Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher - PLAY BASED – Reggio Emilia Inspired (1 FTE)
Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences is one of Maine’s first approved public charter schools. We are located in Gray, Maine, and serves students grades Pre-K through EIGHTH grade and we are expanding our Pre-K program!
- We believe that children are capable, competent, innately curious and that they are the co-constructors of their own learning. Our school maintains a deep respect for children and childhood.
- We believe in teachers as facilitators of learning, closely observing children, assessing understanding through a variety of approaches, and using this knowledge to help students extend their thinking.
- We believe that social and emotional development are important cornerstones of education. Our students learn to respect diversity, solve problems, solve social conflicts, and be advocates for themselves and others.
- We believe in connecting students to the larger world through relationships with community resources and the natural environment. We help students cultivate a sense of place and the interconnectedness of the world in which they live.
- We believe in the importance of documenting student work and experiences to make learning visible to students, families, and our school community.
Description & Responsibilities
We are looking for an inspired teacher, with substantial progressive teaching experience at the early childhood level, to facilitate learning in our Pre-K class with approximately 10 children per class. This position also works closely with an assistant teacher in the classroom. We believe that children learn through play, and that play is their work.
The position will start in the fall of 2025.
- FACILITATE LEARNING: Teach whole group and small group lessons across all domains of learning. Utilize play, provocations, and student-led explorations. Provide a classroom environment that supports community and individual learning.
- BUILD CLASSROOM COMMUNITY: Create a safe, respectful, culturally sensitive, responsive learning community. Encourage thoughtful dialogue that challenges student thinking. Explicitly teach social and emotional skills, including problem-solving and self-regulation strategies.
- CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION: Use both peer collaboration and self-created curricula to meet the needs of students.
- PARTNER WITH FAMILIES: Develop constructive relationships with families. Communicate regularly about student learning, projects and classroom events.
- PROFESSIONALISM: Model professional behavior in accordance with job responsibilities, policies and procedures, and the expectations of professionals working in a collaborative community.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with any of the following: Emergent curriculum, Play-based learning, Reggio Emilia or interdisciplinary studies
- Experience with Responsive Classroom and/or Restorative Practices
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Certification or working towards certification at the Elementary level
- At least 3 years of classroom teaching experience
- Current authorization to work in the United States
SALARY & BENEFITS:
- Health Insurance
- Professional Development
- Supportive Work Culture
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Deadline: Friday, April 11th. This position begins in late August 2025. (Mandatory, 4-day training in August)
If you are interested in this position, please email Jacinda Cotton-Castro with your cover letter and resume. (jacinda@fiddleheadschool.org)
jacinda@fiddleheadschool.org
Per current U.S. EEOC Policy Statement, applicants for employment are covered by federal laws and Presidential Executive Orders designed to safeguard federal employees and job applicants from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, EEOC also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Maine State Law requires ALL school employees to be fingerprinted and pass a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC). A copy of your CHRC MUST be uploaded as part of your application to be considered.