Preschool Director/Teacher

Job Description

MAJOR FUNCTION:

Preschool Director and Teacher

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning (PPSEL) is seeking candidates for teacher openings beginning fall of 2026. We are seeking individuals with a positive attitude, strong collaborative skills and a desire to work for the benefit of each child in a unique way. PPSEL is a cutting-edge school with highly engaged classrooms. We are looking for teachers who want to implement new strategies and ideas.

Why Teach at PPSEL? EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) schools organize their curriculum around multidisciplinary, integrated learning expeditions. The PPSEL faculty enjoy a high degree of autonomy and responsibility in all aspects of the school program including working with students as individuals; developing curriculum from standards; leading students on engaging fieldwork and service learning; experiential methods of learning in environments inside and outside the classroom; collaborating with entire staff; and engaging in professional development.

Teaching Positions at the PPSEL: Preferred Attributes

PPSEL prefers candidates with the following qualifications:

• Appreciation for each student, co-worker and parent/guardian as an individual
• Enthusiastic, flexible, and spontaneous
• Willingness to PPSEL’s progressive, constructivist, project-based educational philosophy which includes creation of curriculum aligned to standards.
• Understands how to pinpoint each student’s strengths and weaknesses and then apply differential instructional practices to meet the diverse learning needs of each student
• Strong desire to teach in a demanding, cutting-edge program in which all aspects of school life are open for discussion, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Sense of humor
• Deep and abiding sense of inquiry

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following statements of duties, responsibilities, frequency, and percentages are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position. Actual duties, responsibilities, frequency, and percentages may vary depending upon building assignments and other factors.

• Teaches reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, health, and music to students in a classroom using approved curriculum and any other appropriate learning activities.
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student with the identified objectives.
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Demonstrates subject matter concepts and examples using models, whiteboard, overhead projector,

computers, smartboards, or any other standard or approved teacher-prepared instructional aides.

• Explains learning objectives and student expectations.
• Provides opportunities when needed for individualized and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the students. Differentiates instruction and curriculum to meet individual

student needs.

• Provides opportunities for student goal setting, reflection and self-assessment.
• Uses assessment to improve learning and instruction.
• Sets behavior expectations and consequences that are clear and consistently enforced.
• Participates in functional behavior assessments and in the development of intervention and support

plans of individual students as necessary and required.

• Assumes responsibility for instruction, duties, supervision of students, and required meetings at designated times.
• Utilizes grading patterns that are fairly administered and based on identified criteria.
• Evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports.

Maintains and submits accurate and complete records as required.

• Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss student’s progress and interpret the school program. Interacts with students, staff and parents in a positive and professional manner.
• Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
• Establish rapport with students and provides a pleasant, safe, and orderly climate conducive to learning.
• Actively participate in full implementation of the School Improvement Plan.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the school and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:
Meet at least one (1) of the following qualifications:

1. Possess a current teaching license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an endorsement in the area of elementary education, early childhood education, early childhood special education, early childhood special education specialist; or principal licensure;

2. Possess a current early childhood professional credential level II or higher in version 3.0 as determined by the Department;

3. Current certification as a child development associate (CDA) credential in: center-based, preschool; center-based, infant-toddler; or family child care; or other Department-approved credential;

4. Two (2) years and nine (9) months (5,005 hours) of satisfactory experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual, and at least two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, and one (1) of the courses must be either:

a. Introduction to Early Childhood; or

b. Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; or

5. Nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of satisfactory experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual, and an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, with at least two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses in early childhood education, and one (1) of the courses must be either:

a. Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; or

b. Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

6. Three (3) months (455 hours) of satisfactory experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual; and an Associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university, with at least two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses in either:

a. Introduction to Early Childhood Professions or possesses a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in: Center-Based, Preschool; Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; or Family Child Care; or

b. Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

In addition, candidate must complete these requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk or sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. There are no specific vision abilities required by this job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
MENTAL FUNCTIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use interpersonal skills. Frequently required to compare, analyze, communicate, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate and negotiate. Occasionally required to copy and compile.

Salary range is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person