Teacher

Job Description : POSITION SUMMARY :

The Pacific Oaks Children's School Teacher fosters a nurturing, anti-bias learning environment to support the holistic development of children. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality early childhood education through collaboration, curriculum design, and mentorship of Associate Teachers and practicum students.

Positioned in Pasadena, California, this role upholds the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while directly contributing to children’s growth and learning.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED :

The incumbent establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals. Only the final results of work are typically reviewed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED :

Supervisory responsibilities within a department or functional area. Responsibilities include coordinating, directing and assigning work and may also include participation in interviewing and selecting staff, evaluating employee performance including making recommendations regarding pay, performance, and disciplinary action.

# of Supervised Directly # of Supervised Indirectly

______FTE (Full-time Equivalent) ______FTE (Full-time Equivalent)

__ up to 3 __FTE (Non-exempt) ______FTE (Non-exempt)

______FTE (Exempt) ______FTE (Exempt)

__ up to 3 __FTE Total ___0__FTE Total

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Child Development and Curriculum Implementation

Support the development and execution of daily routines, including group and individual experiences.

Individualize curriculum to meet the unique developmental needs of each child and group.

Establish limits, facilitate problem-solving and conflict resolution, and model positive, humanistic interactions.

Create an environment, both indoor and outdoor, that promotes purposeful play.

Child Interaction and Guidance

Establish trusting, anti-bias relationships with children, fostering a sense of safety and inclusivity.

Protect the health and safety of children at all times.

Environment Management

Maintain a safe, organized, and purposeful learning environment.

Teach care and respect for the environment and personal property through modeling and practice.

Observation and Assessment

Observe, record, and assess children's interactions and experiences.

Collaborate with the Master / Lead Teacher to complete developmental summaries and evaluations for all children.

Parent Collaboration and Communication

Establish and maintain respectful, collaborative partnerships with families, respecting cultural differences and parenting styles.

Communicate with families regularly through notes, conferences, meetings, and school events.

Professional Collaboration and Development

Attend and contribute to staff meetings, in-service training, and school events.

Support the Master / Lead Teacher and participate in curriculum planning, material needs assessment, and purchasing as needed.

Additional Duties

Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support the school’s mission and operations.

Is regular attendance an essential function? ☒ Yes ☐ No

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES :

Required KSAs

Professionalism and Ethics

Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions and responsibilities.

Model ethical behavior that demonstrates caring, respect, and honesty toward children, families, and colleagues.

Policy Adherence and Mission Alignment

Abide by the rules and policies of the Children’s School.

Actively support Pacific Oaks' mission by promoting inclusion and embracing diversity.

Preferred KSAs

Commitment to Philosophy and Development

Exhibit a clear understanding of and commitment to the progressive educational philosophy of the Children’s School.

Pursue continuous professional growth and development to enhance skills and knowledge.

Communication and Problem-Solving

Use appropriate channels to address and resolve problems effectively.

Communicate openly, directly, promptly, and constructively with members of the school community, avoiding gossip or rumors.

Punctuality and Attendance

Demonstrate punctuality and maintain consistent attendance in alignment with professional standards.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS :

​ Required Education

Associate degree (AA) or equivalent in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s degree (BA) in ECE or a related field.

Required Experience

2–3 years of experience working with children in a progressive school setting.

Preferred Experience and Skills

Communication and Teamwork

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.

Certifications and Leadership

Title 22 certification.

Demonstrated ability to assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Master / Lead Teacher.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

The Teacher will work in both indoor and outdoor settings, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 90s outdoors. The role requires flexibility and adaptability to varying weather conditions and classroom dynamics.

EQUIPMENT USED :

The role does not require specialized equipment beyond typical classroom and outdoor materials used for teaching and childcare.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL TASKS :

Physical Demands :

☒ Standing

☒ Lifting : (may need to lift children, classroom materials, or equipment)

☒ Walking (frequent walking between indoor and outdoor spaces, and throughout the classroom)

☒ Carrying (children, classroom materials, etc.)

