2026-2027 Kindergarten (Primary 1) Lead Teacher The Common School Amherst, MA

2026-2027 Kindergarten (Primary 1) Lead Teacher The Common School - Amherst, MA The Common School The Common School - Amherst, Massachusetts Job Details

Job ID:

5640374

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Apr 13, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

To Be Determined Job Description

About The Common School:

Nestled within 140 acres of picturesque conservation land, The Common School, a vibrant Nursery through 6th-grade school, offers an engaging, hands-on educational experience that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to cultivate compassionate learners through a transformative, joyful, progressive education.

Position Overview:

The Primary 1 (Kindergarten) Lead Teacher is a creative and reflective educator who brings vision, warmth, and joy to the earliest years of school. This role offers the opportunity to design and lead a classroom where curiosity is honored, play is essential, and children are known deeply as learners and people. Working closely with an associate teacher, the Lead Teacher shapes a rich, integrated curriculum grounded in children's interests and developmental needs. This is a role for an experienced educator who is excited to mentor others, collaborate with colleagues, and cultivate a classroom that feels purposeful, nurturing, and creative. Why Educators Love The Common School Teachers at The Common School are trusted as thinkers, creators, and leaders. Our kindergarten class is a unique bridge between our Nursery and Primary years, where play, storytelling, nature, and inquiry are at the heart of each day, and where academic growth emerges through meaningful, connected experiences. Educators here value the professional autonomy to design curriculum, the joy of working alongside a small community of deeply committed colleagues, and the opportunity to build authentic relationships with children and families. We prioritize collaboration, reflection, and ongoing learning, and we believe that when teachers feel empowered, inspired, and grounded in purpose, children thrive. Key Responsibilities

• Design a kindergarten experience rooted in play, inquiry, and imagination, where learning feels meaningful and joyful.
• Lead curriculum and instruction that integrates literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on, thematic studies.
• Follow children's curiosity, building in-depth explorations that spark wonder, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Differentiate with care, meeting a wide range of learners through small group instruction and responsive teaching.
• Build a strong classroom community grounded in belonging, identity, and social justice.
• Mentor and collaborate with an associate teacher, modeling reflective practice and shared leadership.
• Create a nurturing, well-held environment with clear, consistent routines and a positive, restorative approach to behavior.
• Partner with families through open, thoughtful communication that centers each child's growth and experience.
• Engage fully in school life, contributing to a collaborative faculty culture and ongoing professional learning.

Please see the full position description linked here.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Master's degree in education or a related field.
• Massachusetts Licensure
• 5+ years of lead teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and progressive pedagogy.
• Strong skills in collaboration, adaptability, and communication.

Salary range: $50,000 - $63,00 commensurate with experience. How to

Apply:

We seek educators who will contribute to the diversity, equity, and vibrancy of our school community. As part of our anti-bias hiring process, we invite candidates to share both their professional experience and their commitment to building inclusive learning environments. Please email application materials to hiring@commonschool.org

Attention:

Head of School Applicants are asked to provide: 1. A letter of interest 2. A resume 3. A written response to the equity, inclusion, and social justice statement below

• Equity Reflection Prompt The Common School is committed to social justice, critical thinking, and compassion for others.

We strive to cultivate a community where students, families, and staff actively contribute to a caring and equitable environment. Please share how your background, experiences, and/or learning have prepared you to support this work. You may draw from personal, professional, or community experiences. Join us in shaping a learning community where children are empowered to explore, question, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens, and where teachers do the same.

Position Type:

Full-time

Salary:

$50,000 to $63,000 Per Year