Class Teacher

**Overview**

Learning is not a solo endeavor. Learning thrives in the creation of a meaningful and trusting relationship between teacher, student and family and when done well builds upon the knowledge of the past, draws upon the foundations we build in the present and unlocks our ability to envision the possibilities awaiting us in the future.

The learning approach embraced at the CHI St. Joseph Children's Health at our St. John Neumann School for Children and families infuses elements of our past - the concepts of a Waldorf-inspired education and the universal tenets of Catholic Social Teaching - with foundational beliefs in strong families and meaningful relationships between students and teachers to create a unique educational experience that unlocks the individual and collective potential of our students, our faculty, our families and our community.

Our kindergarten and prep 3-4 program exemplifies this approach. The curriculum offers children a unique mixed age curriculum that meets the students where they are developmentally while embracing the children's love of discovery, desire for connection and natural curiosity to create a unique and loving experience for each child and their family.

A part of CHI St. Joseph Children's Health vision for the Franciscan School System - a six-week to twelfth grade educational journey open to all, the Kindergarten and Prep 3-4 programs are located in our St. John Neumann School for Children and Families. The school sits in the heart of Columbia, Pennsylvania - and strives to unleash the potential and power within children (and their families) in the Lancaster Community.

The Class Teacher and their co-teacher will shepherd a class of fourteen to sixteen energetic children along their life and learning journeys as a part of our Waldorf-inspired nursery and early learning center.

CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health is dedicated to improving the health of children and families by improving access linking families to care coordinating health-related services and providing clinical programs while serving as a leading voice in collaborative efforts to improve the health and well-being of the Lancaster PA community.

Every child has a unique health journey; the goal of CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health is to serve as a supportive voice and companion for children and families along their path to growing up healthy and happy.

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. & from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

**Responsibilities**

As a Class Teacher responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

- Planning, preparing and delivering lesson plans, special activities and engagements that facilitate child growth, development and exploration consistent with the philosophies and objectives of the St. John Neumann School for Children and Families.
- Cultivating, preparing and maintaining a safe, healthy, inviting, nurturing and engaging environment for all children, families, and colleagues.
- Maintaining positive and proactive approaches to discipline and student behavior in accordance with the behavior policy and procedure plans and mindful philosophies endorsed by CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health and the St. John Neumann School for Children and Families.
- Maintaining and regularly communicating accurate and complete records to students, colleagues and parents regarding students' progress, development, and needs.
- Updating all necessary records accurately and completely on students and activities as required by laws, policies and school regulations.
- Collaborating with colleagues to best support the child and family.
- Engaging in school and parent meetings and special events.
- Encouraging parent and community involvement

**Qualifications**

Qualifications and Skills:

- B.A/B.S degree in early childhood education / teaching from an accredited institution
- Pennsylvania State certification in early childhood education / teaching preferred.
- Prior experience in a Waldorf / Waldorf-inspired program preferred but not required.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Creative in their approach to their job.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities
- Demonstrate an understanding of inquiry and play-based learning models.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and social barriers that can exist wh