The Packer Collegiate Institute, a historic and vibrant PK-12 independent school located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, seeks dedicated, and enthusiastic Head Teachers for anticipated openings for the 2025/26 school year. Packer’s mission is to prepare students for meaningful and purposeful lives by “thinking deeply, listening actively, speaking courageously, and acting with purpose and heart.” Teachers create an engaging, collaborative learning environment that emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, as well as student well-being.

The ideal candidate will inspire a love of learning, demonstrate expertise in child development and research-informed practices, and build a joyful classroom culture that supports curiosity, mutual respect, and community. Lower School Head Teachers provide general classroom instruction in literacy, math, and social studies. The position also includes mentoring an Associate Teacher and actively contributing to a grade-level teaching team and wider division and school community. Strong written and oral communication skills are required.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Environment:

• Foster a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that supports students' academic, social, and emotional growth and well-being.

• Develop meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a strong sense of community and belonging.

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Design and implement rich, engaging, and developmentally appropriate lessons that align with Packer’s mission and Lower School curriculum.

• Collaborate closely with teaching partners, specialists, and administrators to develop a cohesive and supportive learning environment, share resources, and align expectations.

Assessment, Documentation, & Differentiation

• Assess, monitor, and document student progress using a variety of methods, including observations, portfolios, and formal assessments. Use documentation and assessments to celebrate learning, inform instruction, and communicate effectively with families

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students. Partner with Learning Specialists, PS/LS Psychologist, counselor, and Student Support Team.

Collaboration & Relationships:

• Mentor, support, and partner with an Associate Teacher, providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for their professional growth.

• Collaborate with grade-level team members, specialists, and administrators to plan interdisciplinary units, share resources, and align expectations.

• Build trusting and respectful relationships with children and families, fostering a strong sense of community.

• Participate in reflective practice and team meetings to refine the curriculum and align with Packer’s mission and values.

Professional Growth:

• Actively engage in professional development opportunities, including working with Instructional Coaches, conferences and workshops to hone and develop research-informed best practices.

• Participate in school-wide events, initiatives, and committees to contribute to the life of the PS/LS Division and broader Packer community.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field

• A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant teaching experience (preferably with at least one year as Head Teacher in an independent school setting.)

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and collaborate with colleagues in a co-teaching or team model.

• Strong understanding of child development and research-informed best practices in early childhood and elementary education.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with an ability to create an inclusive classroom environment.

Skills & Attributes:

• Warm, nurturing, and passionate about educating young children.

• Ability to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that are child-centered and inquiry-based, and value curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, able to build meaningful and supportive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

• Strong classroom management, excellent observation, assessment, and documentation skills.

• Ability to be thoughtful and responsive to individual children's needs

• Creativity, flexibility, and a reflective teaching practice.

• Growth mindset and openness to feedback

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Commitment to Diversity

Packer’s comprehensive commitment to diversity and equity requires all faculty members to actively and thoughtfully engage in work around identity, anti-racism, and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, and beliefs.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Packer Collegiate Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience, including professional development opportunities, health insurance, and retirement contributions.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter that includes their educational philosophy

Salary:

Salaries are determined based on a scale reflecting years of teaching experience and level of education.