University Liggett School
1045 Cook Road
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Start Date: September 1, 2024
The Associate Prekindergarten Teacher will support the mission and vision of University Liggett School through positive interaction with students, parents, and faculty. Specifically, the Associate Prekindergarten Teacher is responsible for ensuring that the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan are the center of all decisions and actions. The Associate Prekindergarten Teacher will support an atmosphere of trust and openness among employees, students, and parents and will support an atmosphere that fosters the intellectual, social, physical, behavioral, and emotional growth of each student.
The primary role of the associate teacher is to support and supervise students while working closely with the lead teacher. This role also serves to provide less experienced teachers with hands-on professional experience working with a mentor teacher.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Engage actively with the children to foster a positive learning environment and provide a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere for students
-Work closely with the lead teacher to plan and carry out lesson plans grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy
-Supervise group activities and assist in small group instruction
-Help maintain the classroom materials and environment in a clean and orderly manner
-Assist the lead teacher using positive feedback and disciplining when necessary
-Assist in maintaining records of student progress and needs
-Maintain a safe and supportive environment for young children
-Participate in faculty duties, such as student supervision during recess, snack, lunch, nap and dismissal
-Handle basic hygiene needs such as handwashing, assisting with the bathroom and dressing for outdoor play
-Observe children and share any concerns with the lead preschool teacher, LS psychologist, or Early Childhood Program Director
-Support lead preschool teacher using a whole-child approach that builds classroom community and creates an environment that remains responsive to the strengths and needs of all students
-Attend weekly faculty meetings, team meetings, and professional development days
-Attend Back to School Night and parent-teacher conferences
-Work with lead teacher, Division Head, and Dean of Teaching and Learning to strengthen pedagogy and knowledge of Reggio Emilia and take advantage of professional development opportunities
-Model the Liggett core values within and beyond the classroom walls
-Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or elementary education preferred
-Familiarity with a Reggio-inspired classroom or emergent curriculum is preferred
-Previous experience working with young children
-A passion for early childhood education and helping children grow in a positive way
-Strong written and oral communication skills
-Flexibility when the need arises
-An understanding of the importance of a consistent routine in the early childhood classroom
-Screenings – TB assessment, Livescan Background Check, CPR/First Aid certification
Salary and benefits to be discussed.
Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Peggy Dettlinger, Head of Lower School, at pdettlinger@uls.org.
University Liggett School’s faculty and staff of 126 includes master teachers, alumni, recent college graduates, and business, communications, and education professionals with decades of successful experience in independent schools. More than 50 of our full-time faculty hold advanced degrees in their fields. Many are also active as successful writers, artists, scientists, and lecturers in their own fields, as well as being committed to the community and social service in the Detroit area.
All teaching employees are supported by the Heads of each division, their peers, and the Head of School. Ample professional development opportunities are provided by school administration and faculty are encouraged to pursue additional opportunities at any point in their careers at University Liggett School. Successful teaching applicants are able to support the students through their involvement in the arts, athletics and after school programs.
University Liggett School is seeking teachers with a minimum of three years of teaching experience in their field. A degree in the teaching subject area is mandatory. We are looking for educators who are confident in their content area knowledge, adept with the integration of technology, invigorated by the process of collaboration and experienced in implementing inquiry-based lessons that put students at the center of their learning.
University Liggett School’s prekindergarten program uses the self-guided Reggio Emilia approach to learning — our youngest students are encouraged to draw upon their innate curiosities, empowers them to ask questions and explore both independently and collaboratively their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Liggett is an equal-opportunity employer and educational institution. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law.
This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.
Peggy Dettlinger, Head of Lower School, at pdettlinger@uls.org
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.