About

Careers

Portrait of a JCDS Educator

Working at JCDS is Great!

There are many benefits to working in an independent school, and at Jacksonville Country Day School, in particular.

Quality of Life
Teaching is hard, but the rewards can make it worth the effort. Our teachers at JCDS are cherished by our students, parents, and administration. A teacher's time is valuable, and we recognize that by providing adequate planning time, lunch breaks, and temporary coverage when needed.  Our lunch program is run by an executive chef who prepares healthy and tasty meals with reduced pricing for faculty.

Happy Kids!
One look around JCDS will tell you...our students are happy! They feel safe and loved at our school. This translates to more time spent on academics, and less time spent on classroom management. (Watch some of our YouTube videos and just look at the students' faces.)

Classroom Supplies
Each grade level is provided with a generous allowance for classroom materials. In a pinch, other teachers are willing to help. Out of border paper? Send an email and someone will help you out. Don't worry about students not having their school supplies. JCDS provides each student with a box of supplies at the beginning of the year. 

Support, support, support
We have your back. Issues, when they arise, are dealt with professionally and rapidly. Our administrative team recognizes when teachers need some assistance and are always available to work through challenging times. In addition, our families are invested in making sure their children are successful in school...so you will receive support from home. At each grade level, teachers and their teams collaborate to ensure each member is best serving the students.

Community
The parents, students, faculty, and staff of JCDS create a strong community. Each constituent is supportive of the next. Students and families are thrilled to see teachers make appearances at school functions, such as Grateful Gatherings, Spring Fling, athletic, and arts events. In turn, our dedicated Parents' Association celebrates the faculty and staff throughout the year.

Professional Development
The administration at JCDS fully supports the professional development of the faculty. We regularly schedule noted guest speakers and teachers frequently attend seminars and workshops. At JCDS, learning never stops.

Lower Burnout than Public Schools
According to edweek.com, 44% of new teachers leave the profession within 5 years. JCDS believes in nurturing our teachers as they build their careers. Given all of the attributes listed above, it is no surprise that many of our teachers remain at JCDS for most of their teaching careers -- which could stretch to over 30 years!

We love our teachers! Please give us a look to see how much you may love JCDS.
JCDS has been recognized for multiple years by the Jacksonville Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work.

Current Openings

List of 8 items.

  • Academic Support Specialist - exempt

    The Academic Support Specialist will build individualized instruction and develop one on one and small group intervention plans, with progress monitoring, for a variety of learners. This specialist will explain, apply, and support educational evaluation accommodations for students and must have extensive knowledge of learning differences and strategies, strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work effectively, and flexibly, with students, teachers, parents, and school administration. The Academic Support Specialist reports to the Academic Support Coordinator.
    Qualifications

    • Master's degree and 3 or more years of direct intervention experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for a Master's degree.
    • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with different grade level teams.
    • Communicate effectively and professionally with parents, teachers, and administration.
    • Proven ability to manage multiple learning plans with students at various grade levels in a timely, organized way.
    • Adept at juggling competing priorities.
    • Ability to stay composed and to use good judgment with challenging student behaviors and situations.
    • Experience working in programs within the Orton-Gillingham philosophy (Wilson, Fundations, etc.) Lindamood-Bell (LIPS, V & V), and Singapore Math.

    Responsibilites

    • Design intervention strategies and lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
    • Develop and manage, in conjunction with the Academic Support Coordinator, student caseload.
    • Document intervention processes with weekly lesson plans, progress monitoring tools, and communication with teachers and parents.
    • Create a positive learning environment for students and teachers.
    • Help assess competency and/or developmental levels and provide feedback, support, and differentiation that will further student progress and achievement.
    • After the teacher has communicated and worked with the parents regarding areas of student growth, the Academic Support Specialist will support the parents by sharing methods for improvement and reinforcement in the home environment.
    • Work with teachers to address both routine school matter and the exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
    • Participate in professional development and the school-wide culture of continual learning.
    • Instill and model character education.
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders.
    • Report to the Director of Education.
    • Support the school and its mission.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.
    Schedule:
    Full/Part-time positions
  • Custodian - non-exempt

    Hours:
    10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
    Additional hours as needed.
    Qualifications

    High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
    Ability to communicate effectively with teammates, administrators, and teachers.
    Ability to respond effectively to changing demands.


