At Orchard School, you are the hero. You are the one shaping young minds, building a nurturing environment, and ensuring every child thrives. We are your guide, providing the structure, expectations, and support you need to succeed in this vital role.

There is no guessing here—everything we do is intentional and required to maintain the high standards our students and families depend on. By following these expectations, you create a space where children grow, explore, and flourish.

What All Teachers Will Not Do at Orchard School:

To lead effectively, you must have clear boundaries. These are the things that do not align with our mission:

• Negative language toward students is never acceptable—we model respect in all interactions.
• Personal stress stays outside the classroom—your students rely on your stability and presence.
• School policies must be followed—decisions are made with the whole community in mind.
• You do not work in isolation—every teacher is part of a collaborative team, always in communication with co-teachers and supervisors.

What All Teachers Are Required to Do at Orchard School:

Leading the Classroom with Structure & Care

• Take students outside every day—rain, snow, or shine—unless temperatures fall outside safe limits set by the Child Care Weather Chart published by the Iowa Department of health. This can include temperatures below 32°F when safe.
• Foster mixed-age learning experiences during designated parts of the day.
• Follow the weekly curriculum while documenting any necessary adjustments.
• Implement a holistic approach that nurtures the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in both classrooms and shared spaces daily.
• Be actively engaged at all times—whether inside or outside, you must be playing with, guiding, or supervising children.
• Support children at nap time, including tapping students as needed to help them settle.
• Take responsibility for diaper changes and potty training for infants through pre-K.
• Supervise and engage with all students when needed, even those outside your usual classroom.

Modeling Professionalism & Leadership

• Follow the attendance policy—unapproved absences accumulate points, with termination at six points.
• Dress appropriately for every season and every situation, following a business casual dress code with necessary outdoor gear (snow gear in winter, pool-appropriate clothing in summer, sneakers, extra change of clothes, etc.).
• Use the school’s app to update daily reports (ie. taking pictures, updating entries, messaging parents), keeping parents informed about their child’s day.
• Greet and communicate warmly with parents at drop-off, pick-up, and school events, reinforcing positive relationships.
• Be fully present and engaged at school events, actively interacting with students, staff, and families.
• Use positive discipline and redirection to support children’s self-regulation and emotional development.
• Communicate proactively about any changes in your ability to perform your role, including social, emotional, or physical health concerns.
• Be adaptable and ready to help with task that you may or may not usually perform, including meal preparation, setting up cots, feeding students, and any childcare task that supports the daily routine.
• Cover classrooms as needed to ensure all students are supervised, even outside your primary group.
• Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of every child, always going above and beyond to create a supportive learning environment.

Your Leadership, Our Support

At Orchard School, you are never alone in this mission. We provide the framework, but it is your dedication, energy, and passion that bring it to life.

By following these expectations, you are not just doing a job—you are leading, inspiring, and creating a foundation for children to thrive. And we are here, every step of the way, to guide you toward success.

Welcome to Orchard School—where your leadership shapes the future.