Job Description

The Children’s School at Stephens College (CSSC) serves as an authentic laboratory school embedded within our teacher education program. It provides a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where pre-service teachers gain real-world teaching experience. Our preschool program serves children ages 3–5, while our elementary classroom is a multi-age setting, encompassing kindergarten through fifth grade.

Both programs emphasize inquiry-based learning, where teachers and pre-service teachers guide students in exploring and investigating ideas rooted in real-world contexts. We believe that children are active participants in their own learning, and we foster this by offering diverse, meaningful opportunities that promote curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

This approach supports children not only in acquiring knowledge but also in applying and understanding what they learn and why it matters. Simultaneously, pre-service teachers develop reflective practices, deepen their instructional skills, and build strong foundations for professional teaching careers.

Classroom Teachers at The Children’s School foster a love of learning by providing developmentally appropriate, integrated instruction in the arts and sciences. In addition to teaching young children, teachers serve as mentors to pre-service teachers in the Stephens College education program by modeling best practices and offering feedback and guidance.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement curriculum that integrates the arts and sciences and reflects developmentally appropriate practices.
• Mentor pre-service teachers by modeling effective teaching strategies and supervising their classroom engagement.
• Be present when pre-service teachers are teaching; practicum students are not to be left alone in the classroom.
• Participate in all school and college-related activities, including: staff meetings, professional development/in-service sessions, and college-sponsored events.
• Assess and document students’ progress across all content areas.
• Adhere to school and college policies and procedures.
• Implement provided curriculum and adapt as needed for individual learner needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CSSC Director.

Requirements

• Missouri teaching certificate in Early Childhood or Elementary Education is required.
• Teaching experience is preferred.
• Experience in integrating the arts and sciences into the curriculum is preferred.

***A professional CV/resume, cover letter, and three references are required to be uploaded when applying for this position.***

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College continues to be a leader in women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s degrees and certificates for working professionals, and is home to the co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School).

Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents.

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.