About Merdinian School
C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is an independent, non-profit school serving preschool through 8th grade in Sherman Oaks, CA. Since its founding in 1982, Merdinian has been committed to nurturing Christian values, Armenian heritage, and academic excellence. Our mission is to prepare students to be effective Christians, knowledgeable Armenian-Americans, proficient communicators in English and Armenian, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. Merdinian is fully accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
Position Overview
We are seeking a nurturing, creative, and dedicated Kindergarten Teacher to join our faculty for the 2025/2026 academic year. This full-time, on-site position is ideal for an educator who is passionate about early childhood development and committed to fostering a love of learning in young children. The ideal candidate will create a warm, structured, and engaging classroom environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each child while upholding the school's Christian mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Curriculum Development
- Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
- Teach foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and the arts through play-based and hands-on learning.
- Foster curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning through interactive and exploratory activities.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse developmental needs of students.
- Integrate Christian values and Armenian cultural elements into daily lessons and classroom routines.
Classroom & Student Management
- Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect and cooperation.
- Establish clear expectations for behavior and routines, using positive reinforcement and developmentally appropriate guidance.
- Monitor student progress and provide regular feedback to support growth and development.
- Conduct assessments and maintain accurate records of student learning and behavior.
Student Engagement & Communication
- Build strong, supportive relationships with students to foster a sense of belonging and confidence.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, classroom activities, and developmental milestones.
- Collaborate with support staff and specialists to ensure the holistic development of each child.
Collaboration & Professional Development
- Work closely with fellow teachers, administrators, and staff to align curriculum and share best practices.
- Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and professional development opportunities.
- Stay current with research and best practices in early childhood education.
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Background & Expertise
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- Valid teaching credential or certification in early childhood education is preferred.
- Experience teaching in a kindergarten or early childhood setting.
Instructional & Classroom Management Skills
- Strong understanding of child development and early learning pedagogy.
- Ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
- Effective classroom management skills that support a positive learning environment.
Communication & Collaboration
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships with young children, families, and colleagues.
- A collaborative team player who is flexible and eager to grow professionally.
Faith & Mission Alignment
- Commitment to upholding the Christian values and mission of Merdinian School.
- Familiarity with Armenian heritage and culture is a plus but not required.
Legal & Equal Opportunity Statement
C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws.
As a faith-based institution, Merdinian reserves the right to prefer employees who share and uphold the school's Christian mission and values.
Employment is contingent upon successful background checks, verification of references, and compliance with school policies and procedures.