Position: Junior Kindergarten 3 Assistant Teacher
Reports to: Lower School Director

Job Summary
CIS is a college-preparatory, independent school with a rich history of whole-child education and
an emphasis on global perspectives. The focus of the curriculum is to provide an individualized
educational experience for each student and to foster the pursuit of excellence and joy in learning and living. Class sizes are intentionally small to facilitate high quality teaching and mentorship.
As a member of the Lower School Division, Junior Kindergarten assistant teachers are to assist in
educating, care for, and inspire the young minds. Using a variety of teaching methods, including
artistic expression, educational play, and storytelling, while providing them with foundational life
skills and preparing them for the next stage of formal education. Additionally, teachers will
support the social, emotional, and character development of each student in his/her class.

Columbia, Missouri
CIS is a growing school of 450, JK 3-12, located in a mid-sized city halfway between the major
metropolitan areas of St. Louis and Kansas City. Columbia is home to the flagship University of
Missouri, and so offers all the amenities of a college town—and a populace that values education,
cultural opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and collegiate athletics. Outdoor opportunities
abound in the area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
? Help classroom teacher teach our lower school curriculum to students in Junior
Kindergarten 3
? Create opportunities for students to understand themselves and others as both individuals
and members of a larger community
? Collaborate with grade level teachers to establish continuity with the curriculum and
primary grade level experiences
? Attend faculty, divisional, and in-service meetings as scheduled
? Support the mission of the school through teaching, advising, and participating as a
member of the faculty

Other Duties
? Supervise before school, recess, lunch, and dismissal activities
? Attend school related functions, when appropriate, in support of students
? Attend professional development opportunities
? Model life-long learning through personal and professional growth

Qualifications
? Bachelor’s degree preferred
? Minimum of 2-5 years experience working with young children.
? Demonstrated passion for working with preschool age children and an understanding of
the developmental needs of the age group
? Highly skilled preschool teacher with classroom management techniques (include any
experience with Responsive Classroom)
? Commitment to the success of every student
? Proven collaborator and team member
? Innovative and optimistic thinker
? Life-long learner with a growth mindset

How to Apply
Interested candidates for the 2025-2026 school year should submit the following to
resumes@cislions.org: Letter of Interest, Statement of Educational Philosophy, and Resumé/CV.

About Columbia Independent School

Columbia Independent School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 378 students in junior kindergarten through grade twelve, located in mid-Missouri near the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College. Founded in 1998, CIS seeks to foster superior academic, artistic, athletic, and social growth for each of its students. Students come from a variety of socio-economic, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds from Columbia and the surrounding area, as well as foreign countries. Columbia Independent School is a member of National Association of Independent Schools, ISACS, National Association for College Admission Counseling, The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, and National Honor Society. Columbia Independent School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Connections working at Columbia Independent School