ELC Teacher

Overview

The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our High School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in conjunction with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research and sustainable development at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, our research, and innovation hub. We are reimagining what education is for, and redesigning how education is delivered.

Job Summary

The Elementary Learning Center is a small yet unique school, consisting of 24 students between the ages of 3-11 years old, kindergarten to grade 6. Our student population consists of a mix between Island School Staff children, local Bahamian families, and Expat families. The Elementary Learning Center teachers use an inquiry-based approach to actively engage students in purposeful, meaningful, and authentic learning. Both the process and outcomes of learning are valued for their contributions to developing deep understanding and critical thinking. Students are actively involved in the entire learning process as individuals and by working collaboratively. Teachers use students’ interests and curiosities to guide the creation of the units of inquiry and to facilitate the inquiry process of questioning, exploration, research, creation, presentation about their learning, and reflection on the process.

The ELC Teacher provides teaching support to the Lead Teacher and ensures the delivery of an exceptional educational experience, which takes advantage of our unique setting and community resources.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Lead teacher and with teaching assistant(s) to plan and facilitate the delivery of the educational experience for ELC students

• Apply an understanding of multi-age, inquiry-based educational approaches, including Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio-inspired pedagogies

• Support the design and delivery of units and lessons for students according to students’ unique developmental and educational needs that are in line with the developmental milestones in:

• • Numeracy,
  • Literacy,
  • Inquiry,
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and
  • The Arts

• Confidence in a variety of teaching techniques such as differentiated instruction, universal design of learning, and place-based learning.

• Demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and reliability in all aspects of school life

• Effectively communicate with, engage parents in their child’s education, and provide written, artifact driven and verbal summaries of student progress on a consistent basis

• Form good teacher/student relationships based on mutual respect

• Create and maintain an indoor-outdoor classroom environment that is clean, safe, stimulating, and functional

• Maintain a joyful, productive and respectful school culture, employing positive behavior support

• Work collaboratively with all members of staff in an atmosphere of mutual support and communication

• Responsible for the management, support and mentoring of teaching assistants, volunteers, and interns and encouraging professional development opportunities

• Foster positive and effective relationships with parents and engage them in their child's learning and development. Provide meaningful ways for parents to contribute to the school experience

• Support relationships and collaborate with staff across campus to support educational opportunities for ELC students and enhance the integrated learning model of our whole community

Skills & Qualifications

Those who join our high-functioning team will be committed to achieving the goals of The Island School with everyone in our community. We are an equal opportunity employer and especially encourage applications from Bahamians.

Required

• Degree and / or certificate in Education or significant experience is highly valued
• Experience teaching early childhood and elementary students at an established educational institution
• Experience with diverse student populations
• A love of children and the outdoors
• Interest in implementing experiential and project-based learning pedagogy
• Interest in exploring concepts through real world applications
• Excellent computer skills especially Google-suite use
• Excellent communication, social, and problem-solving skills
• The ability to thrive in a remote location within a small community
• A willingness to go above and beyond typical teaching expectations
• A valid driving license is required for this position

Desired

• First Aid, Advanced First Aid, CPR or Lifeguard certifications
• Swim Instructor qualification
• Second language French or Spanish

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Housing & internet access (off-island applicants)
• Access to dining hall for on-campus meals when operating
• Medical insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental reimbursement
• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities

Application

Apply through our Bamboo hiring portal: https://ceis.bamboohr.com/hiring/jobs and include the following:

1. Letter of application that states career interests, why you would like to work for the Cape Eleuthera Island School and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position.
2. Current resume.
3. Three references (to include name, address, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicant's work.

Schedule

This is a full-time academic position with an annual review, and the potential for extension depending on circumstance. The Island School operates year round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically Monday-Friday (40 hours/week), however, evening and weekend work might be required. Holidays reflect a typical school calendar (Winter Break, Easter Break, Summer Break, etc.). Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on site for extended periods. The successful candidate should expect, and desire to work a variable and mission driven schedule