Are you the type of teacher who wants to connect deeply with your students and the
subject matter, who is excited by experiential learning opportunities in a small school
environment? Gardner School is looking for dedicated and creative educators to join our
dynamic staff and help move the school forward as a leader in progressive education in
Clark County. Gardner is a place where creativity, connection, curiosity, and courage are
celebrated, and where learning is ongoing for students and staff.
What makes Gardner a unique place to work?
- A legacy going back to 1995, when we were founded on the tenets of progressive
education, with a focus on Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
- Our values as a school influence all decisions we make, and our team strives to make
the work environment productive, collaborative, and kind.
- Teachers create engaging, integrated learning opportunities connecting students with
art, science, movement, language, music, and nature. Class sizes are small at Gardner,
under 18 students, so teachers get to focus on building strong relationships and
meeting student needs.
- Our teachers are known for being collaborative and collegial, and pursue professional
development to grow in skills and knowledge. A growth mindset is valued at Gardner.
- Our small administrative team is passionate about the work we do at Gardner, and our
teachers are supported through collaborative conversations focused on professional
growth and student success. We are committed to creating a workplace that is
inclusive, diverse, equitable, and sustainable for teachers.
- Our curriculum approach allows teachers to tailor learning opportunities to the needs
of their students. Following our core standards and best practices, teachers can utilize
innovative approaches to ignite curiosity and deepen student learning.
- Our 5 acre campus is situated near the WSU-V campus, allowing for hiking and nature
opportunities on their trail system. Our wetlands and school garden provide
opportunities for teachers to use the natural world in their lesson design.
- Benefits for full time employees (1.0 FTE) may include 100% medical coverage, 50%
dental coverage, up to 3% matching retirement, and 10 days of paid time off annually.
Position Summary:
Our Elementary Homeroom Teachers work together with parents, students, other staff,
and administration to create a learning environment that supports student growth in both
academics and social-emotional skills. Importantly, an Elementary Homeroom teacher at
Gardner brings curiosity, creativity, joy, and humor to our community, demonstrating an
appreciation for the same qualities in our students. The ideal candidate is someone who
sees value in being part of a team, and who wants to create and innovate in their classroom
curriculum approach. Play and experiential learning, both on our campus and beyond, are
important aspects of our learning community. The ideal teacher can differentiate and
individualize instruction in ways that maximize student engagement and achievement, and
guide their class through long-range thematic learning experiences and culminating
projects and presentations.
Responsibilities:
- Teach classes as assigned, providing effective and professional classroom
instruction, assessment, and management. Incorporate tenets of progressive
education, including experiential learning, and a whole-child approach. Help to
maintain school policies, regulations, and expectations, and complete required
forms and assessments in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and on enhancing
instructional practices and strategies. Integrate experiences and projects between
homeroom classroom and specialist classrooms. Exhibit a growth mindset about
teaching practices and work toward professional goals and development.
- Establish effective communications and relationships with students and parents.
Develop and maintain professional, collaborative, and collegial relationships with
faculty and staff, as well as with community partners. Our school has some evening
and weekend events that staff are expected to participate in for admissions and
development activities. As a small school, teachers support the work across all grade
levels through supervision and engagement at those activities.
- Provide effective supervision of students to promote a safe and healthy environment
and school experience, both on campus and off campus. Teachers are expected (but
not required) to travel with students on various experiential activities throughout
the year, including potential trips out-of-state and overnights. Gardner does not
have school-provided transportation, so duties may include transporting students
or riding with parents and chaperones in personal vehicles.
- Opportunities to teach summer camps (not required) for additional pay beyond the
10 month salary.
- Support the needs of the entire school community through various supervision and
community outreach duties as assigned, including creating plans for at least one
weekend event per year.
Qualifications:
- Earned bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a related field from an
accredited institution. Advanced degree in education or related field preferred.
- Experience with the Bridges Math curriculum, Reading A-Z, Handwriting Without
Tears, and thematic instruction, and multiple intelligences appreciated, but not
required.
- Ability to create, review, and modify effective lesson and unit plans with built-in
formative and summative assessments. Capacity to review and adjust plans as the
various learning needs arise.
- Willingness to work with staff and administrators to reflect on processes,
collaborate to plan and execute lessons, and to participate in constructive
conversations about feedback from that work.
- Can navigate verbal, digital, and written communication with administrators, staff,
parents, and students to effectively communicate and work through challenges.
Curious and kind in communication, showing care and openness to various cultures,
experiences, and responses.
- Able to meet physical requirements consistent with light physical duties required of
teachers generally combined with more strenuous physical duties consistent with
place-based experiential learning and student trips off campus.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Faculty members are at all times responsible for the
supervision of students in their care during classes and for students generally at all times
when on campus or off campus during school activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a 10-month faculty position that follows an academic
year. There are some required commitments outside of regular school hours, including
evening and weekend commitments. Teachers are expected to travel with students on
various experiential activities throughout the year, including trips out-of-state.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical requirements are consistent with light physical duties
required of teachers generally combined with more strenuous physical duties consistent
with place-based experiential learning and student trips off campus.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Salary: $38,000 - $50,000 (10 months paid over 12)
Position Classification: Salaried Exempt (teacher)
Hours: Full time
Benefits: All full time positions qualify for Medical, Dental, and Vision at 100% employer
paid. All positions also qualify for participation in a Simple IRA (up to 3% employer match)
and paid time off.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, please reply and submit a resume and introductory letter
expressing your interest in teaching or working at Gardner School of Arts & Sciences.
It is the policy of Gardner School to maintain a working environment free of all forms of unlawful discrimination.
Gardner School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation including gender
expression or identity, religion and national or ethnic origin, age, or disability in the administration of educational
policies, employment practices or any other school-administered policies or practices.