We are seeking a Co-Teacher for a combined three- and four-year-old (Nursery) classroom. The program runs Monday through Friday, with the students attending from 8:45 to 1:00. Parents have an afternoon extended-day option. This is a part-time position (30 hours per week/.8 FTE) with additional hours possible. The start day is August 26, 2024. 

At The Long Ridge School, teachers foster students’ innate curiosity and natural tendencies to wonder, explore, hypothesize, and experiment. In a warm and engaging learning environment arranged in activity centers and equipped with a rich abundance of materials, Nursery children build, dress up, play games, paint, cook, listen to stories, garden, make puppets, construct, sing, put together puzzles, and draw pictures together. Thematic studies provide a platform for experiential learning through which children become innovative thinkers and creative problem-solvers. The promotion of children’s social and emotional development is foundational to the Nursery program. As children explore, pretend, create, discover, and reflect together throughout the school day, supported by modeling and coaching from teachers, they learn to play cooperatively, negotiate, compromise, and develop self-regulation and resilience.

Social studies provide the thematic link for all curricular areas and excite children about learning. As they immerse themselves in the theme studies, children learn to ask meaningful questions, construct knowledge, use a variety of materials to represent their ideas and collaborate with others.  With a hands-on, experiential approach, a well-planned curriculum, and supportive teachers, the Nursery students build a strong foundation for learning.  

As a Nursery Teacher at The Long Ridge School, you will:

• Provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment that encourages young children to feel happy and comfortable at school
• Provide learning opportunities in a developmentally appropriate manner, encouraging a broad arena for play and exploration
• Encourage and assist children in the development of pro-social behavior
• Deliver high-quality, inquiry-based instruction targeted for students aged three to turning five 
• Communicate and work collaboratively with parents to ensure that each child’s developmental, social and emotional needs are met 
• Be an available resource for parents in their quest to help their child enjoy a wonderful school experience
• Maintain a classroom environment that fosters a growth mindset, a sense of belonging, and the beginnings of independent thought and action
• Communicate with specialist teachers to enable them to coordinate with the Nursery program
• Meet formally with parents for spring conferences and write end-of-year narrative reports 
• Be an active member of the LRS community

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred 
• Early childhood teaching experience
• Strong interest in working with very young children and fostering young learners
• A commitment to professional growth and innovative thinking 
• A clear interest in being part of a community that seeks to challenge prejudice and is committed to diversity and inclusion 
• Strong personal and interpersonal skills 

Compensation depends on qualifications and experience.  Please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Carissa Lewis, Head of School to clewis@longridgeschool.org.

Maintaining a “diverse community of learners” has been a core value of the educational program of The Long Ridge School since its inception in 1938. The Long Ridge School defines diversity to include race, ethnic or national origin, religion, family make-up, socioeconomic level, gender, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, belief systems, styles and rates of learning, talents, and traditions practiced. We believe a diverse and inclusive community enriches all students’ educational experience and character and prepares graduates to be peaceful, respectful, and successful world citizens. We endeavor for our graduates to appreciate different points of view and to have a strong sense of social justice and equality while valuing and understanding their own backgrounds. LRS is dedicated to building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.