University Primary School at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
Start Date: January 5, 2024
Job Summary
The head teacher of the University Primary School Fourth/Fifth Grade classroom is responsible for leading and decision-making within their classroom and contributing to the greater good of the school and University community.
Duties & Responsibilities
1. Teach and lead the classroom using a Reggio-Emilia inspired approach by inspiring and implementing a curricular framework of inquiry attuned to grade-level Illinois Learning Standards; promote a safe and joyful learning environment for children and adults.
2. Responsible for supervising graduate teaching assistants known as “co-teachers,” guiding and mentoring University student teachers and volunteers, and working alongside researchers in pursuit of shared inquiry within the Illinois and greater educational community.
3. Maintaining consistent, accurate, and effective communication with families and staff.
4. Promote and contribute to the greater overall good of the school including working closely with other head teachers and the school director to participate in decision making, initiate and attend school events when possible, attend professional development, and build a positive and supportive educational environment.
5. Collecting, analyzing, and communicating accurate assessments and portfolio work for student records, writing end of semester summaries and transition reports for student records, in preparation for family chats and conferences with the classroom teaching team.
Minimum Qualifications
• BA/BS degree in education, or related field
• Teaching experience with children in a school setting
• Willingness to pursue teaching certificate should certification become necessary
• Serve as a cooperating teacher and mentor to Illinois student observers/volunteers
• Allow researchers to conduct studies as approved by the program director within the classroom
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in early childhood, middle school, and/or elementary education, or related field
• Experience as a cooperating teacher, experience with Reggio Emilia inspired classrooms and/or inquiry methodology. Experience working with children with a variety of abilities (including special needs and English Language Learners.)
• Illinois State Teacher Certification (Type 03, 04) or equivalency.
Salary commensurate with experience; strong benefits through the University of Illinois system including retirement, health, dental, vision, and more!
Apply through this link: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8683?c=illinois
University Primary School (Uni Primary) is a Prek-5th grade Reggio Emilia inspired lab school where children are engaged in creative, challenging, and meaningful curricular inquiries incorporating Common Core Standards. Our school has been The College of Education\’s Lab School for nearly 50 years and includes children and families from the University and greater CU community. Located here on campus, we enjoy the intellectual resources of The University of Illinois. The democratic classroom communities at Uni Primary make effective use of cooperation, negotiation, and choice as a means to encourage children\’s curiosity and love of learning. At Uni Primary, children are nurtured to support diverse talents and abilities through differentiated practices attuned to intellectual, academic, social, and emotional growth.
Dr. Ali Lewis, Director
alilewis@illinois.edu
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.