Lower School Head Teacher

Overview

At Ridgefield Academy, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our educators embody the school’s mission, values, and commitment to ethical excellence, serving as role models and mentors who inspire curiosity, creativity, and character development. Guided by our Educator Excellence Indicators, our teaching practices emphasize deep content knowledge, inclusive classroom environments, innovative approaches, and reflective professionalism.

Position Summary

The LS Head Teacher will design and deliver a dynamic and engaging curriculum for lower school students. This role requires a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for inquiry based learning. This role is responsible for creating a flexible educational program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth, establishing effective rapport with students, motivating students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for lower  school education in accordance with each student’s ability; and for establishing good relationships with parents and other faculty and staff members.

It is expected that the lower school head teacher will have the knowledge to teach students varied activities designed to develop skills and concepts and will have guidance and support from Division Director and Associate Head of Academics. 

Primary Responsibilities

Commitment to Mission and Values

• Integrate Ridgefield Academy’s mission and values into classroom practices, fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and kindness.

• Actively participate in school tasks and events, committees, and initiatives to strengthen the school community.

• Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in interactions with students, families, and colleagues.

Instructional Excellence and Innovation

• Plan and deliver a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum that incorporates a range of subjects, for example: ELA, Social Studies, Math and SEL

• Employ diverse instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including differentiation, formative assessments, and technology integration.

• Utilize diverse instructional strategies, including hands on experiments and interdisciplinary approaches to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of each student

 

• Assess and monitor student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback

• Set high academic expectations while scaffolding learning to support student growth and foster critical thinking.

• Incorporate innovative teaching practices that prepare students for future challenges, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

Social-Emotional Learning and Classroom Environment

• Create a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported.

• Actively teach and model social-emotional skills, incorporating restorative practices to resolve conflicts and promote accountability.

• Implement consistent and fair classroom management strategies, cultivating a productive and collaborative atmosphere.

• Develop strong rapport and relationships with lower school students.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Partner with the Division Head, Assistant Head for Academics, grade-level teams, learning specialists, and counselors to advocate for student well-being and success.

• Build strong partnerships with families, maintaining transparent and timely communication through conferences, progress reports, and classroom updates.

• Engage in school-wide professional learning communities, contributing to team initiatives and strategic priorities such as DEIB and SEL programming.

Professional Growth and Reflective Practice

• Demonstrate a growth mindset by seeking out professional development opportunities and engaging in reflective practice to improve teaching effectiveness.

• Regularly assess and adapt teaching strategies based on student outcomes, feedback, and evolving educational standards.

• Serve as a mentor and collaborator, sharing expertise and supporting the professional development of colleagues.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of  teaching experience with elementary learners, ideally in an independent school setting.

• Skills:

• • Expertise in inquiry-based and constructivist teaching practices 

• • Strong knowledge of inquiry-based curriculum design, differentiation, and assessment strategies.

• • Proven ability to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment that prioritizes student agency and growth.

• • Ability to be nimble and flex into your growth zone for continuous  learning and development 

• • Proficiency in integrating technology into teaching and learning.