The Children’s School (TCS) is an independent school that focuses on children ages 3 to 8. Nationally renowned for its unique approach, TCS maintains a deep respect for the curiosity and abilities of young children; offers a carefully-prepared environment that assures children are engaged by challenging materials as well as problem-solving opportunities; and provides a nurturing classroom courtesy of a high-quality staff. Since its founding in 1964, TCS has melded the work of Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, John Dewey and others into a highly-individualized, developmentally-\sensitive learning program that supports students’ social, emotional and cognitive growth. Each child receives a daily lesson from a teacher, participates in group learning activities, and is free to explore learning areas in math, language arts, social studies, computers, practical life and art. Exposure to Spanish, chess and science is also integral to the TCS experience. Valuing the professionalism of its staff, TCS also offers ample opportunity for self-reflection and collegial interaction through traditional training programs, team teaching, videotaping of staff interacting with children and a special system of coaching. TCS is accredited by The Connecticut Association of Independent Schools and The Connecticut Department of Education.
Teachers are what bring the TCS mission to life. They make the School warm and welcoming as well as an exciting place to learn for children. Serving as friendly guides, the teachers foster children’s understanding of how important it is that they respect themselves as well as one another. Each staff member has a key role to play in creating this environment, especially given the small student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. Since the work with children is paramount, teachers are knowledgeable about the School’s curriculum, materials, learning areas, and teaching strategies as well as its overall developmental approach to learning. Teachers also assume roles in the classroom that help to keep the focus on children at all times: head teacher (assumes responsibility for the entire classroom); rover (attends to the social dynamics and needs of the children); in-depth teacher (focuses on working with children and in groups); greeter (escorts children to and from the classroom); coach (observes or videotapes teachers’ interaction with children and prepares feedback to staff). Responsibilities also include maintaining a daily running record of children’s lessons in a computer database, writing reports for parent conferences, assuring that the classroom is well-cared for, and planning individual and group lessons.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess a commitment to – and love of – working with young children. An affinity for working in small schools is also helpful. Applicants must possess:
Ø Professional maturity and confidence
Ø A desire to get to know children and their parents well
Ø Effective oral, written and listening skills
Ø Familiarity with computer software and hardware programs
Ø A willingness to work in a multi-age classroom
Ø Enthusiasm for working collaboratively as part of a team
Ø A commitment to the TCS mission and philosophy
Ø Enthusiasm, optimism and a strong belief in nurturing children’s intellectual, social and creative potential
Ø A genuine love of learning
STARTING
DATE
LOCATION
COMPENSATION
Length of commitment is 10 months Stamford, Connecticut Competitive salary and benefits offered.
HOW
TO APPLY
Please send a copy of your resume; a statement of your teaching philosophy; and two (2) references.
DEADLINE
Inquiries always accepted. Please call 203-349-8815 to inquire about available openings.
The Children’s School is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive school community. TCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, physical ability, or sexual orientation.