4k Teacher Job Description:

Highlands School is seeking a 4K Teacher for the 2025-26 academic year. The Lower School 4K Teacher is a member of the faculty and reports directly to the Director of Lower School. This full-time, 10-month position is responsible for facilitating the development of four-year-old children through play-based, developmentally appropriate activities, as well as helping to create and maintain a strong sense of community in the classroom. This role fosters cognitive, social-emotional, and language skills while ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment. The 4K Teacher supports the work of the School by promoting the mission, values, and policies of Highlands School. 

Key Responsibilities and Expectations:

Curriculum Development and Implementation:

• Plan and implement age-appropriate lessons and activities that incorporate play-based learning and literacy.

• Create a rich learning environment that encourages exploration and discovery.

• Utilize a variety of teaching methods, including stories, media, indoor/outdoor games, and drawing, to enhance children's abilities.

• Use all available data and assessments to proactively plan for differences (small guided groups, curricular resources, etc.) and implement groupings to enhance engagement 

• Demonstrate high levels of learning and engagement through differentiation of curriculum and instruction that is intentional and evident.

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of subject matter and clearly deliver lessons.

Child Observation and Assessment:

• Observe and assess children's development, behavior, and social interactions.

• Identify and address any potential developmental delays or behavioral issues.

• Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate effectively with parents.

Classroom Management and Safety:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.

• Implement effective classroom management strategies to promote positive behavior and social-emotional skills.

• Ensure compliance with all School policies and procedures.

Establishes the Classroom Community/Embraces the Highlands Community by: 

• Model, promote, and provide opportunities for students to develop the traits of the Highlands Way.

• Serve as an ambassador by helping students develop a community of collaboration, integrity, responsibility, respect, and compassion. 

• Attend to the emotional as well as academic development of children by creating a compassionate community of mutual respect and treating children with kindness and consideration.

Parent Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child's progress and development.

• Attend parent-teacher conferences and other school events.

• Build strong relationships with parents based on respect and collaboration.

Professional Development:

• Stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

• Attend professional development workshops and conferences.

• Maintain required certifications and licenses.

• Actively seek and complete opportunities for growth within the School (faculty meetings, consultant visits, etc.) 

Other Duties as Assigned

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support the educational environment.

The Successful Candidate Will Have the Following Qualities: 

• Familiarity with and a commitment to the mission of independent schools and Highlands School.

• A love for students and a willingness to go above and beyond in the best interests of students.

• Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, maturity, and a sense of perspective. 

• A high level of energy and ability to work on multiple tasks/projects. 

• Demonstrated sensitivity to students, faculty, and staff of varying racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Education and Work Experience 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education is required.

• Minimum of 3 years experience leading a 4k and/or kindergarten classroom.

• Successful prior experience working with children.

Skills and Qualifications 

• Ability to partner with a grade-level team in order to help deliver the program for students. 

• Ability to prepare classroom materials, maintain systems for attendance, and other classroom needs such as homework, communication folders, etc. 

• Ability to work with whole group, small groups, and individuals. 

• Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, maturity, and a sense of perspective.

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, writing, organizational, and communication skills.