Purpose:  A Lower School Teacher is responsible for carrying out the mission of VMS through curriculum development, classroom teaching, assessment, differentiation, classroom management, outdoor education, character development, and building rapport with students in and out of the classroom. This position acts as a homebase for a 2nd grade class and will also deliver instruction in reading and writing to all second-grade students. Our teachers understand that knowing their students is a prerequisite to becoming a great teacher. 

What You Will Do:

• Teach Lower School reading and writing curriculum, develop lesson plans, and map the curriculum within the lower school
• Plan curriculum and teach in your classroom, including relevant and differentiated instruction and assessments
• Collaborate with all colleagues to provide the best possible experience for our students and community members. 
• Provide general supervision of students at all times in the building (including lunch and recess)
• Communicate in a timely and professional manner with students, parents, and colleagues
• Participate in orientation, field trips, student activities, and Ski Days
• Demonstrate knowledge of students and how they learn, and implement new teaching models to match student needs
• Participate in peer review through observation and coaching following the VMS professional growth plan
• Advocate for and ensure that diversity, inclusion, and social justice permeate the school's programs and drive its culture.

Who You Are:

• A “raise your hand” type of person. You’re interested in participating in school events like after school academy, field trips, sitting at lunch tables, assisting with carpool, hut trips, and Ski Fridays. You are ready to participate fully in the life of the school.
• Willing to provide general supervision of students
• Able to communicate in a timely and professional manner with students, parents, colleagues, and volunteers
• Ready to attend related meetings and assist with afternoon/evening programs, some of which may occur outside of the school day
• Actively promoting the mission of the school
• Deeply knowledgeable in reading and writing for elementary-aged students; displaying dedication, passion, inspiration, the ability to individualize learning, and the capacity to help all students succeed.
• Committed to pursuing professional development and are life-long learners.
• You hold a Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; an advanced degree is preferred
• You have been trained in Orton-Gillingham and Responsive Classroom
  • If you are not trained, you are willing and eager to earn these certifications in your first year!
• You have an understanding of differentiated instruction to meet the needs of your students
• You have three or more years of teaching elementary-aged students
• Proficiency in designing effective lessons, teaching diverse learning styles, and managing elementary school-age students
• You are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and their integration into our school. You consider yourself culturally competent, and so do your co-worker

Who We Are:

We are a rapport-based independent school that is proud of our roots in the Vail Valley. As a group, we are made up of active people who are committed to instilling the value of our natural surroundings to the next generation through education, responsibility, and kindness. VMS is a caring and thoughtful organization committed to the lives of our employees. We offer a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to fit the needs of our faculty and staff. We offer a monthly wellness benefit reimbursement as well as FSA and HSA options depending on your health insurance elections. We focus on the professional development of our faculty and staff through individual professional development opportunities. Vail Mountain School is proud to offer compensation based on experience and education (see below).

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, intentionally committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We welcome candidates representing a full spectrum of race, ability, gender, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation. A VMS education embraces both the open exchange of ideas and learning from differing perspectives, inclusive of the beliefs and identities reflected within the community. Qualifications for employment include a demonstrated commitment to these principles.

About Vail Mountain School

We are Vail, Colorado’s leading independent K-12 school. We are an experiential learning destination. We offer extensive outdoor learning experiences and leadership opportunities for all students. Our academic programs are second to none. Our community has a strong family feel and our athletic programs are both inclusive and competitive.

Connections working at Vail Mountain School