Elementary School Teacher

Pilgrim School in Los Angeles, California, is seeking a dynamic, experienced, credentialed elementary teacher who will bring a joy for learning into our classrooms.  We are looking for a diverse educator; someone who is interested in engaging children and immersing them in the wonder of learning.  This high energy, uber-talented individual will work with young children who are eager to explore and create.  

About Pilgrim School: Pilgrim School, founded in 1958, is a mastery-based, college preparatory school in the heart of Los Angeles with a diverse community from Early Education through 12th grade.   

Through our Purpose, Core Values, and Principles of Learning, we affirm our commitment to the role of school as a vehicle for positive change in our world.  As we nurture students in their personal growth from toddlers through teenagers, our core identity and beliefs proactively guide us in ensuring that our students have what they need to thrive in our ever-changing world.

Our Purpose

To guide students so that they are prepared to make positive and transformational change in our world.  

Core Values

• Individuality and Community - We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, and expect that every individual is working towards the betterment of our community.

• Kindness - We demonstrate kindness and respect for each other and ourselves.

• Inclusion - We welcome all individuals in our community while celebrating differences and seeking understanding and belonging.

• Service - We commit ourselves to act in the service and support of others.

• Innovation - We focus on the future and how we can improve and make positive changes in our community and beyond.

• Play - We embrace play as a fundamental part of learning.

Summary of the Position:  At Pilgrim School, the success of our students is directly connected to the success of our teachers.  As such, the Elementary Classroom Teacher is responsible for the cognitive development, physical development and social-emotional growth of the students at our school.  The teacher is part of a team and must be able to work collaboratively with others to plan and implement age-appropriate lessons, use a standards based grading system, and implement curriculum as established by the school, state, and nation.  Elementary Teachers are part of the larger Pilgrim School Community and are expected to participate in school events as proposed by the Director of the program.  Communication with parents, too, is an integral part of the job and this individual must be willing to communicate directly, honestly, and frequently.

Immediate Supervisor: Elementary Division head

Salary Range: $50,000-$75,000

Requirements:  

• BA or BS required, higher education is always welcome

• Teaching Credential and minimum of 3 years of classroom experience. First year teachers are welcome to apply.

• Fully vaccinated (Required by Pilgrim School)

• Experience working with children in a teaching/learning environment

• Experience in Independent Schools (No Independent School experience will be considered).

• Familiarity with mastery based learning and grading (willing to train)

• Strong communication skills

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Duties and Responsibilities of an Elementary School Teacher include but are not limited to:

Classroom Management

• Ensure lesson plans are engaging and active which supports a positive classroom management program.

• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.

• Resolving Conflicts between students by addressing complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances. 

Planning & Teaching

• Instruct students individually and in groups.

• Collaborate with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.

• Create differentiated learning opportunities and work with Student Services Coordinator for children with individualized learning plans.

• Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement instruction and student engagement. 

• Use formative and summative assessments in order to evaluate and report on student progress throughout the school year.

• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.

Professional Development

• Participation in weekly Professional Learning Community activities

• Desire to grow professionally

• Willingness to be observed by Division Head and co-workers during the year and receive feedback; willing to do the same for others.

Communication

• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems and children's progress.

• Maintain ongoing, dated documentation on students where appropriate.

• Communicate with Division Head about concerns relating to interpersonal relationships, teaching challenges 

Required Skills 

• Learning Strategies -- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

• Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Time Management -- Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. 

• Technology -- ability to use technological tools to enhance student learning and communicate with parents, ie newsletters, etc.

• English Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.  Familiarity or desire to learn instructional methods of Reading & Writing Workshop by Lucy Calkins.

References

• Candidates advancing to demonstration teaching round during the interview process will be required to provide two or three professional references

Full Time Position, Excellent Benefits, Sick Days, Personal Days, Retirement Program, Free Hot Lunch 3 times a week

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae to:

Kathie Shorkey

Assistant to the Director

kshorkey@pilgrim-school.org

Pilgrim School is an equal opportunity employer. www.pilgrim-school.org