Third Grade Teacher

The Siena School is seeking a full-time third grade teacher who is passionate about teaching and our mission of serving bright children with dyslexia and similar language-based learning differences . We are looking for a highly collaborative teacher committed to designing and adapting instruction to meet a range of student learning needs and interests. Siena relies heavily on multisensory and differentiated instruction.

The Siena School is one of the nation’s leading independent schools serving bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia (www.thesienaschool.org). At The Siena School, teachers encourage students' creative expression, incorporate student interest and passions, and develop critical thinking by creating a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports the learning and personal growth of each student. Siena faculty and staff work collaboratively with students, parents and professionals to create a nurturing but rigorous learning environment. We know our children well and engage them on a daily basis in exciting, intellectual dialogue. Through individualized, multisensory instruction, students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners.  A positive learning experience inspires our students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Siena teachers work with students in small classes of 10:1 and address individual needs through both small-group and individualized instruction. They are skillful in establishing a strong relationship with students and creating learning opportunities that motivate and inspire students to develop all aspects of their learning needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating a warm and supportive classroom community in which students build self-regulation and executive functioning skills 
• Collaborating with the elementary division teaching team
• Working with students, parents, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs  
• Creating lesson plans and adapting curriculum to teach Language Arts, math, social studies, and science
• Regular and consistent communication with students, parents and colleagues

Qualifications:

• Masters/advanced degree and 2-5 years of classroom experience (preferred), or Bachelor's degree with a strong academic track record and demonstrated career interest in education.
• Strong language skills and a desire to make a difference for students whose intellect is ahead of their literacy skills.
• Promoting joyful student engagement and a commitment to the education of students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences are essential.
• Comfort level with elementary-age children, student-advocacy practices, and inquiry-based instruction.
• Training or classroom experience with elementary grades, differentiation and/or students with learning differences/dyslexia.
• Training in multisensory, structured language approaches is desirable, but not required since Siena has targeted and ongoing professional development in reading instruction/learning differences.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Citizenship, residency, or work Visa in the United States are required.

Salary and Benefits: $58,000 - $90,000 depending on experience.

Benefits: Benefits include comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, and vision coverage); short-term and long-term disability coverage, including optional life insurance; 401(K) retirement plan with employer contributions; paid leave including holidays, parental, bereavement, and sick leave; SmartBenefits (for Metro transportation); tuition remission for eligible employees; sponsored professional development; discounted facility rentals and free parking.

Physical Requirements: Moderate physical work is required for this position, including frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching and reaching. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push or pull equipment/boxes that weigh up to 10 pounds. Must be able to speak clearly and understand the speech of others.  

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification forms upon hire.