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Careers

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?

List of 8 items.

  • 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.

Sycamore earns Top Workplace Award for 2019

Sycamore School has been awarded a Top Workplace 2019 honor by The Indianapolis Star. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party research partner. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection. “I’m very proud,” says Sycamore’s Diane Borgmann, who has served as Head of School since 2009. “The unanimous focus on our mission and its delivery unites our faculty and staff in every way, and we are passionate about what we do. Through this award, we’ll be able to share with others why we love our school and why Sycamore is a great place for both kids and teachers!”

Job Openings

List of 6 items.

  • Middle School Social Studies Teacher

    The Middle School Social Studies Teacher is a core area teacher who is responsible for teaching the History curriculum to middle school students (grades 5 & 6). Curriculum components for fifth grade include units on Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and the Renaissance.  For sixth grade, the units include the Reformation, Native Americans, the Thirteen Colonies and the Establishment of the U.S., History Day, Westward Expansion, and the American Civil War. History classes meet every day for 50 minutes.
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  • Middle School Band/Choir Assistant

    Sycamore School seeks a Band/Choir assistant for its middle school students for the 2020-2021 school year.  In this position you will be expected to support the Band and Choir Directors and assist your fellow colleagues in creating an engaging and collaborative environment for our 5th through 8th grade gifted learners.  As a teaching assistant your responsibilities will include:  solo and team teaching responsibilities, program logistics coordination, and assisting with all aspects of the band program.
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  • Early Childhood Teaching Assistants

    Sycamore School is currently seeking teaching assistants for the 2020-2021 school year.  In this position you will be expected to support your lead teacher and assist your fellow colleagues in creating an engaging learning environment for our gifted learners.  
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  • Lower School Teaching Assistants

    Sycamore School is currently seeking teaching assistants for the 2020-2021 school year in grades 1 through 4.  In this position, you will be expected to support your lead teacher and assist your fellow colleagues in creating an engaging learning environment for our first grade gifted learners.  As a teaching assistant your responsibilities will include: instructional time with small classroom groups, assisting lead teacher with grading, copying, and record keeping; student supervision during special area classes, recess, and lunch; and teaching in the event of absence of the lead teacher.
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  • After School Care Program Assistants

    Sycamore School is seeking several hard-working, responsible, and positive individuals for its after school child care program called Quest for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students participating in the Quest program are gifted students in grades preschool through 8th grade.  Some of the responsibilities for this position may include the following:  leading students in various games and crafts, monitoring daily homework time and quiet time, setting up snacks and organizing the Quest room for the day, taking daily attendance in Quest rooms and complying with sign in/out procedures, and other duties as assigned by Quest Director or Quest Director Assistant. 
    Read More

  • Middle School Volleyball Coach

    Are you an athlete with an interest in coaching?  Are you passionate about working with students?  Do you understand the importance of teaching sport fundamentals while building confidence in your athletes?
    Read More
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
 

Employment FAQ

List of 3 items.

  • Teachers and Teaching Assistants

    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 School Employees

    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 Hiring Process

    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.
Indiana’s Only Accredited, Private, Independent Preschool - 8th Grade School for Gifted Students