Fourth Grade Teacher

Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher

Berkshire Country Day School, Stockbridge, MA

Start Date: August 2024

Status: Full-Time

Berkshire Country Day School seeks a Fourth Grade teacher for the school year. The successful candidate must understand the age group, be able to work cooperatively with other teachers, be competent in language arts, mathematics and social studies instruction. The fourth grade teacher will also be expected to use parts of the Responsive Classroom method for morning meetings, social emotional learning, and conflict resolution.

Berkshire Country Day School's intentional approach of inquiry, discovery, and discussion, blends proven methods with emerging best practices to draw fully on the experiences and contributions of our entire school community. Our comprehensive curriculum leverages the talents of our educators and the natural resources of our extraordinary campus to inspire independence, academic excellence, and mutual respect. Students are challenged to think deeply about concepts and ideas, make learning personal and relevant, ask questions, and look for broader truths and understanding.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate an inclusive and equitable, student-centered approach to teaching and learning, skilled in differentiation, classroom management, and assessment. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy, and a firm grounding in best practices. The successful candidate will be part of a close-knit teaching and learning community. A high degree of teamwork, collaboration, and communication are a must; a sense of humor is appreciated. Berkshire Country Day values high initiative, collaboration, creativity, and flexibility. This position reports to the Associate Head of School.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Create an environment that fosters open discussion with the freedom to express varied points of view
• Establish and enact community norms with students, using a positive approach to classroom management
• Have a successful track record and proven ability in planning and executing instruction and engagement of elementary students
• Develop and implement curriculum plans for writing, reading, word study, and social studies
• Demonstrate skill in differentiating among students with clear methods to provide appropriate challenges and support.
• Communicate effectively, with students, parents/guardians, and co-workers
• Use differentiated instruction to teach students and manage the classroom in concert with school philosophy
• Be able to showcase innovation in all classroom practices, both with and without the inclusion of a variety of technologies.
• Collaborate with other lower school teachers, educators, and specialist teachers to develop curriculum, plan trips and special projects, and solve problems.
• Help children with organization, problem-solving, and conflict resolution to support individual needs
• Communicate proactively and consistently with students, families, faculty and administrators regarding student growth and development via formal and informal conferences, written reports, emails, and classroom updates. Respond to parent inquiries promptly and appropriately
• Attend required in-service days, faculty meetings, admissions open houses, back-to-school night, parent conferences, and training sessions as designated and supervise third grade students outside the classroom as assigned (recess, lunch, etc.)
• Complete all grading, comments and notes on a timely basis
• Adhere to guidelines, procedures, and policies in the Employee Handbook Successful candidates will have:
  • Teaching experience at the Lower (Elementary) School level
  • Understanding of child development and fondness for the mercurial nature of lower school students
  • Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning in a dynamic school community
  • Ability to work in a collegial and highly collaborative environment
  • A growth mindset, creative approach, and excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Training, demonstrated professional development, or certification in teaching and learning
  • Demonstrated commitment to anti-bias education and diversity, equity, and inclusion work Community and Professional Life

    We are not only a school, we are a community. Feeling supported in your professional development and personal growth and well-being is one of the greatest benefits we offer our faculty and staff. Of course, we provide traditional and non-traditional benefits including:

    ? A beautiful campus, set on 26 acres including a pond and trails, located across the street from the Stockbridge Bowl

    ? Tuition remission for children of full-time employees

    ? Full portfolio of employee benefits including:

    ? 403(b)

    ? 403(b) matching if currently enrolled in a plan

    ? Disability insurance

    ? Flexible spending account

    ? Health insurance

    ? Life insurance

    ? Professional development assistance

    Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter explaining why they would be a good match for this position. Submit to Kate Hillman, ), Associate Head of School.