Description
Summary
Are you looking for an opportunity to join a group of talented educators who are changing the face of education?
We’re Pear Tree School, and we strongly believe that today’s schools aren’t doing enough to prepare students to succeed in the 21st century. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide parents and children with a new, progressive alternative to the schools of the past.
Our classrooms use theme-based learning - integrating inquiry, project and problem-based learning. Rather than teaching separate subjects, our students learn by doing, by imagining and by collaborating.
We’re looking for an exemplary elementary school teacher with a passion for progressive education: someone who understands that education needs to change, and who has the skills to bring that vision to the classroom.
If that sounds like you, then we can’t wait to hear from you!
A day in the life
You’ll be teaching a grade 2 class (though the following year will be a combined grade 2-3 class). Unlike traditional classrooms, you won’t be teaching separate subjects, but rather through themes. So, you’ll need to be great at understanding the individual needs of your class, and at designing innovative learning practices, including the seamless integration of technology.
Most importantly, you’ll be committed to our progressive, whole-child teaching philosophy, and be able to get students and parents excited about everything our school has to offer.
Because we’re educators ourselves, we foster an environment where teachers have the freedom to innovate in the classroom, and aren’t limited by standard curriculums. We work hard to be on the cutting edge, so you’ll also be working with like-minded professionals who are leaders in education.
We believe in a “whole child” approach to education, so your students will always have everything they need to thrive in your class.
What you’ll need:
Masters Degree in Education (or Master of Arts or Science)
Bachelor Degree in Education
3+ years of experience teaching at the elementary level (ideally grade 2 and/or 3) in Canada
Expertise in multi-grade classrooms and/or classes with a wide range of learners
B.C. Ministry of Education Certification (required before employment)
Exceptional communication skills: face-to-face, phone, and email
Excellent organizational skills
Professional level fluency in English (written and verbal)
Experience using learning technology (SMARTboards, iPads, etc.)
Strong knowledge of Google products (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom) and Educational iPad apps
High Standards
Passion
Empathy
Growth mindset
Awesome extras:
Experience with student goal-setting
Google Education, Microsoft Educator, and/or Apple Distinguished Educator
Strong familiarity with updated B.C. Curriculum
Experience with private school culture / families
Photography skills
Working Time:
This is a full-time, annually contracted position. Core hours are 7:50am to 3:40pm. There is an occasional requirement for longer hours, and attendance at open house events, but we know that life balance is important. You won’t be overburdened with extra-curriculars.
You will be directly answerable to the Pear Tree directors, Alexis Birner and Paul Romani.
Salary & Benefits:
We offer a competitive total compensation package, with a starting salary of $90,095/year, plus benefits, plus a 2% yearly raise.
Pear Tree offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes dental, extended health, life insurance, long term disability, and accidental death & dismemberment.
Additional benefits include:
Company Events
Free Food (with our in-house hot lunch program)
On-site Parking
Paid Time Off (see below)
We offer excellent paid vacation time, follows:
Vacation:
Winter break (~3 weeks)
Spring break (~2 weeks)
Summer break (~9-10 weeks)
3 x paid personal days
Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
Ongoing professional development will be provided using a mixture of in-house and external training. The more you learn, the better you’ll be able to help us!
As Pear Tree grows, further opportunities will present themselves, including leadership roles.
How to Apply
Please submit a customized cover letter and resume in PDF format to us directly. Do not apply through the Make A Future platform , as it is barely usable for administrators to see your documentation.
Please ensure that both are tailored to the position that we are advertising, and are checked for spelling and grammar.
We will not review bulk resumes, applications addressed mistakenly to other schools, or poorly presented resumes.
We thank all interested parties. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Highlights From Our Team!
Here are some reasons that our teachers feel would be great reasons to join the Pear Tree faculty:
Mentorship & Support:
Alexis and Paul consistently make themselves available to help and collaborate with staff (planning meetings)
Asking questions is encouraged
Classroom concerns (student or parent) do not escalate as teachers and admin communicate regularly, offering opportunities for advice, next steps, or admin support
Ongoing feedback reduces the vulnerability of trying new things
Support you with growth over perfection
Community:
Supportive and responsive parent community
Knowing all the students at the school!
Easy to collaborate with other teachers
Specialist activity staff know your students well to best support them
Can connect more with your students, you get to know them extremely well
Easier to work with small groups
Know your students’ strengths/areas to improve and can realistically implement strategies to bring out their potential
Professional Development:
Not just a pro-d twice a year, you have ongoing opportunities to try new ideas, incorporate unique elements into your teaching, push yourself outside of your regular teaching comfort zone.
Our philosophy at Pear Tree, a holistic, integrated, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes on nurturing critical thinking is what the ministry is aiming for; as a result, Pear Tree was invited to participate in the BC Ministry Project
Our tight knit community of students, staff and parents ensure a supportive environment
Opportunities to be creative and challenging ourselves as educators to “think outside the box” to think about how traditional academic skills can be applied to real world problems (making education matter and relevant)
A major appeal of being part of the Pear Tree team is that we are part of the conversation in many decisions and in projects such as Pro D for the parents
Being a part of a growing school with plenty of exciting changes
Small class size:
Can connect more with your students, you get to know them extremely well
Easier to work with small groups
Know your students’ strengths/areas to improve and can realistically implement strategies to bring out their potential
