Responsibilities of an Orchard Educator

The Orchard School’s philosophy considers the child first and creates a school where character is developed and academic excellence is pursued.

The Orchard School

Teachers develop a vibrant, innovative and engaging learning environment through their dedication and enthusiasm. They know that learning and teaching are lifelong processes that go hand in hand. Respect for each individual and each individual’s membership in the community defines the essence of human interaction at the school. Teachers believe that all students can learn. Teachers share their passion for teaching and learning, and, in doing so, inspire those around them.

Knowledge and Evidence of Subject Matter/Curriculum/Content

  • Designs and delivers curriculum according to Orchard’s mission, philosophy and standards
  • Integrates content, concepts and skills across the curriculum
  • Develops innovative lessons that are challenging and age-appropriate
  • Is knowledgeable about subject matter, recent developments, practices and research

Knowledge of Child Development

  • Understands the range of children’s cognitive, emotional and behavioral development
  • Identifies and capitalizes on children’s strengths to meet their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs
  • Encourages children to be responsible, respectful, and understand natural and logical consequences

Knowledge and Evidence of the Learning Process
and Progressive Teaching Methods

  • Promotes critical thinking, creative thinking and problem solving
  • Evaluates students’ development and designs appropriate and challenging lessons and assessments
  • Designs and utilizes active, hands-on learning experiences to actively engage students
  • Incorporates differentiation of content (what students learn), process (how students make sense of ideas and information), product (how students demonstrate and apply what they have learned)
  • Integrates technology into curriculum and guides students to utilize technology
  • Creates a stimulating, safe, and orderly classroom that incorporates flexibility in grouping and in scheduling

Knowledge, Support and Evidence of Diversity and Multicultural Education

  • Respects and esteems the diversity of and the differences within the Orchard community, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, spirituality, sexual orientation, socio-economics, culture, intellectual, and physical
  • Promotes understanding and respect for multiple perspectives
  • Helps students develop skills and habits to take responsibility to interrupt injustice
  • Incorporates Orchard’s multicultural standards in curriculum

Professionalism and Collegiality

  • Supports colleagues through teamwork, collaboration, flexibility, and proactive communication
  • Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of work
  • Completes job functions in a timely, thorough, and thoughtful manner, including attendance at meetings
  • Maintains professional demeanor at all times with children, parents and colleagues
  • Solicits and respects the parent perspective of the child

Communication/Assessment/Reporting

  • Articulates curriculum and program design and expectations to parents
  • Monitors and frequently assesses student progress
  • Utilizes student information from a variety of sources, e.g., standardized testing and information from other professionals
  • Responds professionally and timely to parent concerns, questions, comments