The Position

We are seeking a Lower School (1-4) Co-Teacher to begin in August, 2021.  The Lower School Co-Teacher reports to the Head of School, and collaborates closely with the entire faculty and staff.

The School

Portfolio School, an innovative, project-based school in Tribeca, is seeking a Lower School (1-4) Co-Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.   In 2021-2022, Portfolio will serve students from K-6. The school is adding a grade each year to comprise grades K-8, with plans to ultimately become a K-12 school.

Portfolio is a school that: values strong and positive relationships; encourages and supports deep collaboration; engenders and sustains an ongoing growth mindset; and is deeply invested in authentic, multi-disciplinary project-based learning and teaching.  As such, all teachers are expected to: maintain positive relations with children at all times; promote a love of learning and curiosity in our students; provide a safe learning environment where mistakes are welcomed; have high expectations that are achievable for all children; support ideas and themes brought into school from children and where possible incorporate these into lessons and units; work collaboratively with colleagues and the team at Portfolio.

APTITUDES AND INTERESTS

• Enthusiasm for supporting-  and collaborating with - elementary school students.
• Deep understanding of Lower School curriculum, pedagogy and best practices.
• Appreciation for the joy and complexity of working with students in grades 1 to 4.
• Interest in working in an innovative school with a focus on project-based learning, and a grounding in an authentically multidisciplinary, team-based approach to education.
• Appreciation for, and commitment to, diversity and social justice in multiple forms.
• Flexibility and ability to embrace change and adapt to new situations.
• Ability to develop curriculum, construct and implement innovative lessons, and share best practices.
• Commitment to a growth mindset wherein open, respectful feedback is valued, and professional growth and learning are central to the culture of the school.
• Ability to teach differentiated lessons and build projects that are accessible to different kinds of learners.
• Enthusiasm for partnering with parents.
• Commitment to collaborating closely with colleagues, and to working in a closely-knit team.
• Thrives in an open space environment.
• Interest in supporting, and developing, performance-based, skill-centered, holistic assessments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with our 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th grade group teachers.
• Plan and prepare curriculum, appropriate to the needs, interests, experience and existing knowledge of elementary school students.
• Develop, teach, and evaluate interdisciplinary curriculum for elementary school students.
• Integrate subjects and disciplines into all thematic units.
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with parents - communicate with them about student learning and progress, drawing attention to skills and talents as well as challenges.
• Maintain an attractive, stimulating learning environment.
• Contribute to displays in the school as a whole.
• Participate in PD workshops, meetings, sessions and activities.
• Participate in periodic reviews of student and class performance in order to monitor progression and determine future priorities.
• Work with colleagues to ensure that there is continuity across student groups.