Kindergarten/Primary Teacher Jobs

Position type: Full-time, fixed contract
Contract date: August 28, 2023-January 3, 2025
Hours of work per week: 35 hours (8:00 am-3:45 pm)
Number of positions: 2
Deadline to apply: May 26, 2023
About Vincent Massey Academy
Vincent Massey Academy, Day School (VMA) is a progressive, Reggio-inspired independent school. In a classroom size of 13 students for Kindergarten and 15 students for Grade 1-6, our students are provided with a space that allows for individualized learning, strong relationships between teachers and peers, and learning that is built around the needs and interests of the students in our classes.
This unique learning environment is fostered and nurtured by our teachers who are dedicated to implementing the Reggio-Emilia philosophy. Our teachers view their students as strong, capable, resilient, and rich with wonder and knowledge. With our teacher's ability to know each student in their room, they can build rich, meaningful learning that places the interests and individual needs at the heart of the classroom's learning.
The Opportunity
We are seeking two teachers, one Kindergarten Teacher and one Primary Teacher, on a fixed term contract. The 16 month contract will begin the week before the week before the start of the 2023/24 academic year. Candidates may receive a contract extension or be offered a permanent position upon successful completion of their contract.
In fulfillment of this role, the desired candidate is someone that actively strives to re-consider how we learn in all avenues of life and replicate the real world in their classroom. They are someone who understands the importance of a balanced approach to education and can demonstrate and articulate their ability to ensure that success is felt throughout all avenues of their classroom.
What You'll Do
Develop and implement a Reggio-inspired curriculum that aligns with VMA's values and meets the individual needs of each student. The curriculum will include investigative research, outdoor and land-based education, justice-oriented education (FMNI, LGBTQ+, and anti-racism), community and global citizenship, and social emotional learning.
Prepare daily lesson plans that are developmentally appropriate, engaging for their students, and follows the Ontario's Ministry of Education curriculum
Create a classroom environment that supports individualized learning for all students. The classroom will embody the Reggio Emilia philosophy by incorporating the environment as a third teacher and display pedagogical documentation that represents students' evolution of their learning
Assess and evaluate student learning through a variety of methods Assessment in our Primary Grades come in the form of formative tools such as Exit Tickets, knowledge-building circles, self-reflection, and picture learning logs. It could also come in the form of summative assessments such as cross-curricular projects where the rubrics have been co-constructed with students, or Learning Journey maps.
Create three progress reports for each student throughout the school year. Meet with all families through a formal parent-teacher interview after each progress report to further discuss their child's learning progression.
Establish positive relationships with families and faculty members
Participate in professional development with an emphasis on Reggio-Emilia and becoming a co-learner with your students.
Attend regular school meetings and complete all required readings and self-reflections for discussion
Assist in any recess or lunch supervision duties as needed
What You'll Need
Bachelor's Degree, or higher, from an accredited institution
Registration to the Ontario College of Teachers with Good Standing and Primary/Junior teaching qualifications
A minimum of 2 years of lead teaching experience with students in the Primary/Junior division
Knowledge and understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach and relevant experience in applying this approach in a classroom setting is considered a strong asset
Experience in developing, teaching, and assessing a curriculum that incorporates justice-oriented education and social emotional learning
Proficient interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all students, families, and faculty members
Demonstrated professional behaviour, including discretion, judgment, and integrity
Proficient with relevant software and technology applications (SeeSaw, SMART Board, Google application, Microsoft Suite, and Canva)
Belief in VMA's mission, vision, and values
Current Standard First Aid/CPR C with AED certification
Current Vulnerable Sector Check
Fully immunized with a Health Canada-recognized COVID-19 vaccine
Why Work at VMA?
Competitive salary with an established pay scale
Immediate enrolment in our group benefits plan that includes a Health Spending Account and Personal Spending Account, allowing maximum flexibility to plan members. Eligible Personal Spending Account claims include: fitness services, sporting and athletic equipment, tuition fees, public transit costs, child care expenses, pet-care services, and RRSP/TFSA contributions, to name a few.
20% employee tuition discount for our Early Years and Day School programs
Participation in a Group RRSP plan with employer contribution matching for permanent teachers
Enrolment cap of 13 students for Kindergarten classrooms and 15 students for Primary classrooms
13.5 weeks of paid vacation (9 weeks in the summer, 2.5 weeks during the holidays and 1 week for March break). Vacation time will be increased to 14.5 weeks in 2025 when March Break is extended to 2 weeks. Paid sick and lieu days complement your vacation time to ensure that you are compensated for additional time off required throughout the school year.
12 hours of a 35-hour work week dedicated to classroom preparatory time
Professional Development days that are conveniently scheduled around long weekends
Monthly events for our faculty members (paid lunches, pub nights, yoga, off-site activities, teacher appreciation day and holiday parties)
Working in renovated classrooms that have been designed with the Reggio Emilia approach at the forefront (just take a look at our Instagram page to see how incredible these spaces are!)
How to Apply
Candidates should apply directly on BreezyHR and indicate in their cover letter if they are applying for the Kindergarten, Primary or both positions. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 26, 2023.
VMA is an equal opportunity employer and in keeping with our commitment to provide services in a manner that is accessible to all, reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants upon request. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.