Corlears School is a small New York City independent school located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The Corlears community values an inquiry-based, constructivist approach to instruction. Teachers at Corlears are responsive to student exploration and serve as guides to students, nurturing the learning process. We are committed to creating an environment and shaping a curriculum that is equitable and inclusive for all. We aim to create a collaborative teaching environment by supporting the partnership of teaching teams. Our small and dynamic professional learning community makes working at Corlears an opportunity for growth. To support our mission and dedication to embrace diversity of social identities among faculty and families, we are eager to meet applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The Corlears Roots program focuses on the growth of toddlers who are building confidence within new environments. By securing trust in themselves and their grown-ups, children develop thecourageto take play-based leaps beyond their comfort zone. Our deliberate and constructed curriculum is developmentally driven and designed to foster independence,responsibility and self-advocacy. Parents and caregivers are supported by our child development-focused educators,compassionatelyguiding toddlers as they form healthy new attachments. By relying on grown-ups beyond their own family members to meet their needs, toddlers form trusting relationships with their teachers. In tandem, toddlers will build security to play with others and develop a sense ofbelongingto a community. This gentle approach paves the way for healthy separation from the child’s primary caregiver and influences their capacity to build friendships with peers. Through a play-based curriculum, sparking theircuriositywith engaging materials, our toddlers will learn skills related to: language, math, science, art, and daily living, while also enhancing fine, gross motor and sensory development. Families enrolled in the Roots program will also have opportunities to learn from expert teachers, coaches and administrators at Corlears through workshops, presentations and play groups.
The Toddlers Associate Teacher is a half day role (8am-1pm), working collaboratively with a Head Teacher.
The successful Toddlers Associate Teacher at Corlears will:
See this role as a possible pathway for gaining the experience toward a head teaching position
Value the school's mission to support students who are economically, racially, and ethnically diverse, as well as those coming from diverse family structures
Value the Corlears School’s social justice initiatives centered in anti-bias teaching goals
Collaborate and plan with the Head Teacher on a consistent basis, sharing some of the teaching responsibilities
Help to design and maintain the instructional space, valuing organization, a sense of peace, and fostering student independence
Possess strategies to meet the emotional and physical needs of young children recognizing each is at a various point in development
Assist with the overall management and functioning of the classroom including (i.e. diapering/toileting, handwashing, snack/meal assistance, lunch/recess support)
Actively engage in ongoing professional growth and cultural competency
Develop comfort in partnering and communicating with families
Possess effective interpersonal communication skills
Reflect on teaching practices, in partnership with administration and faculty, and make adjustments as needed
Possess flexibility to work from home, utilizing internet and technology, when the school building is not accessible
Qualifications:
Previous experience supervising and supporting young children
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience
Track record of planning and organization
Evidence of responding to young children in a developmentally appropriate manner
Corlears, a small, independent, progressive school located in the lively Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, is dedicated to the education of young children through the elementary grades. We seek to cultivate joy in learning through active investigation of integrated curricular themes.
Daily practice at Corlears is based on the belief that educating students to be well informed, socially engaged, critical thinkers is essential in order to sustain a healthy democracy. We have intentionally created an intimate environment, well suited to the needs of children through the elementary years, where students can easily navigate both the physical space and social networks of the community. We seek to create an economically and culturally diverse community that reflects our immediate neighborhood and reaches into the city beyond.
