Boston Pre-K Classroom Educator Partner (Coach)

Position Overview

Ellis is seeking a Classroom Educator Partner (CEP) to join our team to advance educator development, support instructional quality, and foster best-in-class learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Partner with educators to implement high-quality, equitable, and innovative teaching methods aligned with Ellis's mission and priorities, emphasizing cultural humility.
• Spend approximately 80% of time in classrooms providing on-site coaching, modeling instructional strategies, and offering real-time feedback to teachers.
• Role model effective teaching practices by demonstrating curriculum-aligned activities, and co-teaching when appropriate.
• Support inclusive, equitable, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Conduct regular one-on-one and small group sessions with educators to engage in reflective practice, discuss classroom strategies, curriculum planning, address challenges, and identify growth opportunities.
• Build trusting relationships with teachers, acting as an ally in their professional journey and fostering an environment of open communication and shared goals.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team with other professionals (educators, childhood mental health consultants/providers, social workers, etc.) to ensure comprehensive support for teachers.
• Create individualized development plans aligned with their specific classroom contexts and professional goals.
• Help educators create classroom environments that promote child well-being, foster social-emotional learning, and encourage positive behavior.
• Provide coaching on managing challenging behaviors that are challenging in the classroom, using evidence-based and practice-informed strategies, to support social-emotional development and relational health.
• Engage in continuous professional development to deepen expertise in teaching, classroom management, and early relational health.
• Participate in weekly group sessions with other CEPs and CoE colleagues to reflect on and share best practices, collaborate on challenges, and codify and document learning.
• Receive specialized training in teaching methods and early childhood mental and behavioral health strategies to enhance skills and build a shared language among CEPs and educators.
• Communicate with BPS coach about scheduled visits for each classroom.
• Schedule time to observe and/or meet with BPS coach & team when coach is on site.
• Meet with BPS coach periodically to check in about team goals, strategies, and challenges.
• Communicate with BPS support staff (i.e. Behavioral Health Team) and attend meetings when appropriate.
• Attend BPS trainings and internal coaching series during the first year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a coaching, mentoring, or instructional support role.
• Deep knowledge of early childhood teaching methods, child development, and culturally responsive practices.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with educators and other professionals.
• Ability to navigate and manage mental/behavioral health challenges within an educational setting with sensitivity and effectiveness.
• Demonstrated skills in classroom observation, feedback, and modeling best practices in an early education context.
• Deep commitment to advancing equity in early childhood education, with a passion for supporting the success and growth of early childhood educators.
• Passion for building something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking initiative in a dynamic environment.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

Why Ellis?

At Ellis, you will be part of an organization dedicated to creating high-quality learning environments where every child can thrive, and every educator can flourish. We value diversity, inclusion, and innovative approaches to early childhood education.

Ellis offers a competitive salary and benefits package—including vacation and sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance—along with opportunities for professional growth and making a lasting impact on children, families, and educators in the Boston area.

How to Apply?

If you are passionate about supporting educators in delivering high-quality early education, please send a cover letter and résumé detailing your experience and qualifications to hr@ellisearlylearning.org.