☒ Hearing (communication with children, staff, and parents)

☒ Speaking (interaction with children, staff, and parents)

☒ Writing (documentation, observations, reports)

☒ Squatting / Kneeling (interacting with children at their level)

☒ Reaching (reaching for materials, interacting with children, setting up classroom)

☒ Climbing (use of steps or ladders for classroom organization)

☒ Pushing (pushing classroom or playground equipment)

☒ Other : Typing (use of computers for documentation or email communication)

Physical Environment - Exposed to :

☒ Noise (Classroom and outdoor play areas are frequently busy and noisy)

☒ Heat / Cold (Outdoor exposure during various seasons, ranging from 60°F to 100°F)

☒ Fumes / Gases (may occur with cleaning supplies or materials)

☒ Human Tissue / Fluids (minimal exposure, such as during accidents or medical needs)

☒ Chemicals (cleaning products)

☒ Dirt (outdoor play or classroom materials)

Mental Demands :

☒ Reading (to interpret curriculum, children’s needs, and family communication)

☒ Frequent Interruptions (Children’s needs, parent communication, administrative tasks)

☒ Periods of Concentrated Attention (Curriculum planning, observations, documentation)

☒ Detailed Work (Individual child reports, observations, and assessments)

☒ Frequent Contact with People (Children, parents, staff)

☒ Frequent Deadlines (Parent conferences, assessments, communication)

☒ Multiple Concurrent Tasks (Managing multiple children’s needs, curriculum planning, daily operations)

TRAVEL : (% of total time) : Up to 3% of total time. Some travel to events throughout the Pasadena area. Travel is strictly voluntary and typically for school-related events or professional development opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Indoor Environment : The classroom environment is typically quiet to moderately busy, with children engaged in various learning activities. There may be noise during group play, music, or story time. The indoor environment is temperature-controlled and may include exposure to light, sound, and materials like art supplies, paints, and cleaning products.

Outdoor Environment : The outdoor environment involves exposure to natural elements, including temperature fluctuations (ranging from 60°F to 100°F), sunlight, and occasional rain. Teachers must monitor children's safety and ensure proper sun protection during outdoor activities. The outdoor play area may include playground equipment, natural spaces, and open play areas. Lead Teachers should be comfortable working in varied weather conditions, especially during peak outdoor times (e.g., recess, group activities).

Sensory Conditions : Teachers may experience varying levels of noise, particularly in a busy classroom or outdoor play setting. The environment can also include tactile and visual stimuli, such as engaging with children’s artwork, materials, and sensory play activities.

DECISION MAKING :

Level of Decision-Making : Minimal to moderate. Teachers make decisions related to implementing daily classroom activities and individualized curriculum within the framework set by the Lead Teacher. They contribute to decisions about child development and behavior in collaboration with the Lead Teacher but do not hold primary accountability for the classroom. Teachers provide support in classroom operations and mentor Associate Teachers and practicum students under the guidance of the Lead Teacher.

The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the Children’s School.

CONTACT RESPONSIBILITIES :

Internal Contacts

Master / Lead Teacher : Collaborates on classroom activities, curriculum planning, and addressing student needs.

Peers and Co-workers : Shares and exchanges information related to classroom operations and children’s developmental progress.

Executive Director and Leadership Team : Engages in consultations regarding child development, program needs, and school-wide initiatives.

External Contacts

Parents / Families : Maintains ongoing communication to share updates on children’s progress, behavior, and participation in school activities.

Children : Provides supervision, instruction, and guidance to foster a safe, inclusive, and enriching learning environment.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY :

This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $18.00-19.36 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

Compliance with Federal Antidiscrimination Guidance

Pacific Oaks College is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunity to all people and strictly adheres to federal anti-discrimination laws. In accordance with DOJ guidance, the College affirms that no programs, hiring practices, promotions, admissions, or other decisions shall provide preferential treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics without appropriate lawful rationale. The College will also ensure compliance of its third-party contractors or program partners in this regard.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above describe the general nature and level of work expected of faculty in this position and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The College reserves the right to amend or modify the job description as institutional needs evolve. Pacific Oaks College provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.