Sunnybeam School, a historic preschool on Mercer Island that nurtures children individually while building community and preparing them for their next steps, is looking for a kind and caring teacher to join our teaching team beginning immediately. The ideal candidate will have teaching experience or a strong desire to learn from seasoned teachers and a true love for 3-5 year olds. Led by an experienced Lead Teacher, the Sunnybeam teaching team works cohesively to keep the classroom on pace with the daily schedule while maintaining a calm, positive and fun atmosphere. Our team teaching environment allows for all teachers to share leading and planning opportunities and responsibilities.
This position requires a positive attitude, creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how to best engage and teach preschool children. At Sunnybeam, you will be a valued member of a team of teaching professionals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community every day.
Essential Functions:
-Ensure that the physical, social and emotional needs of the children are met daily.
-Engage with all children throughout the day in conversation, looking for opportunities to expand learning and take advantage of teachable moments.
-Interact with each child respectfully at all times. Promote positive social skills and redirect inappropriate behaviors using positive discipline techniques.
-Demonstrate acute awareness of the entire group whether working with a small group or individuals.
-In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, prepare and implement classroom lesson plans, instructional aids and/or materials for classroom activities.
-Create activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children.
-Prepare and maintain a warm and safe environment that is orderly, clean and appealing to encourage the children to grow and explore.
-Ensure that all classroom and outdoor equipment are in good working condition and are used and maintained properly.
-Create positive relationships with parents/guardians, share anecdotes about children’s days. Be able to listen to parent concerns in a supportive, respectful and confidential manner, and direct them to the Lead Teacher to address.
-Attend and participate in staff meetings, Sunnybeam events and parent meetings, as requested.
Other Requirements
-Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
-Respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.
-Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
-Effective and positive communication
-Reliable and punctual.
-A willingness to learn by observing, listening and constructive feedback
-Strong situational awareness with multiple children in a classroom or playground
-A positive, warm, happy, fun energy and personality
-Creativity, artistic and singing ability/interest a plus
-Ability to stand for multiple hours and bend to be on a child's level.
-Ability/interest in helping with classroom set-up including occasionally moving furniture, carrying items to and from -storage and assisting with bulletin boards, hanging art and other decorative tasks.
-A keen appreciation for our historic school, 100-year old schoolhouse and our traditions, philosophy and culture
Education / Knowledge
-Previous experience working with children.
-Previous experience in a preschool setting is preferred.
-CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain certification
Position Schedule & Details
Our school is open Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30-3:30pm and follows the Mercer Island School District calendar. Position is to work all mornings and afternoons with additional planning and prep time, 35-38 hours/week.
For more information on Sunnybeam School please visit www.sunnybeamschool.org.
