JOB SUMMARY:
The Lower School Environmental Studies Teacher is innovative and a highly collaborative person who is passionate about environmental education and is well-versed in an inquiry-based approach. With a focus on global citizenship and environmental standards, students are taught to care for the environment while gaining knowledge and respect for plants, animals, and ecosystems. Working as part of a team is crucial to the success of this role and the ACES teaching team and curriculum development.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education or related field
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:
- Develops and refines ACES science curriculum benchmarked against NGSSs standards.
- Collaborates with ACES team and Administration on curriculum development using the Understanding by Design framework that provides hands-on experiences, inquiry-based instruction, and reflects a continuum of learning from PK3-Grade 5.
- Builds a warm and inclusive classroom environment that supports belonging for all students and includes Responsive Classroom practices that uphold high standards of student behavior during class time inside, and outside in the gardens.
- Works collaboratively with a team to design, organize, and implement cohesive PK3-Grade 5 curriculum using the Understanding by Design framework, that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential.
- Demonstrates expertise in using multiple teaching modes to engage students.
- Collaborates with faculty to support an interdisciplinary experience when appropriate and aligned with curriculum goals.
- Use technology in ways that enrich the instructional experience for students.
- Observes and evaluates each student's development and provide timely feedback to students and their parents/guardians through report cards, phone communication, conferences, and individually written communication as needed.
- Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
- Apply professional growth and learning experiences to enrich classroom instruction.
- Engage in a high level of professionalism with all members of the MCDS community.
- Participate in department, school, divisional, and parent meetings.
- Perform supervisory duties as assigned.
- Have knowledge and ability to care for plants and animals, including taking animals to the vet as needed outside of typical work hours. This includes maintenance of cleaning animal homes, feeding animals, and being available on weekends and school closures as holidays for animal care based on a set schedule.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- BA degree in Environmental Studies or related degree
- 4 years teaching experience with Elementary age students
- Experience teaching Early Childhood
- Experience teaching in an independent school
- Experience using Understanding by Design curriculum framework
- Strong knowledge and understanding of native plants, garden plants, exotic and domesticated animals, and environmental standards.
- Ability to create joyful environmental experiences for PK3-Grade 5 students.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues.
- Work collaboratively with a team to design, organize, and implement cohesive curriculum using the Understanding by Design framework, that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential.
- Communicate effectively verbally, in writing and in person to foster a collegial relationship with all faculty and school personnel involved in care and maintenance of ACES building, gardens, and animal homes.
- Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
- Enthusiastic, flexible, patient, solution-oriented and positive demeanor during times of stress and navigating challenges typical to working with living plants, exotic animals, and in independent school environments.
- A willingness to understand and support the school’s mission and vision, as well as recognize impact of the ACES program as a part of the culture of the school.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of various constituencies within the school community and use interpersonal skills and attitude to deliver an exemplary experience to all students, parents/guardians, and colleagues.
- Desire to engage in continual professional growth and to be a member of a dynamic community of life-long learners at Miami Country Day School.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
- Work in varied and extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat of South Florida
- Adequate physical mobility, dexterity, and strength to participate in school environment and able to ambulate across campus.
Interested candidates should apply here: Lower School Environmental Studies Teacher