Preschool Director

Director / Lead Teacher, Sherith Preschool

The Director / Lead Teacher is the inaugural Leader of the Preschool at Sherith Israel (known for now, as the Sherith Preschool) and is the key leader responsible for the administration, management, and operation of the school, as well as, setting the vision and strategic direction of the school in collaboration with an advisory team (the rabbi and board liaison). This position involves human relationship skills, administrative skills, good communication, and knowledge and experience in the field of early childhood education.

The Director / Lead Teacher also leads the teaching team to plan, develop, and implement classroom instructional programs and activities, as well as help in the development of individualized educational plans (EP) for an inclusive classroom including typically and atypically developing children.  Additionally, the Lead Teacher provides mentoring, leadership, and oversight to the assistant teachers. The Lead Teacher also partners with families and caregivers to promote the development of each child.

Functionally (for year one), the Director / Lead Teacher will spend approximately 75% of their time in the classroom with the remaining time spent in the office on administrative duties.

As more staff get added to the program, less time will be spent in the classroom and more time will be spent on administrative duties, as will be determined by the advisory team.

Director: Duties and Responsibilities

1. Recommend and administer an effective and highly qualified staff organization to deliver a model Jewish preschool experience.
2. Develop annual work plans in conjunction with the strategic plan of the school.
3. Bring a compassionate and caring understanding for the challenges that teachers, staff, families, and children face in our society.
4. Establish and maintain a robust program of professional development for all staff to improve instruction, classroom management, and knowledge of child development. Maintain professional development hours as required by licensing and accreditation agencies,
5. Coordinate and oversee communications, outreach, marketing, and dissemination of information about the school to its stakeholders and constituencies.
6. Expertly manage, plan for, and direct program enrollment, identify creative solutions to improve enrollment, and maintain financial targets in collaboration with the rabbi and board liaison.
7. Build an external network of support for the mission of the school through partnerships with other Jewish and community preschools.

Lead Teacher: Duties and Responsibilities

1. Maintains a clean, safe, orderly learning environment which contributes to children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
2. Follows policies and procedures established by TN DHS and the health department.
3. Establishes and implements behavior management in accordance with a positive behavior support approach.
4. Supports the growing independence of each child by creating opportunities to participate in their classroom community.
5. Provides educational services in a manner consistent with compliance requirements.
6. Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum following NAEYC criteria, DEC recommended practices, and Sherith Preschool policies.
7. Embeds early learning standards, IEP/IFSP goals, and NAEYC guidelines into daily activities and routines.
8. Consistently meets requirements for timely filling of documentation as required.
9. Collaborates with classroom team members to plan and implement daily curriculum and individual education plans.
10. Coordinates and implements specific instructional strategies with classroom team members.
11. Leads classroom planning meetings.
12. Creates and monitors the use of the Classroom Roles and Responsibilities used in the classroom to ensure adequate distribution of duties and that it is followed consistently.
13. Completes educational assessments using measures appropriate for the child
    1. Uses approved assessment tools to collect information regarding current levels of performance for all children in the classroom.
    2. Develops and maintains an ongoing data collection system to support observations of development and behaviors.
    3. Reports progress to parents according to NAEYC and DIDD requirements.
    4. Trains new staff on assessment tools.
14. Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents.
    1. Interacts with parents in a friendly, professional manner.
    2. Schedules and prepares for parent-teacher conferences three times a year or more frequently as needed.
    3. Provides communication from school to home including daily notes, monthly classroom newsletters, and school-wide updates.
    4. Responds to parent communication in a timely manner (within one school day).
15. Evaluates effectiveness of daily curriculum, classroom team efficiency, and individual educational plans on a regular basis.
16. Mentors and supports staff working within the classroom
    1. Models desired practices for interactions with children (group or individual), preparation of the environment, and interactions with families.
    2. Observes and provides feedback about the use of desired practices in the classroom.
    3. Provides training to classroom staff as needed.
17. Displays professionalism.
    1. Follows guidelines and policies of Sherith Preschool.
    2. Upholds child confidentiality.
    3. Interacts with children, parents, other staff, outside therapists, students, and administration respectfully.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports administratively and functionally to the rabbi and board liaison.

Qualifications

Master's degree preferred, preferably in Special Education or other educational discipline.

Work experience in Early Childhood and Special Education is highly desired