Join our Team!

The Associate Prekindergarten Teacher will support the mission and vision of University Liggett School through positive interaction with students, parents, and faculty.  Specifically, the Associate Prekindergarten Teacher is responsible for ensuring that the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan are the center of all decisions and actions. The Associate Prekindergarten Teacher will support an atmosphere of trust and openness among employees, students, and parents and will support an atmosphere that fosters the intellectual, social, physical, behavioral, and emotional growth of each student.

The primary role of the associate teacher is to support and supervise students while working closely with the lead teacher. This role also serves to provide less experienced teachers with hands-on professional experience working with a mentor teacher.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage actively with the children to foster a positive learning environment and provide a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere for students
• Work closely with the lead teacher to plan and carry out lesson plans grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy 
• Supervise group activities and assist in small group instruction
• Help maintain the classroom materials and environment in a clean and orderly manner
• Assist the lead teacher using positive feedback and disciplining when necessary
• Assist in maintaining records of student progress and needs
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment for young children
• Participate in faculty duties, such as student supervision during recess, snack, lunch, nap and dismissal
• Handle basic hygiene needs such as handwashing, assisting with the bathroom and dressing for outdoor play
• Observe children and share any concerns with the lead preschool teacher, LS psychologist, or Early Childhood Program Director
• Support lead preschool teacher using a whole-child approach that builds classroom community and creates an environment that remains responsive to the strengths and needs of all students
• Attend weekly faculty meetings, team meetings, and professional development days
• Attend Back to School Night and parent-teacher conferences
• Work with lead teacher, Division Head, and Dean of Teaching and Learning to strengthen pedagogy and knowledge of Reggio Emilia and take advantage of professional development opportunities
• Model the Liggett core values within and beyond the classroom walls

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or elementary education preferred
• Familiarity with a Reggio-inspired classroom or emergent curriculum is preferred
• Previous experience working with young children 
• A passion for early childhood education and helping children grow in a positive way
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Flexibility when the need arises
• An understanding of the importance of a consistent routine in the early childhood classroom

Screenings – TB assessment, Livescan Background Check, CPR/First Aid certification

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional school environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

 9 months: 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Contact Person

Qualified candidates should send the following to Peggy Dettlinger, Head of Lower School, at pdettlinger@uls.org:

• A letter of interest
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• Responses to the following prompts with a video, writing, or an artifact:
  • Describe a recent professional development experience you participated in and its impact upon your practice.
  • What is the most significant pedagogical shift you have made in your practice from the beginning of your career to today?
  • What role does assessment play in your classroom?

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Liggett is an equal-opportunity employer and educational institution.   It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.

The Middle and Upper School Visual Arts teacher will support the mission and vision of University Liggett School through positive interaction with students and faculty.  Specifically, it is the Middle and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher’s responsibility to ensure that the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan are the center of all decisions and actions. The Visual Arts Teacher will support an atmosphere of trust and openness among employees, students, and parents and will support an atmosphere that fosters the intellectual, social, physical, behavioral, and emotional growth of each student.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 5 sections of Middle and Upper School Visual Art which include various forms such as painting, drawing, sketching, and 3-D art.
• Guide and support student portfolio creation and the college admissions process.
• Create an equitable and inclusive class environment that promotes community, integrity, respect, excellence, and empathy
• Design projects that stretch student thinking and imagination 
• Scaffold assignments effectively and respond thoughtfully and promptly to student work
• Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
• Participate actively in advancing the Visual and Performing Arts Department Curriculum and The Liggett Approach
• Serve as a Upper School co-advisor 
• Communicate thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with parents 
• Write thoughtful, articulate progress reports 
• Along with core teaching responsibilities, the candidate may be asked to take on additional duties that may include photography for the yearbook, assistance with scenic design, faculty chaperone at the 6th grade trip, or other activities that integrate visual art  in the life of our school.

