AppleTree
Founding Kindergarten Teacher
The Douglass Ridley School — Boston, MA
Opening Fall 2026
About the Douglass Ridley School Opening in Fall 2026 in Boston’s Longwood neighborhood, the Douglass Ridley School is a progressive, Reggio Emilia–inspired elementary school that honors the legacies of Frederick Douglass and Florida Ruffin Ridley. We believe every child deserves access to joyful, hands‑on learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and social consciousness. Through our tiered tuition model, we are committed to building an intentionally diverse school community that reflects the richness of Boston.
The Opportunity As a founding Kindergarten Teacher, you will play a central role in shaping the culture, practices, and traditions of our school. Each Kindergarten classroom will be led by two co‑lead teachers who share responsibility for designing curriculum, guiding students, and engaging families. This is a unique opportunity to help bring a vision to life: collaborating closely with a teaching partner, creating learning experiences that integrate children’s interests with grade‑level goals, and building a joyful, inclusive school community together.
Responsibilities
Co‑lead a Kindergarten classroom in partnership with another lead teacher, modeling deep collaboration, shared decision‑making, and reflective practice.
Design and implement inquiry‑based, hands‑on learning experiences rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
Create a warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and collaboration.
Integrate art, music, STEM, and outdoor exploration—including the nearby Emerald Necklace—into daily learning.
Build strong partnerships with families through consistent communication, shared documentation of learning, and opportunities for family involvement.
Contribute to the development of school‑wide traditions, rituals, and practices as a founding team member.
Participate in ongoing professional learning and reflective practice with colleagues.
Support the school’s commitment to equity and intentional diversity by honoring the identities, cultures, and experiences of all children and families.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Massachusetts teaching license (Early Childhood) strongly preferred.
Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in early childhood or elementary settings; experience with progressive, Reggio Emilia, or inquiry‑based approaches strongly valued.
Enthusiasm for co‑teaching and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with families from diverse backgrounds.
Strong communication, collaboration, and reflective practice skills.
Entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility to thrive in a start‑up school environment.
Why Join Us
Be part of a founding team building a school from the ground up.
Shape classroom practices and school traditions in alignment with progressive values.
Work in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment with a dedicated teaching partner.
Competitive compensation and benefits, with opportunities for growth as the school expands.
To Apply Please submit a resume and cover letter to cswartz@douglassridleyschool.org with the subject line: Founding Kindergarten Teacher – [Your Name].
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Opening Fall 2026
About the Douglass Ridley School Opening in Fall 2026 in Boston’s Longwood neighborhood, the Douglass Ridley School is a progressive, Reggio Emilia–inspired elementary school that honors the legacies of Frederick Douglass and Florida Ruffin Ridley. We believe every child deserves access to joyful, hands‑on learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and social consciousness. Through our tiered tuition model, we are committed to building an intentionally diverse school community that reflects the richness of Boston.
The Opportunity As a founding Kindergarten Teacher, you will play a central role in shaping the culture, practices, and traditions of our school. Each Kindergarten classroom will be led by two co‑lead teachers who share responsibility for designing curriculum, guiding students, and engaging families. This is a unique opportunity to help bring a vision to life: collaborating closely with a teaching partner, creating learning experiences that integrate children’s interests with grade‑level goals, and building a joyful, inclusive school community together.
Responsibilities
Co‑lead a Kindergarten classroom in partnership with another lead teacher, modeling deep collaboration, shared decision‑making, and reflective practice.
Design and implement inquiry‑based, hands‑on learning experiences rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
Create a warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and collaboration.
Integrate art, music, STEM, and outdoor exploration—including the nearby Emerald Necklace—into daily learning.
Build strong partnerships with families through consistent communication, shared documentation of learning, and opportunities for family involvement.
Contribute to the development of school‑wide traditions, rituals, and practices as a founding team member.
Participate in ongoing professional learning and reflective practice with colleagues.
Support the school’s commitment to equity and intentional diversity by honoring the identities, cultures, and experiences of all children and families.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Massachusetts teaching license (Early Childhood) strongly preferred.
Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in early childhood or elementary settings; experience with progressive, Reggio Emilia, or inquiry‑based approaches strongly valued.
Enthusiasm for co‑teaching and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with families from diverse backgrounds.
Strong communication, collaboration, and reflective practice skills.
Entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility to thrive in a start‑up school environment.
Why Join Us
Be part of a founding team building a school from the ground up.
Shape classroom practices and school traditions in alignment with progressive values.
Work in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment with a dedicated teaching partner.
Competitive compensation and benefits, with opportunities for growth as the school expands.
To Apply Please submit a resume and cover letter to cswartz@douglassridleyschool.org with the subject line: Founding Kindergarten Teacher – [Your Name].
#J-18808-Ljbffr