardchair@cooperativenurseryschool.com

 

The Cooperative Nursery School

at the Unitarian Society of Germantown

6503 Lincoln Drive

Philadelphia, PA 19119

(215) 844-5770

 

The Cooperative Nursery School at the Unitarian Society of Germantown is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity among its applicants. We strongly encourage Black people, indigenous people, people of color, trans/nonbinary people, and LGBQ people to apply.