Lower School Homebase Head Teacher - Possible Opening (2025-2026)

As a Lower School Homebase Head Teacher at Riverdale Country School, you will be responsible for teaching core academic subjects while also nurturing student growth in a supportive community. You'll develop strong relationships with around 22 students, collaborate with grade-level teams, and engage in instructional planning that focuses on enhancing student learning outcomes.

Riverdale Country School requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree for the Lower School Homebase Head Teacher position. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s Degree in a related field and those who have lead teaching experience.

The salary for the Lower School Homebase Head Teacher at Riverdale Country School ranges from approximately $60,000 to $135,000 a year, depending on the candidate's experience. This range reflects our Head Teacher salary scale, placing educators based on their years of classroom experience.

At Riverdale Country School, professional development is a priority. We provide a generous budget for conferences and skills training and offer onsite training in essential areas like mindfulness and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to ensure our educators are well-equipped for their roles.

Full-time employees, including Lower School Homebase Head Teachers at Riverdale, enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits including health insurance, generous vacation time, retirement contributions, and access to Frankel Fellow grants for enrichment activities.

The classroom environment for a Lower School Homebase Head Teacher at Riverdale is collaborative and inclusive. With a focus on strong relationships and community building, teachers engage students in deep interdisciplinary learning while encouraging their holistic development.

Riverdale Country School proudly serves a diverse student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes. With 48% of our students identifying as students of color, our school community reflects the vibrant diversity of the New York metropolitan area.

To create a strong classroom community, I would prioritize relationship-building through open communication, fostering trust, and encouraging students to collaborate while respecting each other’s diverse backgrounds. By implementing team-building activities and creating a safe environment for sharing ideas, I can cultivate a supportive learning space.

I would use differentiated instruction techniques tailored to students' varying abilities and learning styles. This might include flexible grouping, personalized assignments, and ongoing assessments to ensure every student feels valued and challenged.

Incorporating DEIB principles into my teaching means intentionally designing curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives, encouraging discussions around equity and inclusion, and creating an environment in which all students feel safe to express their views and experiences.

Experiential learning is crucial for student engagement as it makes learning relevant and practical. By incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications into lessons, I can enhance understanding and retention, ultimately encouraging a deeper connection to the material.

A successful interdisciplinary project I led involved integrating science and art through a garden project. Students researched plant biology and then created artistic representations of their findings, which connected their scientific knowledge to creative expression and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Maintaining clear and ongoing communication with parents is vital. I would establish regular updates through newsletters or virtual meetings and invite parents to share their insights and concerns, creating a partnership that supports students' educational journeys.

My approach to addressing behavior challenges begins with understanding the underlying reasons behind the behavior. I would implement restorative practices, promote positive discipline techniques, and foster open discussions to create a respectful and safe classroom atmosphere.

To plan effective lessons for a diverse classroom, I use a variety of teaching resources and methods that cater to different learning styles. This includes integrating technology, hands-on activities, and cooperative learning to engage all students and meet their individual needs.

Social and emotional learning is essential in a Lower School setting as it helps students develop critical interpersonal skills, manage emotions, and build resilience. By incorporating SEL into the curriculum, I can contribute to students' holistic development and prepare them for future challenges.

To ensure a smooth transition for new students, I would personally welcome them and pair them with a buddy to help them acclimate. I would conduct orientation activities to introduce classroom routines and engage the whole class in fostering an inclusive atmosphere that makes new students feel accepted.