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.
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.