    Essential Functions:

    • Perform general custodial duties.
    • Cleaning interior and exterior of classrooms, kitchens, and restrooms.
    • Follow procedures for collection, storage, and disposal of garbage include transport to designated areas.
    • Complete assigned tasks safely and timely according to supervisor's instructions.
    • Assist with setups for events including moving furnishings and equipment.
    • Keep the school buildings and grounds, including classrooms, mats, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and play areas neat and clean.
    • Operate various type of equipment/machinery which may include buffer, automatic floor machines, burnishes, backpack vacuums, Kivacs, wet and dry vacuums, commercial vacuums, buckets, wringers, carts, hand trucks, rotos, blowers, extractors, washing machines, dryers, lifts, ladders, and various tools.
    • Follow safety guidelines and appropriately use products, chemicals, and supplies.
    • Report maintenance concerns (work order requests) to appropriate personnel.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

    Physical Demands:

    • Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects up to 25 pounds.
    • Frequent bending, reaching, standing, and walking.
  • Dance Instructor - Part time

    Job Summary

    Provides support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for supervising students within the dance classroom and other assigned areas; develops lesson plans and choreography and delivers group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines. The Dance Instructor reports to the Dance Manager and the Director of Auxiliary Services.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • BA in education or dance
    • Experience teaching dance with elementary ages
    • Significant experience in the discipline of Hip Hop

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities
    The Dance Instructor will:
    • Administer and develop dance specific class rules and routines for his or her classes, class warmup and traditional exercises in the center floor and traveling across the floor, and performance dances for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.  
    • Advise the Dance Manager and then the parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; develops methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment. 
    • Assess student progress towards learning targets, objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
    • Demonstrate and differentiate methods required to perform dance technique and choreography for the purpose of providing an effective program that caters to individual student requirements and physical technique level. 
    • Instruct students for the purpose of improving their success in dance, cheerleading and acrobatics through a defined course of study. 
    • Manage student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment. Monitor students in a variety of educational environments , but most specifically, while in the dance studio, stage, and gym for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
    • Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution. 
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders.
    • Support the school and its mission.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.
  • Extended Care Manager

    Job Summary

    The Extended Care Manager is responsible for the general oversight of the extended care program including staff supervision, assisting with the hiring process, and program development in order to maintain a quality program in line with the mission of the school. The position reports to the Director of Auxiliary Services.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • Bachelor's degree
    • 3-5 years experience working in an extended care environment
    • Current first aid and CPR/AED certifications

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities
    The Extended Care Manager will:
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders
    • Maintain the extended care email account; respond to parent and faculty/staff emails in a timely manner; communicate enrichment/dismissal changes
    • Create, post and monitor open positions for the extended care team
    • Develop and provide training sessions for extended care staff, mirroring JCDS classroom philosophies and expectations
    • Manage running sheets, communicate with instructors and perform running duties when necessary
    • Coordinate, manage, and document student discipline with extended care staff. Communicate with the Auxiliary Services Manager, administration, and parents as necessary.
    • Maintain student attendance documentation and communicate with the business office regularly regarding billing
    • Log and submit weekly program billing and ensure monthly billing is accurate
    • Create staff calendars to ensure appropriate coverage including closing schedules; Monitor attendance
    • Conduct annual evaluation meetings with staff; conduct discipline meetings as necessary
    • Provide engaging activities for extended care classes by collecting planning materials from staff, purchasing necessary supplies, and overseeing implementation. 
    • Purchase materials and snacks as needed; maintain inventory of supply closet
    • Plan extended care special events; coordinate with internal and external resources/vendors to provide supplemental activities to engage students
    •  Apply sound judgment and carry out instructions furnished in written and oral form. 
    • Assess and prioritize the need for assistance and to act accordingly.
    • Evaluate programming provided on a regular basis and explore ways to elevate the program
    • Support the school and its mission.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.
  • Operations Coordinator - non-exempt

    Job Summary

    The Operations Coordinator will oversee and coordinate all events in the life of the school at both micro and macro levels with a focus on efficiency and customer service. The position will report to the Director of Operations and works closely with the Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Director of Business.
    Qualifications

    • Bachelors degree
    • Experience in facilities management or operations
    • First Aid, CPR/AED Certified (or willingness to become certified)
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    • Flexible and adaptable
    • Strong work ethic and desire to help wherever and whenever needed to make the school successful
    • Have a positive attitude and willingness to work as a team
    • Possess excellent organizational skills
    • Ability to multitask

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    The Operations Coordinator will:

    • Assist Operations, Auxiliary, and Facility teams with their daily objectives.
    • Assist in planning, execution, and evaluation of events.
    • Provide coverage and support for the Clinic, Welcome Center, and other critical areas of the school as needed.
    • Assist the Director of Operations in liaising between the school administration, facilities departments, faculty, and Parents' Association.
    • Organize and maintain inventory of facilities and other operational supplies on campus.
    • Problem-solve to ensure safe, efficient, and effective school operations.
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders.
    • Support the school and its mission.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.
  • Summer Camp Staff

    Job Summary:

    The JCDS Camp staff is a seasonal group that handles the day to day operations and management of the Summer Camp program. 
     
