Lower School Preschool Assistant Teacher

 

Lower School Preschool Assistant Teacher

Exempt

10-month

Wilmington Friends School offers a college preparatory curriculum—including athletics, the arts and community service—in which Quaker values and high expectations are mutually supportive. The defining belief of Quakerism is that there is “that of God” in everyone. That belief gives rise to a school community that welcomes a variety of faith traditions and where we share an obligation to seek and answer what is best in ourselves and in others. Students at Friends are challenged to realize their potential: as learners, well prepared to succeed in college and career; as leaders, recognizing their power and opportunity to be agents of change; and as active and responsible members of communities, from the classroom to the world. The school seeks to serve students, age two through grade twelve, who demonstrate ongoing promise in their ability to succeed at Friends, both academically and in meeting expectations for integrity and conduct.

Wilmington Friends School is a Preschool to 12 Quaker, college preparatory, day school located in Wilmington, Delaware and enrolling approximately 720 students and seeks a Lower School Preschool Assistant Teacher for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Beyond its fidelity to best practices related to early childhood education, our preschool is guided by Quaker values and the understanding that young children can and should be at the forefront of decisions about what and how they learn.  Our program emphasizes community and responsibility, with respect for each individual, through practices that encourage student-initiated exploration. In our program, students’ interests and questions help determine the course of the learning process, with the teacher as a partner. Opportunities for self-expression are frequent and varied, and student work is documented regularly. Our program  encourages students to reflect on and inquire more deeply into what they are thinking and doing. An emphasis on play is at the heart of our early learning program.

 

The preschool classroom is designed to encourage creative thinking and collaboration, and there is a significant focus on building a learning community with a sense of mutual respect and responsibility. 

 

During the school day, assistant teachers support the work of lead teachers in many ways and are involved in virtually every aspect of classroom teaching. Over the course of the year, an assistant teacher is typically engaged in the following duties:

 

In addition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, successful candidates usually have prior experience working with children, as well as coursework in early childhood education. Most important is the ability to work closely with another teacher in supporting children’s growth. A candidate must be flexible and willing to take on various challenges to succeed in this job. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, candidates committed to working on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, and members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) are particularly encouraged to apply.

If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references addressed to Chris Loeffler, Head of Lower School, to Linda Beard (lbeard@wilmingtonfriends.org) by April 15. We may set up interviews as soon as we receive materials for candidates of interest.

It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.  It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity.  This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and retirement.