Kindergarten Teacher

Full-time

Oak Grove School, a small pre-K through 12th-grade progressive college preparatory school in Ojai, California, is seeking an experienced and accomplished Kindergarten Teacher. 

Our kindergarten program supports the whole child, recognizing that academic growth is intertwined with social, emotional, and creative development. Teachers blend direct instruction with play-based, exploratory learning, helping children build strong foundations in literacy, math, and science while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, children develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and a sense of agency and confidence, creating the academic groundwork for future learning. 

Special attention is given to constructing indoor and outdoor environments that act as the third teacher, rich with open-ended provocations that encourage curiosity, collaboration and exploration. Materials are thoughtfully chosen to invite deep thinking and creativity, reinforcing the belief that children are capable, competent learners.

At Oak Grove, we are committed to fostering in children the sense of well-being and confidence that enables them to appreciate others and instills real understanding across cultures. We offer an inclusive, integrated, caring, and explorative experience that also reflects the philosophical underpinnings of the school as expressed in the Arts of Living and Learning (inquiry, communication, academia, engagement, aesthetics, and care/relationship to self, others, the environment, and the world).

Responsibilities and Duties

• Create and maintain a nurturing, inspiring, and safe learning environment for 5-6-year-olds
• Teach and integrate foundational skills in literacy, math, and problem-solving through a blend of direct instruction, hands-on exploration, and play-based learning
• Document student experiences and create portfolios for each student
• Assess formally and informally the progress of each student 
• Build strong partnerships with parenting adults and caregivers
• Support students with conflict resolution and social-emotional growth and development.
• Assist with parenting adult meetings with an emphasis on child development 
• Participating in school events and our outdoor education program, including coordinating an overnight campout in the Spring.
• Attend regular staff meetings, professional development in-services, training, and special events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Experience or familiarity with the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach to learning 
• Skills in creating documentation and portfolios
• Experience or familiarity with anti-bias curriculum 
• Strong skills in supporting social-emotional growth and facilitating conflict resolution with students, and being in a respectful partnership with parents
• Familiarity with the philosophy of the school (among other things, an inquiry-based approach to education in a non-competitive atmosphere) and an understanding of progressive education
• Experience with Science of Reading-based phonics and pre-literacy instruction
• Ability to differentiate instruction in the classroom to a diverse range of learners
• Self-motivated, self-disciplined, professional, and energetic
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues
• Ability to work as part of a close-knit team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of classroom teaching experience as a lead teacher in the Preschool – 1st grade range, with specific experience teaching Kindergarten strongly preferred
• Early Childhood Education units or coursework 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field preferred
• California Teaching Credential preferred

Compensation

View our non-discrimination policy

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS JOB POSITION