First Grade Teacher

Position Title: First Grade Teacher

Reports To: Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time, 10-Month Employee

Position Summary

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School seeks a dedicated, student-centered, and highly effective First Grade Teacher to provide high-quality instruction that fosters academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning. The First Grade Teacher is responsible for creating a positive, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that supports the developmental needs of all students while aligning instruction with Tennessee Academic Standards and the school’s mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Planning and Delivery

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans aligned with Tennessee Academic Standards and school curriculum.
• Deliver rigorous instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of students.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date lesson plans and instructional records.

Classroom Management

• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and positive classroom culture that promotes respect and responsibility.
• Foster positive relationships with students and encourage collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Establish classroom procedures and behavioral expectations consistent with school policies.

Assessment and Data Analysis

• Assess student progress through formative and summative assessments.
• Monitor student achievement and provide timely feedback to students and families.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and performance data.

Student Development

• Support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of students.
• Recognize and address individual student needs through appropriate interventions and referrals.
• Promote student confidence, independence, and a growth mindset.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with grade-level teams, interventionists, special education staff, and administrators to support student achievement.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development activities, and school events.
• Perform supervisory duties as assigned, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other school functions.
• Support the mission, vision, and goals of Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Licensure

• Valid Tennessee Teaching License with appropriate Elementary Education endorsement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Tennessee Academic Standards and elementary instructional best practices.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.