Pedagogical Director and Atelierista (Assistant Director)

Pedagogical Director and Atelierista (Assistant Director) About Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center is a play-based early childhood program with a strong connection to nature, inquiry, and creative expression. Children spend significant time outdoors exploring seasonal changes, gardening, and engaging with natural materials that inspire curiosity and discovery. Our educators believe that wonder, play, and meaningful connection with the natural world are powerful foundations for early learning. Role Overview We are seeking a visionary educator to serve in a hybrid leadership role as Pedagogical Director and Atelierista (Assistant Director). This position is ideal for an experienced early childhood educator who brings deep pedagogical knowledge, a strong artistic sensibility, and a commitment to reflective practice. In this leadership role, the Pedagogical Director & Atelierista supports the development of a dynamic, inquiry-based program by guiding curriculum, mentoring teachers, and designing environments that inspire exploration and creativity. This role works closely with the school's leadership team to cultivate a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and reflective practice across the program. As Pedagogical Leader , this individual collaborates with teachers to steward a child-centered, emergent curriculum rooted in observation, documentation, and long-term investigations. As Atelierista , this individual brings expertise in visual arts, materials, and creative processes, supporting children's learning through artistic expression, research, and thoughtful engagement with materials. The successful candidate holds a high image of the child and views children as competent, curious, and capable learners. They are comfortable with ambiguity, emergent curriculum, and long-term project work, and they bring a collaborative mindset to mentoring teachers and shaping the school's pedagogical vision. Core Responsibilities Pedagogical Leadership Guide the development and evolution of inquiry-based, emergent curriculum across classrooms Mentor and support teachers through reflective practice, collaborative planning, and pedagogical dialogue Foster a culture of observation, documentation, and research into children's learning processes Support educators in designing long-term investigations and child-led project work Collaborate with school leadership on program development and pedagogical vision Atelier & Learning Environments Design, curate, and maintain the school's atelier and other creative learning spaces Curate high-quality, open-ended materials that invite exploration, transformation, and sustained inquiry Collaborate with teachers to design classroom environments that function as the "third teacher" Support teachers and children in caring for and thoughtfully organizing shared materials and learning spaces Documentation & Research Guide teachers in using pedagogical documentation as a reflective tool to inform curriculum development Support the interpretation and display of children's work and learning processes Contribute to school-wide documentation through exhibitions, displays, and publications Encourage children's reflection on their own learning through documentation and dialogue Integrate visual arts and creative processes as tools for exploration, hypothesis testing, and meaning-making Community & Professional Learning Facilitate collaborative planning and reflection among teaching teams Participate in and help lead professional development opportunities for staff Present or prepare materials for school events, family engagement opportunities, and community learning experiences Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in a Reggio-inspired, inquiry-based, or progressive early childhood setting Demonstrated experience mentoring, selecting, and leading teaching teams Strong understanding of emergent curriculum and pedagogical documentation Experience facilitating reflective practice and collaborative curriculum planning Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field strongly preferred Background in visual arts, design, or creative disciplines strongly preferred Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills Ideal Candidate Traits Holds a deep respect for children as competent, capable learners Approaches teaching and leadership with curiosity, reflection, and a research mindset Is comfortable navigating emergent curriculum and the unknown in the learning process Brings strong artistic sensibility and appreciation for materials and environments Values collaboration and builds strong partnerships with teachers and families Believes in the power of documentation to make learning visible Benefits Health insurance Paid holidays Vacation accrual Retirement account Paid time off Ongoing professional development opportunities

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person