We are seeking an experienced early childhood movement specialist for our multi campus school to lead our youngest students in exploring the physical and emotional power of their bodies. This is a 10-month, part-time position beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. A full-time option may be available for candidates interested in also serving as a Community Teacher.
Reports to: Newport Principal and Director of Early Childhood
The Candidate
You are energetic, have a positive attitude, and are a self-starter. You enjoy working with young students in an engaging manner and believe that movement is the key to a child’s confidence and well being. You are a creative story teller and can weave yoga poses and various gross motor movements into imaginative stories that captivate 3 to 6 year old students. You can instill confidence in the movement program with parents/families. You are creative and flexible, and have strong organizational and classroom management skills. You also have strong verbal and written communication skills and can develop interpersonal relationships with faculty, parents/families, and students. You take a collaborative approach and thrive working in a team environment.
You have experience creating a space for imagination and physical growth using a blend of yoga, story telling and structured play to build children’s physical strength, spatial awareness and their imagination to explore and express themselves through movement . You have a flair for drama, enjoy playing music games, reading stories and inspiring young children. You can demonstrate an understanding of music concepts and communicate those concepts in a developmentally age appropriate manner with preschoolers. You have successfully taught PreK 3 and older students. You are intelligent, energetic, optimistic and creative. You have passion for fostering a strong culture of student engagement in learning, in close alignment with our mission.
Primary Responsibilities
-
Develop and teach a movement curriculum that provides students the opportunity to develop their skills, literacy, and knowledge of movement in its many forms, while fostering the learning and growth of all students through the process of creating, exploring, and engaging with stories, dance and music.
-
Create a warm and welcoming class environment in which young children can feel safe.
-
Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social and physical well being of the students during movement class.
-
Use hands-on activities to teach different yoga poses, balance, coordination and strength.
-
Use yoga and imaginative narratives to help children practice focus and mindfulness during physical activity.
-
Guide students in developing spatial awareness, teaching them how to move safely and confidently in a shared environment.
-
Utilize strong management skills to keep sessions productive, safe and fun.
-
Have an understanding of early childhood gross motor development.
-
Ensure student progress and growth toward stated objectives of instruction.
-
Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting the stated objectives including positive attitudes toward learning.
-
Assess student learning and provide written evidence of student learning for the student progress reports at two different times during the year.
-
Communicate regularly with classroom teachers about their students’ progress in movement class and how to integrate classroom curriculum and movement lessons. Maintain consistent language when speaking with students as the classroom teachers use.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred
-
Must have a background in the arts (theater, art, music, etc…)
Additional Requirements
-
Arrival by 8:15am
-
Attend a selection of weekly faculty meetings and Back to School Nights
-
Attend start of year and closing faculty meetings
Salary & Benefits
-
Annual salary starts at $49,000 (will be prorated for a part-time assignment)
-
Medical, vision, and dental insurance
-
Interest free line of credit for health and/or veterinary services and expenses
-
403(b) retirement savings account match program
-
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
-
Professional development opportunities
-
Reimbursements for cell-phone and an on-street parking permit in Hoboken
-
Paid personal days and sick days
Stevens Cooperative School
Stevens Cooperative School fosters curiosity, compassion and confidence in students who think deeply, act ethically and lead by example.
Stevens Cooperative School is the only nonsectarian independent elementary school with campuses in Hoboken and Jersey City. Founded in 1949, Stevens is the oldest parent cooperative school in New Jersey, and an excellent model of progressive education in action. Stevens serves 435 students from PreK 3 through 8th grade, of which 46% come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Stevens is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and staff body and is eager to consider applications from traditionally underrepresented groups. We are committed to ongoing curricular and pedagogical anti-racist work, and we seek a candidate who shares that commitment and who can contribute to our efforts. We search out opportunities for professional growth and encourage reflection on our own practices.
Stevens does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, or national origin in the administration of its hiring and admission policies, financial aid program, or other school-administered programs.
