Head Teacher - Lower School

Head Teacher, 1st GradeStart Date: August 31, 2026Salary: $60,000 - $115,000Schedule:* 10-month position covered by the Professional Employees' Federation (PEF)* Regular schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with one extended day per week until 5:00 PM for section meetingsAbout Bank Street School for ChildrenA leader in progressive education for more than 100 years, the Bank Street School for Children provides students, from nursery through 8th grade, an education that engages their natural curiosity, nurtures critical thinking, and helps to develop a sense of community and social responsibility. Through a teaching approach that is fundamentally hands-on and child-centered, Bank Street students develop the courage and confidence to think independently, work collaboratively, understand themselves and others more deeply, and possess the compassion to make meaning of the world around them.About the PositionThe Bank Street School for Children is seeking a passionate and skilled Head Teacher for 1st Grade. This is a full-time, 10-month position in which the teacher takes primary responsibility for curriculum development, instruction, and assessment across all subject areas, while working closely with an Associate Teacher, subject-area specialists, and families. The Head Teacher will mentor the Associate Teacher and provide guidance for their professional growth. The ideal candidate is collaborative, child-centered, and deeply committed to progressive, equity-focused education with extensive experience teaching at the elementary level.Key ResponsibilitiesTeaching and Curriculum DevelopmentPlan and teach lessons in all subject areas, including math, language arts, social studies, and science, aligned with children's developmental needs and Bank Street's progressive curriculum frameworkDesign culturally responsive, interdisciplinary curriculum with special emphasis on social studies as the core of classroom life and learningApply knowledge of strategy-based literacy and mathematics instruction; use data to differentiate learning for all studentsDesign and maintain a materials-rich classroom environment that reflects the curriculum and the current work of the childrenCreate and prepare materials that serve the curriculumLead engaging morning meetings and community-building practices (e.g., Responsive Classroom) that support the social-emotional development of each childUse a range of instructional technologies to support and enhance student learningStudent Support and AssessmentEnable the social-emotional, physical, and intellectual development of every child as a primary professional responsibilityMeet the needs of the whole class while providing individualized instruction and supportCollaborate with the student learning and support team, which includes learning specialists and a school psychologist, to support students with diverse learning needsWrite two comprehensive narrative reports per year on each student's progress, along with weekly classroom updates to familiesCollaboration with ColleaguesMentor and provide weekly supervisory support to an Associate TeacherServe as cooperating practitioner for graduate students placed in the classroom; plan cooperatively with the classroom team and hold weekly supervisory meetingsMeet with graduate students and their advisor from Graduate Programs three times per semester, depending on their degree programCollaborate with subject-area specialists (art, music, library, shop, P.E./movement, Spanish) to design and implement curriculumParticipate in weekly age-group and all-staff meetings; meet regularly with your division supervisorFamily and Community EngagementHold two formal parent-teacher conferences per year and remain available for additional meetings as neededCommunicate regularly with families about student progress, classroom life, and school eventsWork collaboratively with parents to increase mutual knowledge and understanding of the childrenWelcome daily classroom visitors and observers as part of Bank Street's commitment to open, transparent schoolingServe as a resource for visiting groups as requestedSchool Community ResponsibilitiesFulfill community duties including lunch supervision, recess, arrival and dismissal, early morning care, and bus dutySupport school coverage needs by assisting across the division as neededAssist with event planning, class trips, assemblies, and special programsComplete all required documentation, records, and administrative tasks in a timely mannerContribute to College-wide committee work and divisional and institutional program development and evaluation as appropriatePerform additional duties as assigned by a supervisorQualificationsRequiredMaster's degree in Education or a related fieldExtensive teaching experience at the elementary levelDeep knowledge of and commitment to progressive educationDemonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and social justiceStrong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skillsKnowledge of and experience delivering strategy-based literacy and math instructionSkill in designing data-driven, differentiated instructionExperience developing hands-on, developmentally appropriate curriculumExperience leading morning meetings and building classroom community (e.g., Responsive Classroom)Initiative, creativity, flexibility, and collaborationWarmth, humor, and optimismExperience mentoring or supervising Associate Teachers or student teachersFamiliarity with Bank Street's approach to integrated, child-centered curriculumExperience working with 1st grade students specifically