Interim 2nd Grade Head Teacher

 We are seeking an Interim Elementary School Head Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year to provide family leave coverage for our 2nd Grade classroom. Contract duration is April 2025 until June 2025 with the option to extend through November 2025. Salary is paid semi-monthly for the duration of the contract. Standard work hours and vacation as per the Faculty/Staff Handbook. 

Reports to: Principal, Newport Campus

The Candidate

You are an experienced teacher with a successful track record teaching elementary students. You bring creativity, excellent relationship skills, and a collaborative approach to your craft. You are passionate about fostering a strong culture of student engagement in learning, in close alignment with our mission. You model a spirit of collaboration and inquiry to inspire students to “explore, question and communicate in ways that will shape the future.” 

You are culturally competent with effective organizational and classroom management skills. You have strong verbal and written communication skills and can develop interpersonal relationships with faculty, parents and students. You are professional and energetic, have a positive attitude and are a self-starter. You enjoy working collaboratively with others in a small community and can instill confidence in the program with parents as required. 

Stevens Cooperative School

Stevens Cooperative School, which was founded in 1949, is the only nonsectarian independent elementary school with campuses in Hoboken and Jersey City. We imagine a world with well-informed, engaged citizens who are motivated to make a difference. In partnership with our diverse faculty, staff, families and the greater community, Stevens Cooperative School students explore, question and communicate in ways that will inspire and shape the future.

Stevens is the oldest parent cooperative school in New Jersey, and an excellent model of progressive education in action. Stevens serves 435 students from PreK 3 through 8th grade, of which 46% are ethnic minorities. Stevens is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and staff body and is eager to consider applications from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create engaging lessons that are developmentally and grade appropriate by utilizing given curricula, combined with interdisciplinary based and experiential learning.
• Have experience and confidence in planning and teaching the language arts, math and social studies scope and sequence with a focus on purpose, audience and relevance
• Motivate and stimulate children's learning abilities through a range of meaningful, exploratory and inquiry-based experiences.
• Cultivate and maintain an inclusive classroom culture that values all voices and appreciates various perspectives 
• Consistently differentiate for individual students based on their unique learning needs: By observing, assessing and investing in student-faculty relationships, develop an understanding of the whole child to determine most effective learnings and instructional strategies 
• Teach with a commitment to social justice and working with a diverse community
• Provide students with opportunities and support in the development of critical thinking, problem solving,and self management skills, encourage risk-taking and the development of leadership qualities
• Teach using technology proficiently (Google Suite and use of Promethean Panels and Chromebooks)
• Assess and maintain written records of individual student development, which includes competency checklist,  narrative comments on reports and leading parent conferences.
• Provide ongoing  student assessments with supports if and when needed to be implemented for students who need scaffolding or students who need a higher level of challenge
• Work collaboratively and creatively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds on pedagogical approaches, curricular alignment and instructional strategies with flexibility and resourcefulness 
• Work closely and collaboratively with the associate teacher to plan and teach the curriculum and  to effectively manage the day to day running of the classroom
• Interact effectively and sensitively with a diverse population of students, faculty and parent/caregiver body
• Communicate with a focus on timely communications with families
• Attend and participate in weekly curriculum planning meetings
• Participate in faculty meetings, parent coffees and additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge, understanding and experience in math, reading, and writing instruction; ability to teach developmentally appropriate concepts around diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as social emotional learning at the elementary level
• Have a passion for teaching and a love for elementary children
• Be knowledgeable about best practices in upper elementary grades
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of subject matter made visible by effective teaching and culturally responsive practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Experience and interest in differentiated instruction and a project-based, constructivist approach to teaching and learning
• Understanding and experience in assessment and data driven instruction
• Highly developed writing and organizational skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong foundation knowledge in child development
• Possess excellent classroom management and restorative justices practices
• Have passion for personal and professional growth
• Undergraduate degree required and completed master’s degree preferred. A teaching certificate or credential or equivalent professional experience which would translate to successful classroom teaching.

•  Arrival by 8:15am
• Attend a selection of weekly faculty meetings, Back to School Night, and formal Parent-Teacher Conferences (in fall and spring)
• Attend start of year and closing faculty meetings 
• Attend grade-related field trips (including overnight trips if applicable) and certain evening events

Salary & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings account match program, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance as well as reimbursements for cell-phone use and for an on-street parking permit in Hoboken.

Stevens Cooperative School

Stevens Cooperative School fosters curiosity, compassion and confidence in students who think deeply, act ethically and lead by example. 

Stevens Cooperative School is the only nonsectarian independent school with campuses in Hoboken and Jersey City. Founded in 1949, Stevens is the oldest parent cooperative school in New Jersey, and an excellent model of progressive education in action. Stevens serves 430 students from PreK 3 through 8th grade, of which 46% are ethnic minorities. Stevens is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and staff body and is eager to consider applications from traditionally underrepresented groups. We are committed to ongoing curricular and pedagogical anti-racist work, and we seek a candidate who shares that commitment and who can contribute to our efforts. We search out opportunities for professional growth and encourage reflection on our own practices.

Stevens does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, or national origin in the administration of its hiring and admission policies, financial aid program, or other school-administered programs.