Elementary ELA Teacher (3-5)

Position Title: Elementary ELA Teacher (Grades 3-5)

Department: Intermediate Program

Reports To: Principal

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD

Retirement: St. Louis City Schools Retirement System

About Us: 

The Biome is a premier STEM-focused elementary school that fosters a love of learning and develops critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators. Our approach integrates creativity, technology, and inquiry-based learning, offering students engaging opportunities to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We inspire students to think creatively, embrace new ideas, and solve real-world problems, creating an environment where they are empowered to explore their potential and thrive. Our team is passionate about supporting students and teachers in reaching their fullest potential, and we seek educators who share that vision.

Position Overview: 

We are seeking an energetic and passionate Elementary English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher for grades 3-5 who is eager to join our innovative and dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in literacy instruction, using research-based programs such as CKLA, HMH, Heggarty, UFLI, and i-Ready assessments to meet the needs of diverse learners. This individual will have a growth mindset, adaptability, and a strong desire to bring joy and creativity to their instruction. The ELA teacher will be key in helping students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers while fostering a positive, engaging classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, deliver, and assess dynamic and engaging English Language Arts lessons for grades 3-5, utilizing CKLA, HMH, Heggarty, UFLI, and i-Ready assessments to inform instruction and track student progress.
• Incorporate evidence-based literacy practices into instruction, focusing on reading comprehension, writing skills, phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, and fluency.
• Use i-Ready and other formative assessments to differentiate instruction, ensuring each student receives the support they need to grow as a reader and writer.
• Create a classroom environment that fosters a love of reading and writing through interactive, hands-on activities and project-based learning.
• Promote a growth mindset by encouraging students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and view themselves as capable learners.
• Develop and implement strategies for building strong writing skills, including narrative, opinion, and informational writing.
• Use technology, including digital literacy tools and resources, to enhance instruction and student engagement.
• Cultivate a classroom culture of joy and enthusiasm that fosters positive relationships and supports social-emotional learning.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate literacy instruction with other subject areas, ensuring cross-curricular learning experiences.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and the school community about student progress, offering constructive feedback and setting goals for growth.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to refine instructional practices and stay current with literacy trends and research.
• Assume the role of homeroom teacher for a class of elementary students, providing support and guidance throughout the school day.
• Create and implement engaging social studies lessons aligned with the state’s Model Learning Standards (MLS), focusing on building students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, English Language Arts, or related field
• A valid teaching certification in Elementary Education is required
• Strong experience teaching elementary ELA, with a preference for experience in grades 3-5
• Familiarity with CKLA, HMH, Heggarty, UFLI, and i-Ready assessments to differentiate instruction and assess student growth
• Understanding best practices in reading instruction, including phonics, fluency, comprehension, and writing development
• A growth mindset and the ability to adapt instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to building positive relationships with students, families, and staff
• A sense of humor and the ability to make learning enjoyable, motivating, and inspiring for students
• Passion for fostering literacy development and a desire to work in a collaborative, innovative learning environment

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Frequent use of computer systems, phones, and other office equipment
• Ability to move between classrooms, the Anchor Room, and various school areas
  
• Occasional lifting of supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs)

Ability to work in a school environment with students and staff

Please include the following with your application:

1. Resumé (not to exceed two pages; 12-point font)
2. Cover letter, which explains the candidate’s interest in the position as well as the skills and experiences that make the applicant a good candidate for the position (not to exceed two pages; 12-point font) 

Phone calls will not be accepted