Teachers College - Jobs - Job Details - Hollingworth Preschool Head Teacher, 3's/4's Class

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College, Columbia University is seeking a full time Head Preschool Teacher to join our preschool team. The incumbent will play an integral role in knowing their students well and using this knowledge to design and facilitate thematic, child-centered curriculum that combines academic and social-emotional learning.

The Head Preschool Teacher works collaboratively with the preschool director and preschool staff to provide high-quality preschool education for young children and their families. Throughout the work of the head teacher, the head teacher models best practices for assistant teachers.

Teaching and Curriculum Design Duties:
School Environment:

• Create, foster, and maintain an inclusive, caring, respectful, positive classroom community on campus and virtually as needed for children

Classroom Environment and Materials:

• Ensure the aesthetic of the classroom is maintained and that materials are preserved and presented with care
• Maintain the classroom environment, materials, and supplies; prepare teaching materials
• Maintain the organization of all preschool materials ensuring all materials are in good condition and returned to their proper storage locations
• Document and display children's work respectfully and beautifully

Curriculum:

• Using the Hollingworth Model, design, develop, and integrate four (or more should the teacher choose) interdisciplinary, inquiry based units of study to be taught throughout the year.
• Using the Hollingworth Model, design and implement developmentally intentional mindfulness invitations and strategies for children
• Prepare classroom and implement the Hollingworth curriculum for special events under the direction and in collaboration with the Director
• Keep digital lesson plans in the shared Preschool Drive
• Differentiate and individualize the curriculum and learning experiences to ensure the development of each child's potential
• Model exemplary practices for Teachers College graduate students
• Perform administrative tasks such a attendance logs and well child log

Child Development:

• Observe, document, and analyze each child's development to inform teacher moves and curriculum design
• Maintain anecdotal records for each child documenting their areas of growth

Parent Communication:

• Post regular communication and documentation via our parent communication app, brightwheel
• Hold one designated virtual Office Hours for parents for one hour each week
• Host parent meetings upon the request of the parents or the teacher
• Host parent/teacher conferences with parents twice per year following the Hollingworth protocol incorporating the anecdotal records, photos and work samples to demonstrate growth and development for each child
• Provide parents with regular updates on the curriculum
• Email or call parents as needed with updates
• Respond to parent emails within 24 hours (except on weekends) during prep time
• When scheduling permits, attend talks hosted for parents or watch the recording

Professional Learning:

• Complete all NYC DOH, Minors on Campus and any other required training prior to the start of the school year
• Attend and participate in weekly full faculty professional learning sessions
• Participate in planning session with the preschool director twice a week
• Lead planning session for teaching team once per week
• Participate with intention in a cycle of inquiry for all aspects of the work of the preschool including anti-racist pedagogy, social justice, a culture of caring, diversity, equity, and inclusion, culturally responsive and inclusive practices, and social and emotional learning, aesthetic education, and social imagination

Other duties as assigned

Early Childhood Educators at Hollingworth Preschool are committed to the following practices:

• The highest level of professional decorum and confidentiality
• View children from the perspective of their vast potentials and capacities; children and their constellation of loved ones are not viewed from a deficit perspective
• Anti-racist and anti-bias pedagogy
• Culturally responsive and inclusive practices
• Social and emotional learning
• Collaborative and respectful work
• Lifelong learning and reflective practice

Minimum Qualifications:

• MA in early childhood education or a closely related field approved by the DOH
• New York State Teaching certification, or a fully submitted and pending certification from the New York State department of education, or State Teaching certification from a state other that New York submitted for reciprocity review and pending approval for New York State certification
• Two years of head teaching experience teaching in an early childhood classroom
• Graduate studies coursework and/or professional development workshops
• Experience in curriculum development across domains
• Knowledge of and implementation of social and emotional learning as the foundation of a classroom community
• Knowledge of and implementation of a play based curriculum
• Expertise with technology (or a willingness to learn) to document students' development
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to comply with the Teachers College Minors on Campus Policies as well as New York City Bureau of Child Care requirements including all mandatory trainings
• Ability to implement and abide by all wellness protocols as required by the New York City Department of Health Bureau of Child Care and Teachers College, Columbia University
• Completion of all health, background check, and training requirements of the New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Childcare prior to the first day, including but not limited to fingerprinting, NYS clearance, health form and immunizations, mandated online trainings, and CPR/First Aid training
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting
• Ability to adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality
• Ability to attend to all responsibilities with respect, initiative, attention to detail, organization, and independent follow through
• Must commit to the full academic year
• Available to begin position on August 15, 2025

Preferred Qualifications:

• New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Special Education
• Enrollment in an advanced degree program at Teachers College
• Available to make a two year commitment at a minimum

Salary Range:

$62,000.00 - $66,000.00

Work Modality:

Onsite

Equal Employment Opportunity

Teachers College is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and to providing equal opportunity in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you would like to discuss any disability-related accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a similar law, related to applying for employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, please email the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: oasid@tc.columbia.edu