Classroom Teacher

We are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Preschool Classroom Teacher to nurture and support the development of young children. The ideal candidate will create a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment while planning age-appropriate lessons that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Responsibilities include supervising children, fostering positive relationships, and communicating effectively with parents and staff. A passion for early childhood education and a commitment to helping children learn through play are essential.

Position Summary:

TheClassroomTeacheris responsible fordeveloping a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social,emotional,and physical developmentin order toensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adultsin order tomeet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.The Classroom Teacher will work with Lead Teacher to ensure the education program is developmentallyappropriateand meets children's individual needs as well as program standards of Malone, the Nebraska Department of Education, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Essential Job Functions

• Champion the Malone Center mission and vision in all engagements and interactions, both internal and external to the organization.

• Child Development

• Observe, assess, and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth, and development.

• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.

• Develop and individualized educationalplanfor each child.

• Bringto attentionthose children with special needs. Coordinate referralsto EDNfor children with special needs or mental health needs with theLead Teacher.

• Contribute to andparticipatein child and family reviews, Mental Health staffing, and/or Individualized Education Plans/Individualized Family Service Plans.

• Assistthe child and family as the child transitions fromthe younger preschool classroom to the older preschool classroomand from the preschool program to kindergarten.

• Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.

• Classroom Management

• Develop andmaintainan attractive and stimulating learning environment and encouragechildren’s independence and self-selection of activities.

• Ensure that all childrenare under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.

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

• Utilize Positive Behavior Supports and Touchpoints strategies.

• Curriculum

• Assist Lead Teacher with the planning and implementation ofappropriate classroomactivities that will enhance language and literacy development, (2) cognition and general knowledge, (3) approaches toward learning, (4) physical well-being and motor development, and (5) social and emotional development of each child.

• Assist Lead Teacherin interpreting and analyzing assessment results andutilizedata to plan individual and classroom experiences as well as intentionally sharing information with families.

• Assist Lead Teacher in developinglesson plans with goals,objectives, activities, and outcomes for children and implement them intentionally.

• Assistinintegratingother areas; i.e., health/physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, transition, safety, and parent involvement into the education plan.

• Assist Lead Teacher in creatingdocumentation panels on a regular basis to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to parents and visitors.

• Parent Involvement

• Regularly meet with parents about their child’s progress, including at least two Parent/Staff Conferences each yearwith assistance from Lead Teacher.

• Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home and in the community.

• Communicate with parents (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes)regardingtheir child’s involvement in the classroom activities and progress towards learningobjectives.

• Supervision/Administration

• Participate in regular reflective supervision with the Mentor Teacher.

• Participate in ongoing professional development (including peer learning activities).

• Collaboratively implement andparticipatein a coach process with the Mentor Teacher to promote high quality instruction.

• Support the implementation of new strategies gained through learning.

• Provide leadership for the classroom team (e.g., plan for and lead team planning sessions,monitorteammatesobservation notes andappropriate goalidentification, advocate for and support Best Practices in the classroom).

• Supervise student teachers, practicum students, and volunteers, as needed.

• Serve as a mentor/model to Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.

• Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.

• Maintain confidentialityregardingeach child and family.