PreK Teacher

Position Description

Our PreK 3 and PreK 4 Early Childhood Teachers are expert generalists who nurture the academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth of our youngest learners across all subject areas. In this role, teachers design and deliver developmentally appropriate, play-based, and standards-aligned instruction that builds strong foundations in early literacy, numeracy, language development, science exploration, social studies, and social-emotional learning.

PreK teachers create warm, structured classroom environments where children feel safe, joyful, and excited to learn. Teachers work closely with a collaborative early childhood team and are supported by school leaders who provide ongoing professional development and in-the-moment coaching every single week. Just as our teachers invest deeply in their students, Rocketship invests deeply in the growth and development of our educators.

This position reports to the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Essential Functions

• The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Build a joyful, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom culture that supports academic learning, social-emotional development, and positive behavior.
• Plan and deliver engaging, integrated instruction across all subject areas, including early literacy, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning.
• Internalize high-quality instructional materials (Tools of the Mind) and refine lessons based on student needs and developmental milestones.
• Use ongoing observation, formative assessment, and student data to personalize instruction and support each child’s growth.
• Implement classroom routines, transitions, and behavior supports that promote independence, self-regulation, and a love of learning.
• Collaborate closely with special education and student support staff to ensure students receiving additional services are meaningfully and inclusively supported.
• Maintain a safe, well-organized, and engaging learning environment aligned with licensing and program requirements.

Student and Parent Partnerships

• Student and Parent Partnership:
• Partner with students and families through frequent, respectful communication and strong relationship-building.
• Honor families as children’s first teachers and incorporate family knowledge and cultural assets into classroom practice.
• Build authentic relationships with families beginning with home visits, which serve as the foundation for ongoing collaboration.
• Engage families around academic, developmental, and behavioral goals, and transparently share student progress so both families and teachers jointly support each child’s growth.

Rocketship Professional Culture

• Commit to continuous growth as a professional and as an individual.
• Attend and actively participate in all professional development meetings, coaching sessions, and school-wide events.
• Act with urgency, courage, and professionalism in the best interest of students, even when approaches are new or unfamiliar.
• Meet all professional responsibilities and proactively communicate when challenges or changes arise.
• Engage in honest and humble self-reflection, owning both successes and areas for growth.
• Effectively receive and implement feedback to improve practice.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with colleagues and contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture.
• Collaborate with all staff members to ensure students receive consistent, coordinated, and high-quality support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, reading, psychology, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field
• Support children with age- and developmentally appropriate personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, and hygiene routines, in accordance with OSSE licensing requirements and school protocols.
• Promote student independence and self-help skills through developmentally appropriate support with toileting, handwashing, dressing, and daily routines
• This role may require frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and assisting young children with personal care routines, including diapering and toileting support.