    Camp staff will work directly with elementary and/or preschool age students. 
    Staff will be working indoors, outdoors, or both. 
    Staff will have the opportunity to spend the summer gaining valuable work experience while developing skills in time management, leadership and effective communication with supervisors and campers in a setting designed to provide fun for all ages.
    Qualifications:

    • Positive attitude
    • Prior experience working with children is not required but helpful
    • Ability and willingness to follow directions and camp procedures
    • Ability and willingness to set a positive example for campers, demonstrating responsibility and respectfulness while maintaining a safe and fun, kid-friendly atmosphere
    ……………….
    • Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and must be entering 9th grade or higher
    • Paid staff must be entering 11th grade or higher
    • Some positions are only open to 18+
    Positions:

    • Counselor in Training: A volunteer position for 9th and 10th graders to spend their summer with a purpose, getting work and life experience in a fun and active environment
    • Camp Counselors: This is a group of energetic and dynamic individuals that are ready to spend their summer playing and get paid to do it! Counselors will manage the day to day operations of the groups of campers, lead activities and games, and help to create a fun and safe environment. Counselors must be entering 11th grade or above.
    • Program Staff: These are paid positions that include lifeguards, gym and activities staff, arts and crafts leaders, and office staff.
     
  • Teacher

    Job Summary

    Teachers are responsible for instructing, guiding, and supervising students in a positive learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction; collaborating with other teachers, staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom goals and concerns; and communicating/collaborating with parents regarding instructional program and student progress. Teachers report to the Director of Education.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • At least one year of successful teaching experience
    • Bachelor’s degree or higher in applicable field

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    Teachers will:
    • Create a positive learning environment for students
    • Set learning goals and develop learning plans to ensure student growth
    • Teach, guide, and empower students with instructional activities and learning opportunities that promote problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, global/social awareness, inquiry, and integration across the disciplines
    • Assess competency and/or developmental levels and provide feedback, support, and differentiation that will further student progress and achievement
    • Communicate to parents about student growth, sharing methods for improvement and reinforcement in the home environment
    • Participate in professional development and the school-wide culture of continual learning
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders
    • Support the school and its mission
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School
  • Assistant Teacher

    Job Summary

    The Assistant Teacher will support the Teacher during the academic day. The position will report to a Director of Education.
    Preferred Qualifications

    • BA in education or a related field
    • One year or more of classroom teaching experience


    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    The Assistant Teacher will:
    • Help support the Teacher during the school day by providing another trained professional in the classroom.
    • Supervise students at both recess and lunch.
    • Assist the Teacher with lesson planning.
    • Help differentiate classroom instruction through a combination of small group and whole group methods.
    • Provide clerical support by filing, grading papers, and producing take home folders.
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders.
    • Support the school and its mission.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.

Accepting Resumes

List of 1 items.

  • Extended Care Staff Member

    Job Summary
    The Extended Care Staff Member is responsible for the oversight of students in the extended care program. This includes but is not limited to planning age appropriate activities, supervision of students, and keeping accurate attendance records. The position reports to the Enrichment Services Manager.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • AA degree
    • 3-5 years experience in an extended care setting

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities
    The Extended Care Staff Member will:
    • Fill out monthly planning work sheets with appropriate age level activities.
      • Request supplies for activities each month.
      • Plan activities in the following categories: science, sensory, arts/crafts, group games, centers, books/book club.
    • Keep accurate attendance records with sign in & sign out times.
    • Serve snack.
    • Provide constant supervision.
    • Make sure extended classrooms are safe and clean.
    • Create and follow a schedule for afternoon activities.
    • Communicate with parents on student behavior, conduct, and performance.
    • Develop appropriate discipline and reward strategies for student behavior.
    • Communicate effectively with all school stakeholders.
    • Support the school and its mission.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.

Benefits at JCDS

Faculty and staff members who work full time at JCDS enjoy an excellent benefits plan, which includes:
  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision health benefits
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • Flexible spending and dependent care spending options
  • 403b with generous employer match
  • Tuition remission
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Well-being benefits through Aetna Resources for Living
  • Holiday time off (Thanksgiving week, two-week Winter Break, one week Spring Break)

About JCDS

Today, nearly sixty years later, the goals of our founders remain evident in our mission to provide a strong academic and character rich foundation for each student as JCDS educates children from Pre-K 3 through 6th grade.
 
With an emphasis on intellectual exploration that involves project-based and hands-on learning experiences, JCDS prepares students for success at the next academic level and beyond. Strengthened by a dynamic, engaged and nurturing community of faculty and staff, JCDS students learn to approach challenges with confidence and perseverance resulting in the conviction that they can achieve great things.

Jacksonville Country Day School is an independent, nonsectarian, and multi-cultural school that serves students age three through 6th grade. Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@jcds.com if you are interested in applying for an open position.

Jacksonville Country Day School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.