Teacher

Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Curriculum

• Develop and deploy curriculum aligned with The University School’s academic standards and philosophy.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging instruction aligned with school standards for Lower School.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests of young learners, using a variety of instructional strategies.
• Incorporates inquiry-driven and project-based learning experiences that spark creativity and critical thinking.

Classroom Environment

• Foster a classroom culture that values curiosity, creativity, resilience, cooperation, and respect.
• Demonstrate strong classroom management skills that promote positive relationships and are rooted in empathy and positive reinforcement.
• Establish clear expectations that support developmentally appropriate independence, autonomy, and collaboration.
• Manage classroom routines and student behavior in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment for all students, families, and colleagues.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Design and implement authentic assessments to monitor student growth and guide instruction.
• Use a combination formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress.
• Communicate regularly with students, families, and colleagues to support student success and classroom transparency.
• Maintain accurate records of student work, grades, and progress reports.

Collaboration & Professional Duties

• Serve as a role model for children and hold oneself to high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Work closely with faculty and staff to coordinate curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, enrichment activities, and support for student development.
• Participate in departmental meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives and events.
• Communicate regularly and effectively, demonstrating professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
• Support the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additional Responsibilities

• Supervise students during school hours, including recess, lunch, and dismissal, as assigned.
• Participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or school events when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
• Experience teaching pre-school, elementary, or middle school students, (preferably in a school setting).
• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for elementary school children.
• Ability to design engaging lessons that incorporate inquiry and critical thinking.
• Excellent communication, organization, and classroom-management skills.
• Ability to effectively integrate social-emotional learning and foundational academic skills and incorporate a variety of instructional strategies.
• Natural curiosity and commitment to continuous professional growth.
• A patient and responsive teaching style attuned to children’s needs, supported by a creative, flexible, and student-centered mindset.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Valid Oklahoma Teaching Certificate (or ability to obtain).
• Experience working in an elementary school environment.
• Experience working in an advanced academic program or highly enriched school program.
• Strong understanding of differentiated instruction.
• Familiarity with project‑based learning, inquiry‑based learning, and interdisciplinary teaching.