Classroom Excellence Partner

Ellis Early Learning, “Ellis,” (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high quality early education and care for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four (Universal) Boston Pre-K classrooms.

Ellis operates two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain and serves over 300 children annually.

As a result of a transformational gift, Ellis is establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) to elevate teaching quality and child outcomes. We will hire dedicated Classroom Excellence Partners (CEPs) and all-school teachers to strengthen educator support, and help educators thrive in their challenging roles. By investing in on-the-job learning and professional development, we will cultivate excellent, culturally humble educators and prepare Ellis to become a training ground for the field.

This initiative will have a lasting, generational impact on the children we serve.

ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ELLIS MISSION
:
Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Learn more isearlylearning.org.

Ellis is seeking a Classroom Excellence Partner (CEP) to join our team to advance educator development, support instructional quality, and foster best-in-class learning environments. The Center of Excellence (CoE) will initially have six Classroom Excellence Partners, including the Director of the CoE, in addition to Ellis’s existing family support team of three social workers.

The CEP will work alongside educators to implement effective teaching strategies and manage classroom mental/behavioral health, all with cultural humility. Spending significant time each week within their assigned classrooms, CEPs will collaborate closely with 12 to 14 educators across four classrooms, to ensure every child receives the highest quality education. With no direct supervisory responsibilities, CEPs will focus on building long-term, trust-based partnerships with educators to support their professional growth.

The goal is to empower, support, and foster thriving teachers who deliver excellence in early education.

The ideal candidate will care deeply about the early education field, educational equity, and racial and social justice.

Instructional/Curriculum Coaching

• Partner with educators to implement high-quality, equitable, and innovative teaching methods aligned with Ellis's mission and priorities, emphasizing cultural humility.
• Spend approximately 80% of time in classrooms providing on-site coaching, modeling instructional strategies, and offering real-time feedback to teachers.
• Role model effective teaching practices by demonstrating curriculum-aligned activities, and co-teaching when appropriate.
• Support inclusive, equitable, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Teacher Collaboration

• Conduct regular one-on-one and small group sessions with educators to engage in reflective practice, discuss classroom strategies, curriculum planning, address challenges, and identify growth opportunities.
• Build trusting relationships with teachers, acting as an ally in their professional journey and fostering an environment of open communication and shared goals.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team with other professionals (educators, childhood mental health consultants/providers, social workers, etc.) to ensure comprehensive support for teachers.
• Work with educators to create individualized development plans aligned with their specific classroom contexts and professional goals.
• Help educators create classroom environments that promote child well-being, foster social-emotional learning,…