Preschool Counselor

Durham Academy is an independent school in Durham, NC, with 1,267 students in grades PreK-12. The Preschool serves approximately 100 students in grades PreK and Kindergarten. The Preschool Counselor is a part-time (20 hours per week) member of the faculty whose primary role is to address the social and emotional needs of students in Pre-K and Kindergarten. The Preschool Counselor works closely with faculty, administration and families to develop the most effective means of meeting these needs. He/she reports directly to the Director of Student Support and Wellness and the Director of the Preschool, and serves on the Preschool Student Support Team. This permanent 10-month position begins August 1, 2026.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serving as the first point of contact beyond the teacher for students exhibiting emotional difficulties or concerning behavior

• Planning and conducting classroom guidance lessons on social skills, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution

• Providing individual and group counseling to students to address academic, personal, and social issues

• Meeting with faculty to discuss student support and serve as a resource for faculty in supporting the holistic care of students

• Providing individual, family, and school crisis intervention including referrals to outside counselors as needed

• Maintaining counseling records in accordance with professional standards

• Supporting and collaborating with members of the Student Support and Wellness Team (counselors, learning specialists, school nurses, and sexual health educator)

• Planning educational opportunities for families and caregivers

• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Support and Wellness, Director of the Preschool, and/or the Head of School 

• Engaging in student observations to collect academic and behavioral data

• Maintaining confidentiality regarding all school and mental health-related issues

Minimum Requirements Include:

• At least two years of direct counseling experience, preferably at the preschool or elementary level

• Substantive experience with crisis management and program development 

• Substantive experience working with school-aged children

• A PhD or Masters in Psychology, School Psychology, School Counseling, Clinical Psychology or Clinical Social Work    

• Provisional or permanent licensure 

• Extraordinary communications skills

• Abundant energy, patience, good judgment, and sense of humor

Durham Academy Teachers:

• Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of the school.

• Model a student-centered approach to teaching in an active classroom. 

• Possess a command of pedagogical best practices, eagerly seek feedback on all aspects of their professional life and are committed to lifelong professional growth.

• Collaborate authentically and actively while building and maintaining collegial relationships with colleagues.

• Are eager to build supportive relationships with students, successful partnerships with parents/caregivers and participate actively in the life of the school beyond the classroom.

• Understand that student wellness is central to the student learning experience.

• Use technology thoughtfully and creatively to enhance teaching and learning.

• Innovate and experiment to discover the most compelling learning experiences for students.

Our School

Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender, independent day school with 1,267 students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on three campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA’s Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening our work with diversity, equity and engagement. Our DA is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Durham Academy is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). 

Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement

Diversity enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. Find out more about DA’s commitment to diversity, equity and engagement here.

(Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)

Our Employment Policy

Durham Academy 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 or ethnic 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.