Lower School Lead Teacher

Derby Academy Trustees•Hingham, MA

1d•$65,241 - $82,999•Onsite

About The Position

Derby Academy, a Pre-K through Grade 8 coeducational day school founded in 1784 in Hingham, Massachusetts, seeks a Lead Teacher beginning in August 2026 to join our dynamic Lower School (Pre-K–Grade 4), where curiosity and creativity lead the way. In Derby’s Lower School, we embrace the lively minds and imaginative spirits of young children, creating classroom experiences that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and invite students to make meaningful connections to each other, their teachers, and across subjects. These are years of discovery, creativity, and connection. Lower School Lead Teachers play a critical role in nurturing each child’s emerging skills, confidence, and sense of belonging as they learn to thrive both in the classroom and beyond. Derby Academy’s Lower School educators are courageous, joyful learners who delight in young children and in the thrill of learning itself. They embody kindness, empathy, compassion, patience, and inclusivity, offering a calm, steady presence paired with high expectations and an unwavering belief in the best in every child. Our teachers are grounded by a deep understanding of child development and the latest research on best teaching practices. They are creative thinkers and problem-solvers who design safe, vibrant, and inspiring classrooms. They serve as mentors and guides, listening closely, asking more questions than they answer, and inviting students into meaningful inquiry, reflection, and discovery. Derby educators collaborate generously, embrace a growth mindset, and see themselves as lifelong learners. We commit to ongoing reflection, shared professional growth, and aligned practices so that our daily teaching, curricula, schedules, and celebrations of learning consistently reflect our vision for learning in our Lower School. The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Deep understanding of early childhood development and research on how young children learn best. Experience teaching in early elementary grades, with a record of fostering joyful, rigorous learning. Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit when working with grade-level, divisional, and cross-disciplinary colleagues. Skill in designing curriculum and learning experiences that emphasize authentic, real-world application of concepts. Commitment to ongoing learning in structured literacy practices and to applying research-based approaches to early reading instruction Ability to create activities and opportunities that nurture curiosity, exploration, innovation, problem-solving, and thoughtful use of technology. Success in building a supportive, student-centered classroom in which children feel safe to take risks, learn, and interact positively with one another.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to cultivating active and inclusive learning spaces in which students feel seen, honored, and respected for who they are.
Engagement with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices, and an understanding of their impact on curriculum and community life.
Strong communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with parents through timely, appropriate feedback about student progress.
A growth mindset and eagerness to engage in mission-aligned professional learning as a lifelong learner.
Willingness to be an active presence in the life of the school beyond the classroom.
Consistent discretion, sound judgment, and leadership qualities that inspire, motivate, and support students.
Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with clear written and oral communication.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education and successful teaching experience required; relevant certification preferred.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S.A.
In accordance with Massachusetts law, all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, including CORI, SORI and National Fingerprinting checks.