Lower School K1 Teacher (Age 4-6)

Reporting to: the Lower School Principal

Hours: Full-time for the 2025-26 school year only

Start date: August 2025

Salary range: Competitive rates of pay apply

Overall purpose

The Lower School K1 Classroom Teacher is responsible for the instruction and pastoral care of children aged 4-5, with support from a full-time assistant teacher. The Lower School comprises 21 classes and our philosophy is based on constructivist learning theory and a curriculum that is primarily American and inspired by Reggio Emilia. Our school is located in the heart of London and we use the rich resources of museums, theatres, parks, and speakers throughout the Lower School program.

Summary of duties:

• Plan for and teach four to five year old children
• Collaborate closely with other Lower School faculty and staff to plan integrated, developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum
• Partner with parents daily and conference with parents three times yearly, including a student-led portfolio conference
• Provide continuity of the students’ educational experience to allow smooth transition from/to the US education system
• Participate actively in the life of the School, through attendance at events, committee membership and leadership of extracurricular activities
• Map the curriculum on ASL's Atlas Rubicon program
• Attend and contribute constructively in staff and department meetings
• Maintain up-to-date records of assessment, attendance, planning, reports, conferences, and communication with parents
• Ensure that technology is integrated within the curriculum
• Any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the Lower School Principal

Selection criteria

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or other relevant discipline
• Substantive experience teaching in early childhood classrooms in a similar school environment
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in early childhood education
• Demonstrative knowledge and understanding of Reggio Emilia philosophy and practices
• A track record of supporting school-wide initiatives in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Skilled in curriculum integration of technology
• Experience or desire to work closely with colleagues on a team; strong interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding collaborative skills and a desire to work in a team-focused environment
• A child-centered experiential philosophy with an emphasis on inquiry and play
• Ability to articulate clearly a developmentally appropriate early childhood philosophy to parents and colleagues
• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Significant recent professional development
• Advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Expertise in Reggio Emilia and/or project-based learning
• Experience in international and/or independent school communities
• Experience in including outdoor education and well-being into the daily life of the classroom
• Experience with using Seesaw, or other learning platforms to communicate and document student learning

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills. Educators with knowledge of global education and prospective applicants for any position who are committed to diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome to apply. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law. Read our DEI statement on our website.