Job Description

LOWER SCHOOL LEAD TEACHER

ABOUT US:

Aurora School is an independent K-8 school that combines challenging academics, multi-grade classrooms, (K/1, 2/3, and 4/5) differentiated instruction, and a keen awareness of student’s social and emotional development. A leader in progressive education since 1988, our mission is to nurture students’ love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement. We foster students’ development into self-aware, confident lifelong learners and leaders who step up to advocate for themselves and others throughout school, in our Oakland community, and the world at large. Our talented staff provides a safe learning atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom to every aspect of the school. The result is that Aurora graduates have a strong foundation for social and academic success in high school and beyond.

We seek culturally competent Lead Teachers to work with our dedicated, diverse, and supportive community. We are committed to hiring talented staff who reflect the diversity of the communities and audiences. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to considering applicants regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Position Status : Full-Time

Reports to: Head of School

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Knowledge of Progressive Education principles and practices

· 3-5 years of teaching experience with both onsite and remote teaching

· Teaching credential preferred

· Bachelor’s degree required

· A graduate degree or degree in progress related to education is preferred

· Experienced planning and implementing integrated curricula

· Experience using technology to support teaching and learning

· Commitment to academic excellence and culturally responsive teaching

· Open and motivated to work collaboratively

· Understanding of child growth, development, and social needs

· Strong communication and organizational skills

· Strong commitment to working in a diverse, multicultural community

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Teachers instruct in language arts, math,social studies, social justice, and science. Depending upon class size, classrooms have either a full- or part-time Teaching Assistant in addition to the Lead Teacher.

Curriculum:

· Coordinate with the Head of School, Lead Teacher peers, and Teaching Assistant to implement an appropriate curriculum consistent with the Aurora philosophy and goals, including instruction of small and large groups of students and regular assessments and evaluations of students.

Classroom environment:

· Set up a classroom for onsite and remote learners.

· Keep the classroom clean, safe, and uncluttered throughout the year.

· Organize materials at the end of the year for summer storage.

· Report any classroom maintenance problems to the appropriate staff person.

· Help maintain the common areas of the school.

· Demonstrate effective classroom management and record-keeping techniques.

Meetings and Committees:

· Attend meetings and staff in-service days; rotate chairing and recording at these meetings.

· Act as an educational staff representative to one school committee, as determined annually during August planning sessions.

Communication with Families:

· Recognize and respect the primary role of the parents in the education of their children. Work to facilitate parent involvement and respond to communications initiated by parents/guardians within 72 hours and be responsive to any concerns expressed.

· Notify parents in case of child illness/injury/behavior problems per Aurora Behavior and Communication Policies.

· Hold formal parent/teacher conferences twice a year for each student, as well as other conferences that may be necessary throughout the year.

· Write twice-yearly progress reports for each child.

· Write and distribute class newsletter (Grades K-1 weekly; Grades 2-5 every other week).

· Maintain and encourage open communication with parents, and communicate any feedback received as necessary.

· Work to help parents understand Aurora’s philosophy of learning and how day-to-day teaching strategies and curricula are aligned with the school mission.

Field trips:

· Implement and safely carry out class field trips to support learning as related to the curriculum.

· Notify the administration in advance of any trips planned, including any materials and registration needed and possible scheduling conflicts.

After-hours school-wide events attendance:

· Back-to-School Night (fall)

· Tinker Faire (Saturday afternoon in the fall)

· Admissions Events (1-2 Saturday mornings)

· Assigned Class Performance

· 2 Saturday Assessments 

Substitutes:

· Plan lessons and extensions for substitutes.

· Procuring your substitute from our substitute list or Teachers on Reserve.

Miscellaneous:

· Actively engage with each student in a manner that fosters a positive self-concept, enjoyment and development of academic competency, and a feeling of respect for themselves, the Aurora community, and beyond.

· Ensure that teaching style, curricula, and interactions with students, parents, staff, and teachers reflect Aurora’s mission and core values.

· Make appropriate referrals for the benefit of the student, if in-class instruction does not meet their needs.

· Be responsible for the safety of all children when supervising on schoolyard at recess and lunch. This includes, but is not limited to, consistent monitoring, disciplining, and/or facilitating conflict resolution for behaviors such as the use of inappropriate language, teasing, physical aggression, and exclusion.

· Assess and evaluate prospective students.

· Supervise and monitor parent volunteers.

· Interact with all staff as equal and respected partners.

· Participate in the interview process for selecting new staff as needed.

· Accept accountability and professional evaluation of performance and respond to feedback positively and professionally.

· Exhibit professional standards of attendance, punctuality, grooming, language, preparation, and relationship with students.

· Notify the office when leaving the school grounds, with or without a class, during school hours.

· Read the Staff/Faculty Handbook in its entirety and submit a signed Acknowledgement of Staff Handbook Understanding form.

· Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $60,000-$130,000.   Commensurate with experience and credentials.

TO APPLY:  Please submit your cover letter and resume to the attention of Abbie Koss, Head of School at abbie@auroraschool.org. 

The position begins in August 2025 No phone calls, please. For more information, please visit:  

EEO Policy:  Aurora School is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, or any other unlawful consideration.

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