Founding Kindergarten Teacher

Founding Kindergarten Teacher Position at Santa Fe South Site 6

In the 2025-2026 school year, Santa Fe South will open the doors to its sixth elementary with Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. Each subsequent year, the school will grow by adding one grade level until it reaches 5th grade. This new site will be located at Crossroads Church at 8901 S Shields Blvd in Oklahoma City. 

In our first year, we will open with Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. While the role of a “Founding Teacher” shares many similarities with teaching elsewhere in the district, there is something truly unique about being part of a founding team. Founding teachers are not just educators—they are pioneers who shape the foundation of our school community. This role requires teachers with exceptional leadership, grit, and flexibility. They must be adaptable problem-solvers who are ready to navigate the challenges of building a school from the ground up, while also laying the groundwork for a culture of excellence, collaboration, and growth. Founding teachers will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by shaping the educational experience for future generations of students.

Founding Teachers at Santa Fe South understand that the critical foundations for both school and student success are established at the Kindergarten level. At SFS , this means we expect our Kindergarten teachers to create the conditions that ensure our Saints exit Kindergarten as skilled readers and mathematicians. 

Achieving this ambitious goal requires a commitment to instructional excellence and a strong, positive classroom culture. To support this vision, Kindergarten teachers at SFS collaborate closely with Para-Professionals, sharing classrooms to provide personalized, one-on-one attention that accelerates student mastery—especially during these critical foundational years.

Teacher Expectations at Santa Fe South

At SFS, we hold our teachers to high standards, ensuring a results-driven culture of joy, belonging, and academic excellence. Our expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Commitment to Mission and Vision:
  Share a deep commitment to the success of the mission, vision, and goals of SFS, believing that all students can and will learn and succeed at our school.
• Professionalism and Work Ethic:
  Maintain high personal standards, a strong work ethic, and a genuine concern for the students and staff. This includes being consistent, reliable, and maintaining attendance to ensure the proper operation of the school.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
  Understand that organizational success is achieved through collaboration and cooperation with teammates. Share responsibility for student mastery with grade-level and content teams, and be receptive to coaching and feedback.
• Growth Mindset:
  Foster a growth mindset for oneself and others, engaging in self-reflection and seeking help when needed to constantly refine teaching practices. Set ambitious, specific growth targets for all students and utilize resources effectively to meet these goals.
• Instructional Planning and Delivery:
  Develop and implement comprehensive lesson plans that adhere to Oklahoma Academic Standards, using best practices and differentiated instruction to cater to diverse student needs. Use instructional strategies that engage students in active learning, critical thinking, and ensure rigorous content delivery.
• Assessment and Data Utilization:
  Regularly assess student progress through formal and informal assessments, analyzing data to inform instruction. Use assessment data to provide targeted interventions, maintain accurate records, and communicate progress with families and stakeholders.
• Classroom Management and Environment:
  Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and joyful classroom environment that fosters respect, responsibility, and community. Use effective classroom management strategies to support student behavior and engagement.
• Professional Development and Collaboration:
  Participate actively in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and stay current with educational trends. Collaborate with colleagues to refine curriculum and share best practices.
• Family and Community Engagement:
  Maintain consistent communication with students and families, including after school via phone, regarding academic progress, behavior, logistics, and homework. Actively engage with the broader school community to support student success.

Our supports for teachers include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Principal and instructional coach are routinely present throughout the building each day
• District coaches are present weekly in the building
• One-on-one meetings with founding principal and/or assistant principal once per week/every other week to discuss student progress and teacher’s development goals
• Quality coaching to help develop teachers content knowledge and classroom management skills
• Collaboration with grade-level and content teams
• A daily prep period
• School based Weekly Professional development from school leadership
• District based Professional Development 
• Leadership who is regularly coached
• A rigorous prepared curriculum
• In-building technology support
• Highly efficient and thoughtful school scheduling
• A team of ambitious, talented staff, who are committed to our important work

Reports to Site Leader