An Assistant Teacher position is open in the Susan Gray School for individuals who have experience working with children with developmental and/or physical disabilities. As a Teacher II, you will independently lead the teaching team to plan, develop, and implement classroom instructional programs and activities, as well as lead in the development of individual educational programs (IEPs) for an inclusive classroom including typical and atypical developing children. Additionally, you will provide counseling, leadership, and oversight to junior teachers and assistants, and also counseling and other assistance to students and families to promote the development of each child.

For nearly four decades, the Susan Gray School has served young children with developmental disabilities and young children who are at risk for developmental delay. The school has the distinction of being the first nationally recognized inclusive preschool where typically developing children learn alongside children with disabilities in an educational setting. More information about Susan Gray School can be found here: http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/admin-offices/sgs/index.php.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows policies and procedures established by TN DOE and the health department.
• Conscientiously supervises children.
• Establishes and implements behavior management in accordance with a positive behavior support approach.
• Supports the growing independence of each child by creating opportunities to participate in their classroom community.

Provides educational services in a manner consistent with compliance requirements.

• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum following NAEYC criteria, DEC recommended practices, TN DOE standards, and SGS policies.
• Embeds early learning standards, IEP/IFSP goals, and NAEYC guidelines into daily activities and routines.
• Consistently meets requirements for timely filling of documentation as required.
• Consults with after care coordinator as need to provide input on curriculum and individual child supports.

Collaborates with classroom team members to plan and implement daily curriculum and individual education plans.

• Participates in classroom team meetings or leads under guidance of Teacher 4 or SGS administration.
• Leads classroom planning meetings.
• Creates and follow a Classroom Roles and Responsibilities matrix to share responsibility of daily tasks and activities.

Collaborates with children's extended educational teams to plan assessments, data collection needs, and develop educational plan.

• Develops educational plan according to DIDD regulations and SGS policies.
• Participates in IFSP/IEP development and meetings upon request.
• Participates in the development and implementation of transition plans.

Completes educational assessments using measures appropriate for the child

• Uses approved assessment tools to collect information regarding current levels of performance for all children in the classroom.
• Develops and maintains an ongoing data collection system to support observations of development and behaviors.
• Collects data on progress towards individual goals developed by educational team.
• Uses data to inform instruction for individual children and classroom planning.
• Reports progress to parents according to DIDD requirements.

Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents.

• Interacts with parents in a friendly, professional manner.
• Schedules and prepares for parent-teacher conferences twice a year or more frequently as needed.
• Provides communication from school to home including daily notes, weekly classroom newsletters, and school-wide updates.
• Responds to parent communication in a timely manner (typically within one school day).

Evaluates effectiveness of daily curriculum, classroom team efficiency, and individual educational plans on a regular basis.

• Discusses and recruits input regarding progress of all aspects of classroom (curriculum, teaming, and children) at team meetings, determine areas of need for improvement, and formulate possible solutions.
• Seeks outside resources (SGS admin, faculty, consult therapists) as necessary to meet classroom, educational team, and child needs.

Mentors and supports students working within the classroom environment.

• Facilitates positive experiences for student workers, student volunteers, and practicum students at all levels.
• Models desired practices for interactions with children (group or individual), preparation of the environment, and interactions with families.
• Observes and provides feedback about the use of desired practices.
• Maintains balance of child needs and student requirements when planning for student interactions with individual children.
• Provides students with information needed to complete assignments.
• Assign all students duties as necessary.

Mentors and supports staff working within the classroom environment

• Models desired practices for interactions with children (group or individual), preparation of the environment, and interactions with families.
• Observes and provides feedback about the use of desired practices in the classroom.
• Provides training to classroom staff as needed in consultation with Teacher 4 or SGS Administration.

Displays a commitment to the early childhood field.

• Meets all mandated continuing education requirements.
• Participates in professional development opportunities provided by SGS (staff meetings, in-services).
• Seeks external professional development opportunities, including participation in professional organizations as members and event attendees.

Displays professionalism.

• Follows guidelines and policies of SGS and Vanderbilt University.
• Upholds child confidentiality.
• Interacts with children, parents, other staff, outside therapists, students, and administration respectfully.
• Upholds the SGS philosophy.
• Contributes to overall success of the school and share its commitment to the four-fold mission to service, training, research, and demonstration.

Completes additional responsibilities as assigned by the SGS administration.

• Flexibly participates in school-wide coverage plan to ensure smooth operation of the entire SGS program including early care, after care program, and special school events.

Profile of an Ideal Candidate

• HS Diploma is necessary
• Associate's degree is preferred
• Experience working with children with disabilities ages 5 and under
• Previous experience in NAEYC accredited program preferred
• Experience writing lesson plans and communicating with families

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a top-15 private research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Vanderbilt is situated on a 330-acre campus near the thriving city center, serving more than 12,000 students and employing almost 7,000 faculty and staff. The university's students, staff, and faculty frequently cite Nashville and the surrounding area as one of the many perks of being a part of the Vanderbilt community. Vanderbilt University is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. Vanderbilt was recently named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" and the top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area in 2018 (Forbes).

About Vanderbilt Benefits

Vanderbilt University offers a competitive, flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, disability insurance, paid time off, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Vanderbilt offers tuition assistance to employees, spouses, and dependent children.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Vanderbilt University is committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our campus values.