1st Grade Teacher

Description

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate 1st Grade Teacher to join our team at Southern Avenue Charter School. The ideal candidate will be a licensed educator with a passion for working with young children, fostering a positive classroom environment, and implementing effective instructional strategies. The 1st Grade Teacher will be responsible for planning, teaching, and assessing student progress while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Key Responsibilities:

• Instruction:
  • Develop and implement engaging, standards-based lesson plans that align with Tennessee state standards.
  • Teach a variety of subjects, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and other subjects as required by the curriculum.
  • Use differentiated instruction strategies to meet the needs of all students, including those with diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Foster a love for learning by providing interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
• Classroom Management:
  • Create and maintain a positive, respectful, and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
  • Establish and enforce classroom rules and routines to promote student behavior and academic focus.
  • Use effective behavior management techniques to guide student conduct, resolve conflicts, and encourage positive social interactions.
• Assessment and Reporting:
  • Assess student progress through regular formative and summative assessments (tests, quizzes, projects, observations, etc.).
  • Maintain accurate records of student performance and report progress to parents/guardians and school administration.
  • Provide timely feedback to students and use data to inform instructional decisions and support student growth.
• Collaboration:
  • Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, behavior, and classroom activities via conferences, newsletters, and other forms of communication.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in elementary education.
• Classroom Environment:
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom.
  • Integrate technology and multimedia tools effectively to enhance instruction and engage students.
• Professional Responsibilities:
  • Participate in school meetings, staff development workshops, and other professional activities.
  • Adhere to all district policies, state education regulations, and school guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or related field.
• Licensing:
  • Valid Tennessee Teaching License for Elementary Education (K-6) or First Grade.
• Experience:
  • Previous teaching experience, preferably in 1st grade or primary education (preferred, but not required).
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education principles.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to engage students in a variety of learning styles.
  • Patience, empathy, and a passion for teaching young children.
  • Ability to create a safe, supportive, and motivating classroom environment.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry classroom materials or supplies.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, and move around the classroom for extended periods.

Working Conditions:

• Work hours generally follow the school’s academic calendar.
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments for parent conferences or school events may be required.
• Competitive salary and benefits based on Memphis Shelby County Schools pay scale.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Requires a bachelor’s degree and endorsement in the grade/subject taught with a valid teaching certificate. Must be highly qualified. 

Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master’s Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master’s degrees are required, years for Bachelor’s Degrees must be included. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• self-motivation
• high energy level
• verbal and written communication skills
• attention to detail
• high work standards
• problem solving
• organizing and planning
• learning orientation
• critical thinking
• stress tolerance
• flexibility
• adaptability
• initiative

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands: Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis; and some dexterity in operating office equipment; must be able to use hands and fingers for sign language.

Unavoidable Hazards:  The position is exposed to no unusual environmental hazards.

Sensory (ADA) Requirements: The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Southern Avenue Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the district to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.