Employment
SYCAMORE EARNS TOP WORKPLACE AWARD FOR 2023
Sycamore School has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by The Indianapolis Star Top Workplaces. It is the third time (2014, 2019, 2023) that Sycamore has earned this honor. We are also the only Top Workplace organization that was selected in the Primary/Secondary School sector. Of the 123 Top Workplace winners, Sycamore is one of just eight non-profit organizations recognized. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection.
TEACHING AT SYCAMORE
A CAREER AT SYCAMORE SCHOOL
Sycamore School is an independent, co-educational day school, accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, that serves the needs of over 400 academically gifted students in preschool through grade 8. Founded in 1985, Sycamore is the only school in Indiana, and one of few in the nation, where the entire program is designed to meet the needs of gifted learners. Dedicated and talented teachers provide a stimulating and supportive environment in which engaged students experience a challenging, enriched, and accelerated program in a beautiful facility.
Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, current resume, copies of degrees and licenses if applicable, a list of three professional references, and a list of salary history, and salary requirements to:
Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburgh, Human Resource Coordinator
svv.julie@sycamoreschool.org
Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
Please note that no phone calls or walk-ins will be accepted for these positions.
WHY TEACH AT SYCAMORE?
A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY
Our teachers and administrators know and care for one another.
A COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO LIFE-LONG LEARNING
Our teachers, whether they have five years or 50 years of classroom experience, learn together and mentor one another.
A COMMUNITY-WIDE VALUE SYSTEM
Respect, empathy, moral courage, and relationships civility are all part of the Sycamore experience for teachers and staff as well as students.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Sycamore endeavors to attract teachers and students from a variety of backgrounds and supports diverse ideas and opinions.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Sycamore teachers are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop their knowledge through experiences ranging from conferences to travel.
QUALITY OF STUDENTS
Sycamore students are engaged learners who seek purpose and excellence.
SMALL CLASS SIZES
Students and teachers have opportunities to build important relationships in an intimate learning environment.
THE FREEDOM TO CREATE AND SHAPE CURRICULUM
Sycamore teachers are empowered to build an innovative and enriching curriculum that will change children's lives.
JOB OPENINGS
Position type: Full time, Academic Year Only
Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Reports to: Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Position Summary: The nurse is the health manager of the school and is responsible for maintaining health records and delivering health services through the clinic by providing temporary care for our community, primarily students, who are ill or injured.
Sycamore School is seeking several hard-working, responsible, and positive individuals for its after school program for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students participating in the after school program are gifted students in grades preschool through 8th grade.
Position Type: Temporary throughout academic year as needed
Compensation based on half day or full day work
Monday - Friday; 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide coverage for absent classroom teachers and assistants as needed, primarily in Early Childhood and Lower School Divisions.
Part Time when needed (Academic Year Only); 9 am - 1 pm
The primary purpose of this position is to provide coverage for the Facilities Department when one of the full time employees is absent.
Responsibilities:
Lunchroom set up & breakdown.
Traffic cone setup/breakdown.
Event setup/breakdown (Set up folding tables & chairs, trash cans. Volume varies with event).
Move supplies and delivery items to needed locations (janitorial, etc.).
Other duties as needed.
EMPLOYMENT FAQ
Teachers at Sycamore School are hired on the basis of their training, experience, personalities, and their perceived enthusiasm and energy for teaching. Lead teachers typically have a license to teach and several years of successful teaching experience. Teachers hired at Sycamore who do not have specific training in gifted education are asked to get that training at school expense in a timely manner.
Teaching assistants at Sycamore School are in every classroom up through fourth grade. In the Middle School (grades 5-8) there are shared assistants in some subjects. Specialists teach music, art, Spanish, physical education, and technology at all grade levels. Teaching assistants in Early Childhood and Lower School often have the same training as lead teachers, but assistants sometimes have training in other professional fields.
The assistants work under the direction of their classroom teachers, interacting with students in many instructional activities, on field trips, and by providing class supervision at special events. The teaching assistant position is often an ideal way for a young teacher to gain experience when a full-time teaching job does not appear elsewhere. Other assistants find that this is a way to participate professionally in school life without the ultimate responsibility of a lead teacher.
Teachers and assistants are sought out by the Division Heads in Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School. The Division Heads screen résumés and conducts preliminary interviews. Finalists are interviewed by teachers and the Head of School. When possible, teacher candidates are asked to teach a sample lesson to a class of Sycamore School students.
Other staff members support Sycamore teachers in their work. The purpose of all non-teaching positions at Sycamore School is to support and facilitate the teachers’ work with students and parents.
The procedure for hiring non-teaching staff members varies with the position being filled. Administrators are hired by the Head of School, following procedures that he/she believes are most appropriate for the position to be filled.
The typical hiring process involves résumé reviews, interviews, reference checks, and a police background check. For administrative positions, there is usually consultation within the school involving a broader base of school constituents.
All hiring at Sycamore is formalized through a contract or a letter of agreement issued by the Head of School. The Head of School is hired by the Sycamore School Board of Trustees; all other employment and staff management is the Head’s responsibility, in concert with relevant members of the administration.
Eligible faculty members may participate in the school’s benefits plan. Benefits can vary slightly depending on your faculty employment category.
FOR YOUR HEALTH
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision discount program
Health club discount
Wellness program
Annual flu vaccines
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Maternity/paternity/adoption leave
FMLA leave
Discounted summer and after school programs
FOR YOUR GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Generous professional development budget
Professional development days
New teacher mentor program
Faculty/Staff Advisory Committee
FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
Life insurance
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Disability insurance
TIAA-CREF defined contribution retirement annuity with matching school contribution
TIAA-CREF supplemental retirement annuity
FOR YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS
Paid time off
Computer loans
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