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　　Lab School Early Childhood

　　About the Department

　　At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nurserythrough Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Foundedin 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explorenovel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provideexcitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor,experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Labeducation. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching andpride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every gradehave access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Labcommunity benefit by partnerships and connections with the University ofChicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry,and creativity.

　　No less than scholarship, Lab\'s mission prioritizes honoring diversityand exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting ateaching and learning community where young people see aspects of theirbackgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deepsense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to fulleffect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab\'s student body are students ofcolor. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in theirhomes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated withthe University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, andthe rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwesternIndiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrateevery facet of community members\' identities, and even where wedisagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit ofcommunity.

　　Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community.We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in manydifferent disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and thewish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seekcandidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. Weprovide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration,ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positiverelationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates ofcolor, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historicallymarginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with ademonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusionpractice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming,and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University,faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities thatwould be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

　　Job Summary

　　The renowned University of Chicago Laboratory Schools seek an adept,experienced, and strategic education professional and supportivecommunity leader to serve as Principal of the Early Childhood division(Nursery-3 through Grade 2), effective summer 2024. Founded by JohnDewey and the origin point of groundbreaking developments in teachingand learning including progressive education and Chicago Math, today theLaboratory Schools (Lab) are home to the youngest scholars at theUniversity of Chicago. As such, Lab provides a world-class education toover 2200 students from Nursery-3 through 12th Grade.

　　The Early Childhood division takes a whole-child, play-based approach tothe growth and learning of 690 bright, enthusiastic, diverse students.Children arrive at Lab\'s doorstep eager to get involved. Teachersrespond with programs that support their drive for understanding,autonomy, and competence. Nursery and Kindergarten t achers, motivatedby their deep belief in children\'s capacity to figure out the world andrepresent their ideas, prepare an environment filled with possibilitiesand encourage choice, initiative, exploration, and collaboration. Aschildren move into Grades 1 and 2, teachers help them transition to anenvironment in which curriculum guides their learning down specificpaths. New skills and challenges are added in developmentallyappropriate ways, and learning is structured to support purposefulfreedom and provide each child with opportunities to move about,investigate, inquire, experiment, and exchange ideas. Children at Labare immersed in language and its many uses, and their days are filledwith mathematical thinking embedded in real-life questions about howmany days they\'ve been in school or how to follow a recipe. Projectslinking language, science, and art media-paint, clay, music,movement-add depth and breadth to their developing minds. Starting inGrade 1, children leave the classroom for formal art instruction, andcomputer classes are added in Grade 2. The Early Childhood divisionboasts a dynamic teaching team of 94 classroom teachers, assistantteachers, and learning and counseling educators, 65% of whom holdadvanced degrees, as well as a dedicated staff.

　　The Early Childhood division is located at Lab\'s exemplary Earl ShapiroHall campus. Earl Shapiro Hall was designed specifically to support ourinnovative