Laboratory Schools: Assistant Teacher, Early Childhood

About the role

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Understand the developmental considerations, phases and patterns of growth of young children.
• Build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of respect and belonging.
• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision during all activities.
• Support the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and stimulates each child’s individual development.
• Absorb and implement stimulating lesson plans promoting exploration, creativity, and discovery.
• Attend all required training, supervisory meetings and other professional development workshops.
• Engage in reflective supervision with the lead teacher.
• Participate in parent/teacher conferences, back to school night and parent meetings both during regular working hours and, at times, before and after regular working hours.
• Work cooperatively with other teachers, counselors and administrators.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter is preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development is preferred.
• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools preferred.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• Ability to manage stressful situations required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling software, etc.) required.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Education, Experience, Certifications

• Associate's degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Prior early childhood teaching experience preferred.