Bixby School nurtures children’s love of learning as they discover their individual gifts and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their world.

Job Title: Elementary Math Co-Teacher

Program:  Elementary

Reports to: Academic Director

Employment Status:  Full-Time; Exempt

Report to Work Dates: All days that program is in session during the academic year. The hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a weekly faculty meeting that ends at 4:30 pm. 

Background:

Founded in 1970, Bixby School is a small independent school serving approximately 110 students from preschool through 5th grade. Some of the defining characteristics of a Bixby education include small classes of students who demonstrate a wide range of individual needs and strengths, and a strong focus on the social-emotional growth, independence, and creativity of students.  Our students’ days are richly balanced with academics, play, movement, music, art, and sports.  Bixby is a close, supportive community of positive, dedicated staff and families who have returned over generations.  Bixby students are curious, kind and fun!

Position Summary: 

Bixby School’s unique math program is a highlight of our elementary program. Inspired by our co-founder, a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Illinois, Bixby’s math program places students’ understanding of conceptual math and the “language of math” at the center of instruction. In a Bixby math class, the learning journey is as important as the destination. Defining features of a Bixby math classroom include:

• Co-teaching model with two lead teachers responsible for instruction
• Small class setting, with problems tailored to the students' needs and pacing 
• Problems that arise from a student's own thinking/questioning are valued and responded to 
• Focus on development of analytical thinking
• Emphasis on skills and conceptual understandings to approach a new problem in a competent way.; Less emphasis on having the "right" answer
• Use of everyday objects and manipulatives to assist students' development
• Open-ended problems and discussion-based problem solving 

A Core Belief of Bixby School is that “committed, well-qualified teachers are fundamental to the success of our school.” As a Bixby School teacher, you will nurture students’ cognitive, academic, social and emotional growth and development in a manner that reflects Bixby’s mission to: “nurture children’s love of learning as they discover their individual gifts and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their world.”

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily
  • Design and deliver curriculum, including preparation of all instructional materials and resources needed to effectively execute instructional plans
  • Work collaboratively with other professionals in planning instruction to meet students’ needs and “fuel the embers” of individual student strengths 
  • Support students’ social-emotional and academic development, including the implementation of repair/restorative practices and logical consequences in a strengths-based and growth-oriented manner
  • Support the mission and core beliefs of Bixby School
  • Model Bixby’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Empathy 
  • Employee shall be expected to report to work on all of the days during which the program in which the Employee is employed is in operation, as indicated on the school calendar, a copy of which has been delivered to the Employee.  
• Weekly: 
  • Participate in faculty meetings, including:
    • Weekly elementary faculty meetings
    • Weekly grade-level kid talks to exchange social, emotional and academic information, experiences and strategies about students as well as facilitate cross-content and cross-age collaboration
    • Weekly Math team meetings to ensure vertical alignment of instruction
  • Student supervision, including lunch, Yard supervision, etc.
  • Communicate with families about the lessons and activities in your classroom (e.g. newsletter - Bixby Buzz, SeeSaw, Friday folders, etc.)
• Periodically/As Needed
  • Promptly document in a Student Information Report, student concerns, including academic, behavioral, physical, emotional or social; and notify the Student Support Team, Head of School or other appropriate school administrator 
  • Document student growth and performance using authentic, mission aligned evidence (e.g. student work, photos/videos, student  reflections, observations, etc.)
  • Respond to parent inquiries and participate in parent conferences
  • Maintain current knowledge of topics relevant to your classroom
  • Participate in all-staff meetings and professional development/in-service activities
• Annually: 
  • Prepare for and participate in school-wide events such as assemblies, events, festivals, performances, work days, faculty in-service days, and retreats, as appropriate 
  • Contribute to student assessments, reports and family conferences (Fall and Spring Reports, Student Portfolios, End of Year Reports, etc.)
  • Support activities related to fundraising and community building (Annual Auction, Annual Fund, etc.)
  • Renew yourself and deepen your understanding of the Bixby School curriculum, behaviors and mindsets, child development, diversity and enrollment retention  through continued education and professional development
• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field, or equivalent experience; math background highly desirable
• Experience working with student populations with diverse gifts and support needs
• Current First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Medication Administration certification 
• Enjoys spending time and engaging with young children and other educators 
• Committed to personal and professional growth 
• Sense of humor 
• Self-aware; able to ask for help when needed
• Curious about others and the world around them
• Belief in the value of a diverse community and committed to foster an inclusive environment for a diverse community
• Committed to a differentiated, whole-person approach to education
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly collaborative 
• Proficient in use of Google suite, SeeSaw and Zoom, or able to become so quickly and easily

Physical Requirements:

• Able to continuously walk, stand, climb stairs, and sit
• Frequent bending or stooping, and reaching above shoulder level
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds

Compensation 

This position is a full-time, exempt position.   Minimum starting annual salary of $50,000 depending upon qualifications.  Employees of Bixby School receive a competitive set of benefits including employer-paid health insurance,  employer-matching contributions to a tax-deferred retirement plan, tuition remission for children of employees, ongoing professional development, daily chef-prepared lunch, and amazing colleagues. 

Inclusive Community; Non-Discrimination:

In pursuit of our mission to “...prepare [children] to make meaningful contributions to the world”, Bixby School actively works to foster a diverse community, in which all students, families, faculty and staff are full and accepted members of the school community,  

Bixby School provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran.