Middle School Learning Engagement Center (LEC

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Middle School Learning Engagement Center (LEC) Teacher

Department/Location: Middle School Faculty, St. Louis

Position Type: Full-Time, 39-week

Summary

Teachers at Principia School serve as transformational educators who bring subject-matter expertise—such as differentiating instruction to scaffold middle school student learning and model strategies to teach for deep understanding, in small-group and one-on-one settings —to life through engaging instruction, character development, and joyful learning experiences. They design and deliver lessons that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and spiritual growth while maintaining a supportive and inclusive classroom environment rooted in Christian Science values. Teachers instruct students in accelerating student progress in reading, writing, mathematics, and executive functioning skills through structured support and interventions, communicate regularly with parents and colleagues to support student progress, and participate in ongoing professional growth, curriculum development, and community life. They contribute to a vibrant school culture through activities such as advisory programs, chapel, field trips, and extracurricular leadership.

Within our close-knit, mission-driven learning community, Principia School teachers nurture students’ limitless potential—academically, morally, and spiritually—modeling love, integrity, and lifelong learning in all they do.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends. 

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Displays qualified skillset and prior experience in working with students who need academic support and intervention
• Designs and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate interventions in reading, writing, math, and other subjects in accordance with Principia’s curriculum; differentiates instruction based on learner needs 
• Works with a wide range of students, helping them feel successful and to understand their unlimited potential 
• Handles discipline situations in an effective manner that supports character growth 
• Assists in creating a schedule for students to have access to academic support 
• Records, monitors, and analyzes data regarding student progress 
• Collaborates with families, teachers, and administration in regard to student learning objectives to promote growth in literacy, math, and executive functioning skills
• Participates in semester conferences and quarterly progress reports 
• Monitors students' progress; uses and interprets data from Principia assessments (NWEA MAP, Benchmark Assessment System, Scholastic Reading Inventory, etc.) 
• Pursues professional development and looks to apply best educational practices in the classroom; becomes part of a professional learning community where teachers are continually improving teaching and learning 
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, coaches, parents, houseparents, and administrators. 
• Demonstrates proficient use of technology
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here -statements
• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field; Master’s degree preferred  
• Experience working with the Fountas and Pinnell BAS or other assessment tools for Reading and Writing; equivalent experience with Math intervention resources  
• Teaching experience in elementary/middle school grades with varying needs preferred 
• Experience working with students with special academic needs and/or those who need significant support through differentiated teaching 
• Teaching certification preferred (required within two years of hire date) 
• Experience with assessing and supporting student needs and providing the scaffolding for learning progress

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position, starting at $51,000 annually for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no prior teaching experience. Salary is commensurate with degree and years of teaching experience.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.