Sunnybeam School, a historic preschool on Mercer Island that nurtures children individually while building community and preparing them for their next steps, is looking for a kind and caring teacher to join our teaching team beginning immediately.  The ideal candidate will have teaching experience or a strong desire to learn from seasoned teachers and a true love for 3-5 year olds. Led by an experienced Lead Teacher, the Sunnybeam teaching team works cohesively to keep the classroom on pace with the daily schedule while maintaining a calm, positive and fun atmosphere.  Our team teaching environment allows for all teachers to share leading and planning opportunities and responsibilities.  

This position requires a positive attitude, creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how to best engage and teach preschool children. At Sunnybeam, you will be a valued member of a team of teaching professionals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community every day. 

Essential Functions:

• Ensure that the physical, social and emotional needs of the children are met daily.
• Engage with all children throughout the day in conversation, looking for opportunities to expand learning and take advantage of teachable moments.
• Interact with each child respectfully at all times. Promote positive social skills and redirect inappropriate behaviors using positive discipline techniques.
• Demonstrate acute awareness of the entire group whether working with a small group or individuals.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, prepare and implement classroom lesson plans, instructional aids and/or materials for classroom activities.
• Create activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children.
• Prepare and maintain a warm and safe environment that is orderly, clean and appealing to encourage the children to grow and explore.
• Ensure that all classroom and outdoor equipment are in good working condition and are used and maintained properly.
• Create positive relationships with parents/guardians, share anecdotes about children’s days. Be able to listen to parent concerns in a supportive, respectful and confidential manner, and direct them to the Lead Teacher to address.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, Sunnybeam events and parent meetings, as requested.

Other Requirements

• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements. Respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills 
• Effective and positive communication
• Reliable and punctual
• A willingness to learn by observing, listening and constructive feedback 
• Strong situational awareness with multiple children in a classroom or playground
• A positive, warm, happy, fun energy and personality 
• Creativity, artistic and singing ability/interest a plus
• Ability to stand for multiple hours and bend to be on a child's level.
• Ability/interest in helping with classroom set-up including occasionally moving furniture, carrying items to and from storage and assisting with bulletin boards, hanging art and other decorative tasks.
• A keen appreciation for our historic school, 100-year old schoolhouse and our traditions

Education / Knowledge

• Previous experience working with children. 
• Previous experience in a preschool setting is preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain certification 

Position Schedule & Details

Our school is open Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30-3:30pm and follows the Mercer Island School District calendar. Position is to work all mornings and afternoons with additional planning and prep time, 35-38 hours/week. 

For more information on Sunnybeam School please visit ------------.