Qualifications

• Teaching degree, masters level or advanced degree in visual arts
• Enthusiasm for Middle and Upper School students and an understanding of their developmental needs
• A thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching, learning, and assessment
• A growth mindset about teaching practices and an eagerness to work toward professional goals and development
• A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered environment
• Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships
• Strong writer, reader, and speaker
• Eager willingness to support and to be present in the life of the school
• Facility with technology in the classroom

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional school environment. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

9 month employee/ 7:45 am- 3:30 pm

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Liggett is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution.   It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.

Contact Person

Qualified candidates should send the following to Shernaz Minwalla, Head of Upper School, at sminwalla@uls.org:

• A letter of interest
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• Responses to the following prompts with a video, writing, or an artifact:
  • Describe a recent professional development experience you participated in and its impact upon your practice.
  • What is the most significant pedagogical shift you have made in your practice from the beginning of your career to today?
  • What role does assessment play in your classroom?

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. University Liggett School is known for providing the kind of innovative and exploratory experiences that connect a diverse student body with their learning in dynamic and engaging ways. It is an inspiring place where ideas and possibilities abound. Like any school, there are traditions that form the foundation of our work in the community, and our foundation is strong. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs. 

University Liggett School seeks a full-time, experienced Spanish teacher to begin in September 2024.

Department Philosophy:

The Modern Languages (ML) Department offers a language experience in French, Spanish and Mandarin. Students excel in their language(s) of choice and are able to take more than more than one language simultaneously. Students explore culture, ask questions, and develop their communication skills, ultimately becoming proficient at a level appropriate to their grade. Students learn how to collaborate and work independently all while developing proficiency in all areas of language development: speaking, listening, writing and reading. In each language, students can also participate in language clubs and there are school excursions in the Detroit area to visit culturally relevant places. 

Essential Duties:

• Teach four or five sections of Spanish primarily in the Upper School
• Create a class environment that is devoted to advancing proficiency in Spanish through thoughtful immersive experiences.
• Possess a wide range of teaching approaches to reach from the most advanced language learners to those with neurodiversity 
• Create an equitable and inclusive class environment that promotes integrity, respect, and empathy
• Design writing assignments and activities that stretch student thinking and imagination 
• Scaffold assignments effectively and respond thoughtfully and promptly to student writing
• Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
• Participate actively in advancing the Modern and Classical Languages department’s curriculum and The Liggett Approach
• Serve as an Upper School advisor 
• Communicate thoughtfully, professionally, and clearly with parents
• Participate actively and positively in the life of the school

Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's degree or higher in Spanish or Spanish Education or an equivalent field
• Enthusiasm for Upper School students and an understanding of their developmental needs
• A thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching, learning, and assessment
• A growth mindset about teaching practices and an eagerness to work toward professional goals and development
• A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered environment
• Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships
• Strong writer, reader, and speaker
• Eager willingness to support and to be present in the life of the school
• Facility with technology in the classroom

The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths of each student through the Liggett Approach. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

Contact Person

Qualified candidates should send the following to Shernaz Minwalla, Head of Upper School, at sminwalla@uls.org:

• A letter of interest
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• Responses to the following prompts with a video, writing, or an artifact:
  • Describe a recent professional development experience you participated in and its impact upon your practice.
  • What is the most significant pedagogical shift you have made in your practice from the beginning of your career to today?
  • What role does assessment play in your classroom?

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

University Liggett School is committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by applicable federal or Michigan law. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

If you are a highly qualified educator looking for substitute teaching work for all grade levels and subject areas, we are looking for you. At University Liggett School students are active participants in their learning experience. Substitute teachers at Liggett thrive in a dynamic, student-centered, collaborative environment.

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree. Submit to a Michigan school employment criminal background and fingerprinting checks as required. Please indicate the grade level and subject areas that you are qualified to teach in your letter of interest.

If you are interested in being added to our substitute teaching roster please email your resume and a letter of interest to Maureen Solak at msolak@uls.org.