Kindergarten Exceptional Education Teacher

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

1d

About The Position

This position requires an Early Childhood Exceptional Education teacher
confident in social constructivist pedagogy, Nature Education, and Emergent
Curriculum to design and implement open-ended, process based learning
provocations that reflect the State of Tennessee Kindergarten academic
standards. The

Exceptional Education Kindergarten Teacher will focus on integrating nature,
science, and art into a

project-based curriculum with a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning
through championing play

and hands-on discovery as efficacious learning processes. Additionally, in
collaboration with families and

related service providers, the Exceptional Education Kindergarten Teacher will
identify individualized

goals for children with exceptional needs and implement instruction and supports
in an inclusive

classroom setting. Overall, the Kindergarten Teacher will observe, document,
support, expand and

deepen the thoughts, ideas, and skills of children as they go through their
kindergarten year.

About the Work Unit:

For five 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 children with and without
disabilities learn alongside

each other in an educational setting. More information about Susan Gray School
can be found here:

https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/susan-gray-school/

Key Functions:

Early Childhood Education:

• Advocates for the vision that every child is an Artist and Scientist, born
capable and competent to

explore their curiosity and to formulate and express their big ideas.

• Advocates that children’s learning and development occurs in the context of
meaningful

relationships, builds on children’s strengths, incorporates multiple approaches
to learning, and

reflects the cultural and linguistic experiences of the children.

• Designs a developmentally appropriate learning environment to promote
discovery and

exploration for all children in all domains, modeling proper use of tools and
scaffolding instruction

to support a multi-disciplinary approach to inquiry-based learning.

• Promotes collaboration and supports children with the activities, investigations, and projects that

meet children’s individual needs and reflect diverse perspectives and interests.

• Supportive of children’s feelings, perceptions, behaviors, and interactions, and seeks to

understand them.

• Values play as essential to children’s growth, development, and learning.

Early Childhood Exceptional Education:

Classroom Management:

• Attentive supervision of children: knows group size and classroom enrollment,
constantly scans

classroom/playground to ensure safety, and closely monitors children’s
attendance.

• Ensures SGS protocols are in place, and DOE regulations are well observed.

• Implements Well Child policies and procedures, and positive behavior support
strategies.

• Models and implements hygiene practices and nutrition routines.

• Mentors and supports Associate Teachers, Floaters, Student Employees, and
Interns.

Positive School Climate:

• Creates an atmosphere of joyful learning community through parent partnership.

• Friendly greeting to each and every child/colleague/parent/visitor.

• Learning environment is organized, aesthetically pleasing, prepared and ready
for students.

• Family communication is consistent, informative, respectful and accessible.

Requirements

• BA is necessary.
• A Minimum of 4 years of experience teaching young children ages 3 – 8 years is necessary.
• Experience implementing individualized goals for children with disabilities in partnership with parents is necessary.
• Knowledge of social-constructivist systems thinking theories is necessary.
• Experience fostering young children’s biophilia through outdoor play is necessary.
• Respectful communication skills: responsive listening, problem-solver, initiates crucial conversations is necessary.
• Knowledge of the Pyramid Model framework and children’s social emotional development is necessary.
• Knowledge of blood-borne pathogens, and ability to implement safety procedures (including for toileting, nutrition, First Aid) is necessary upon hire.
• First Aid/CPR certification is necessary upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Nature-based Education experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities aligned with SGS vision, pedagogy and policy, and DOE licensing standards
• Maintain a classroom environment which contributes to the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children
• Facilitate orientation and supervision of students and volunteers.
• Documentation.
• Collaborate with children’s extended educational teams
• Maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
• Participates in staff meetings, parent meetings/conferences, and opportunities for professional development.
• Professional Communication.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees