Wilmington Friends School offers a college preparatory curriculum—including athletics, the arts and community service—in which Quaker values and high expectations are mutually supportive. The defining belief of Quakerism is that there is “that of God” in everyone. That belief gives rise to a school community that welcomes a variety of faith traditions and where we share an obligation to seek and answer what is best in ourselves and in others. Students at Friends are challenged to realize their potential: as learners, well prepared to succeed in college and career; as leaders, recognizing their power and opportunity to be agents of change; and as active and responsible members of communities, from the classroom to the world. The school seeks to serve students, age two through grade twelve, who demonstrate ongoing promise in their ability to succeed at Friends, both academically and in meeting expectations for integrity and conduct.
Wilmington Friends School is a Preschool to 12 Quaker, college preparatory, day school located in Wilmington, Delaware and enrolling approximately 720 students and is seeking a Lower School Preschool Lead Teacher. We are seeking an experienced educator who has a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for encouraging creativity, fostering academic, social-emotional and spiritual growth, while also nurturing young learners towards independence and self-reliance. Highly qualified candidates will have a minimum of 3 years experience in a lead teacher role.
Beyond its fidelity to best practices related to early childhood education, our preschool is guided by Quaker values and the understanding that young children can and should be at the forefront in decisions about what and how they learn. Our program emphasizes community and responsibility, with respect for each individual, through practices that encourage student-initiated exploration. In our program, students’ interests and questions help determine the course of the learning process, with the teacher as a partner. Opportunities for self-expression are frequent and varied, and student work is documented regularly. Our program encourages students to reflect on and to inquire more deeply into what they are thinking and doing. An emphasis on play is at the heart of our early learning program.
The preschool classroom is designed to encourage creative thinking and collaboration, and there is significant focus on building a learning community with a sense of mutual respect and responsibility.
A Highly Qualified Candidates Will Demonstrate
A positive, enthusiastic, flexible and warm personality with a passion for creating a love of learning in all students
Fundamental understanding of the social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive development of early childhood students
Ability to effectively differentiate a rich and varied curriculum based on best practices and current research
Commitment to innovation and working collaboratively with colleagues
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment
A joyful spirit encouraging compassion, patience, and caring
The ability to reflect on one’s own teaching and adapt as necessary to meet the changing demands of the classroom
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Commitment to communicate respectfully, clearly and honestly in verbal, electronic and written form with parents, administrators, and colleagues regarding curriculum, students, and child development issues
A desire to stay current in contemporary pedagogical thinking, strategies and techniques through further education, reading, workshops, conferences, etc.
We are seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, with strong preference for candidates with a degree in the field of early childhood education. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, candidates committed to working on diversity, equity and inclusion in education, and members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) are particularly encouraged to apply.
If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references addressed to Chris Loeffler, Interim Head of Lower School, to Linda Beard (lbeard@wilmingtonfriendsschool.org) by Friday, July 5, 2024.
It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and retirement.
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About Wilmington Friends School
Founded in 1748, Wilmington Friends School (WFS) is the oldest independent school in Delaware and the eleventh oldest in the nation. WFS is a preschool through 12th grade Quaker day school enrolling approximately 700 students.