Primary Elementary Instructor for the 2025 – 2026 School Year

Description

School Name: St. James Academy

Location: 623 S Nardo Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075 

Reports to: Principal 

Employment Type: Full Time 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Pay Rate: $49,000-$56,000 based on experience and education
 

St. James Academy is recruiting qualified, competent and dedicated educators to prepare our students to live in a world as responsible citizens and faithful stewards of creation. SJA is committed to excellence and provides a student-centered, Catholic-based, rigorous academic curriculum that values cultural and intellectual diversity
 

Primary Responsibilities:

The teacher services the school/students in an instructional capacity and performs the specific duties assigned by the administration of the school. 

• Provides grade appropriate instructional program 
• Develop and plan lesson plans aligned to the Common Core State Standards and Diocese of San Diego Religion Standards
• Planning and delivering engaging and developmentally appropriate lessons
• Incorporate Catholic teachings, values and traditions into daily instruction and classroom activities 
• Classroom preparation 
• Assessment of student performance through summative and formative assessments 
• Classroom Management 
• Differentiation including remediation and enrichment 
• Prepares progress reports and report cards 
• Maintains strong classroom management to maximize instructional time
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect, empathy and compassion 
• Supervises students in and outside the classroom 
• Participates in faculty meetings, school committees, and in-services 
• Attends other school functions and activities as necessary 
• Attends grade level traditional and standard based field trips (some are overnight) 
• Advances educational knowledge by attending conferences, professional development opportunities, and reading educational materials/resources 
• Effectively integrates technology into teaching and learning activities as an educational tool 
• Comply with school regulations and policies and serve as a positive role model for students in accordance with Catholic teachings

Administrative/ Other Responsibilities:

• Return voicemail/email messages in a timely manner, within 24 hours 
• Communicate regularly with parents (includes parent/teacher conferences) regarding student’s academic progress, behavior, concerns and positives 
• Disseminate a weekly newsletter to families and co-workers supporting the class 
• Submit assessment data to Data Committee in a timely manner 
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom 
• Demonstrate a respectful demeanor with staff, students, and parents 
• Observe utmost confidentiality regarding parent, student, staff information/conversations 
• Supervise lunch tables, playground and other areas of duty the role may require

Requirements for Homeroom Teachers/Additional Duties: 

• Back to School meetings/PD/in-services 
• Attend and Present at Back-to-School Night 
• Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences - November  
• Spring Optional Parent/Teacher Conferences - March 
• Attend 3 or More Social Events 
• Variety Show - May 
• Friday Faculty Meetings 
• 8th Grade Graduation - May 
• Grade Specific/Traditional Field Trips 
• Diocesan PD Days
• Twelve-month contracts begin on July 31, 2025 and end on July 30, 2026.  
• Be at work the week before and after holiday breaks

Requirements

Religious Qualifications:

• Active, practicing Roman Catholic (preferred)
• Basic Catechetical Certification (preferred)
• Respects and understands a Catholic school philosophy

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Successful experience in student teaching or classroom teaching 
• Preliminary Teaching Credential working toward a Clear Credential 
• Positive references and recommendations 
• Clear criminal background check (a clear Livescan for the Diocese of San Diego is a condition of employment) 
• Basic understanding and acceptance of Catholic School philosophy, goals and objectives 
• Education and training in elementary educational methods and subject areas 
• Understanding of child development and skills necessary to relate to the students 
• Appropriate classroom management, which will enhance the learning environment 
• Strong written, pragmatic and expressive communication skills 
• Can-do, positive attitude 
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with colleagues and parents 
• Strong work ethic and follow through

Physical Requirements:

To successfully meet the needs of the students in his/her care, the teacher must:

• Spend the majority of the day standing in the classroom. While standing the teacher will frequently hold objects they are working with or demonstrating
• Sit on an occasional basis when developing lesson plans, grading, etc.
• Walk through the classroom and be able to maneuver in tight spaces between desks. Walk on both even and uneven surfaces
• Deal with students while kneeling or squatting, stooping, or bending
• Reach at, below, or above shoulder height with the dominant upper extremity; may require trunk or neck rotation to look back at the class
• Assist in moving children's desks and chairs to change the layout of the classroom to influence the learning situation. It is occasionally necessary to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds from the office to classrooms

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to be inside the classroom. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the classroom and preschool environment, as well as maneuver throughout the school facility to attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend trainings or workshops.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

St. James Academy, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

Salary : $49,000 - $56,000