Assistant Afternoon Teacher

Noe Valley Nursery School (NVNS) is seeking a new Teacher to support our small preschool in a. part-time play-based afternoon program. Join our loving, learning community that is supportive of your growth and values your leadership. We are seeking someone with creativity and a passion for child-centered, play-based and project-based education. A strong love for nature-based learning and community building is important. NVNS has operated as a parent cooperative and maintained a commitment to play-based learning for going on 55 years.

The Assistant Afternoon Teacher will assist the Lead Afternoon Teacher and Director in designing and implementing curriculum and provide a healthy and stimulating environment for children to develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. NVNS promotes child-centered activities, hands-on exploration of the physical environment and many opportunities to build social relationships with peers and adults. Children at NVNS learn how to pursue their own interests, discover new passions, respect others, and have fun!

NVNS is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, democratic organization where each family participates in the planning, fundraising, and operation of the school. Parents participate in the daily morning program by serving as assistants to the Director and Teacher. The afternoon program is run by the Lead Afternoon Teacher, the Assistant Afternoon Teacher, and overseen by the Director.

Teaching at NVNS is a collaborative experience, where our educators draw on one another’s strengths to create an environment for students that is both nurturing and safe, but also filled with opportunities for growth, adventure, and self-determination. NVNS is located in the Christopher Playground Clubhouse in San Francisco, adjacent to Glen Canyon and a community garden. This location provides our children with a range of indoor and outdoor activities. The afternoon program is comprised of two Teachers, and a maximum of 10 children to create an adult-to-child ratio of 1:5.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pedagogy:

• Support the Lead Afternoon Teacher and Director in designing and implementing the. curriculum of NVNS.
• Help the Lead Afternoon Teacher manage the daily activities of the afternoon program.
• Incorporate elements of play-based education into all endeavors.
• Assist children at their own developmental level to enhance social, emotional, and cognitive growth and adjust to the program and to their peers.
• Respond appropriately to conflict with clear, consistent, and age-appropriate strategies.
• Work closely with the Lead Afternoon Teacher and Director to guide instruction, while maintaining a collaborative and flexible disposition.

Community Support and Communication:

• Support the growth and healthy development of the NVNS diverse parent community.
• Engage in email communication in a timely manner.

Professional Development & Support:

• Stay informed about current early childhood education research.
• Choose professional development events to attend funded by NVNS.

Time Commitment:

• Total Average Weekly Time commitment: 12-16 hours during the school year. *Note that NVNS follows the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) academic calendar.
• School year runs from August 1, 2024 to June 4, 2025. This includes planning, orientation, transition week, in-service days, and all regular school days.
• Summer school at NVNS often runs in June and July. Availability to work summer school strongly preferred.
• On site time commitment: Monday – Thursday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
• Email correspondence and planning off site as needed.
• In-person meetings (with Director, Lead Afternoon Teacher, Board members, current or prospective parents) conducted as necessary for up to 30 min.
• Summer: Teacher shall be available via email over the summer as needed.
• Special Events: attend NVNS community events whenever possible.
• Holidays: NVNS follows the SFUSD calendar with the same school holidays, including Summer Break, Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Optional: June-July summer program (with additional compensation).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• 4 year college degree, or working towards, with 6 hours of credits going toward Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• A current and valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• A Child Development Associate Teacher Permit, Child Development Teacher Permit, or a Child Development Master Teacher Permit.
• Strong knowledge of child development and a passion to grow in the field.
• Strong connection with child-centered, play-based philosophy, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
• Ability to lead, relate to and empathize with children, parents, and co-workers.

Preferred

• Twelve post-secondary semester units in Early Childhood Education or child development.
• 5+ years experience working in Early Childhood Education.
• Enjoys nature-based education.
• Experience building community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and time management skills.
• Experience teaching English Language Learners and/or multiple language skills.
• Proficiency in a musical or artistic field.