What are the responsibilities and job description for the Second Grade Teacher position at The Independence School?
The 2nd Grade Teacher is a creative, passionate, and student-centered educator who demonstrates superior and current knowledge of elementary education and best practices. This teacher is dedicated to fostering a love of learning while developing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth. They elicit engaging, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Professional Attributes
- High energy and enthusiasm with the ability to learn quickly, make an immediate impact, and implement new initiatives
- Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of assignments
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, displaying the ability to connect and build relationships with employees, students, and parents
- Confidence in professional aptitude with the ability to effectively convey skills and knowledge
- Positive team player with a strong desire to be an active, long-term participant in the growth of the School
- Supports and aligns with the School’s philosophy, mission, values, and policies
- Commitment to fostering and supporting a safe and healthy atmosphere and an inclusive community
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that align with the School’s elementary curriculum and standards
- Teach core subjects such as reading, writing, math, and social studies using a variety of methods, including hands-on exploration, discussion, explicit instruction, and integration of technology
- Differentiate instruction to meet the academic and developmental needs of all students
- Assess student progress using observations, data from online platforms, and various assessments; provide timely and constructive feedback to students and their parents/guardians
- Create a positive and supportive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and collaboration
- Incorporate social-emotional learning and character development into daily routines and lessons
- Collaborate with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities
- Communicate effectively with families, providing updates on student progress and classroom activities
- Attend meetings, participate in school-wide events, and pursue professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on evidence-based practices in elementary education
- Utilize the 90-acre campus as an extension of the classroom for hands-on exploration and learning opportunities.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or above in elementary education or a related field
- At least 2 years of experience teaching at the elementary school level, preferably in 2nd grade or a similar age group
- Possesses a strong understanding of child development and learning progressions to effectively support students' academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Demonstrates an understanding of research-based instructional practices, including the Science of Reading, to support literacy development and student achievement.
- Excellent classroom management skills that promote a positive learning environment
- Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail
- Aptitude to learn new systems, software, and platforms, including student information systems
- Comfortable in a Windows environment and with Google Workspace/MS Office.
- High level of confidentiality and discretion
The 2nd Grade Teacher is a 10-month position and follows the academic calendar.
The Independence School prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.