First Grade Lead Teacher

Summary of Position St. Michael’s Prep is seeking a qualified and passionate Lead First Grade Teacher for the 2026-2027 academic year. We believe in teaching to the whole child, focusing on social and emotional development alongside a child’s academic progress. We know that children learn best and will take the necessary risks in the learning process when they feel confident, comfortable, and secure in their learning environment; therefore, we look to employ educators who value building relationships and teaching social and emotional skills in addition to providing excellent academic instruction. This role requires a collaborative educator who will lead a self‑contained classroom while working with their grade‑level team and with other department members to plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive, vertically aligned curriculum. This is a full‑time, 10‑month position that begins in August 2026. Ideal Candidates Ideal candidates for positions at our school are experienced in and continue to develop expertise in social‑emotional learning, project‑based learning, STEAM integration, and technology‑rich and differentiated instruction. Ideal candidates thrive in a collaborative environment, designing and delivering innovative and creative cross‑curricular instructional units to students with diverse learning styles and needs. Responsibilities Knowledge and understanding of the developmental stages and needs of students in early childhood and elementary school‑aged children Experienced in, or willing to develop expertise in, social‑emotional learning (Responsive Classroom) and project‑based learning Teach in a responsive and inclusive manner Create a welcoming and inviting classroom environment that fosters a feeling of significance, belonging, and fun for all students Create, revise, and update grade‑and course‑specific curriculum map (Embark) to ensure all required subject matter is covered during the school year Experience in the Eureka math curriculum preferred Familiarity with the engineering and design process, project‑based learning, technology integration, and guided math/math workshop Plan and implement math lessons that emphasize and develop conceptual as well as procedural understanding Understands and applies the latest theories and practices in education and child development Possesses an exceptional knowledge of the Science of Reading and is comfortable implementing a structured literacy approach Experience with the readers and writers workshop model Work and plan collaboratively with the teaching team Create lessons and projects that promote student collaboration Differentiate instruction for students based on ability and/or interest Conduct conferences with parents at scheduled intervals and on an as‑needed basis Manage and monitor student learning Maintain thorough and accurate grades and comments using the Blackbaud platform Demonstrate effective classroom management, utilizing learning centers for differentiated and individualized instruction for remediation and enrichment Maintain effective and timely communication with parents regarding their children’s progress, performance, and areas of concern Comfortable using a variety of instructional techniques and practices to meet the learning needs of all students Participate in professional development opportunities to learn and utilize innovative tools and techniques that improve student learning Perform assigned duties such as carpool, lunch, and recess duties Qualifications and Education Requirements Possess a growth mindset Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with students, department chairs, faculty, staff, and parents A positive attitude and the willingness to approach learning new skills in flexible and creative ways A bachelor’s degree is required At least five years of teaching experience is preferred Prior teaching experience within independent schools is preferred St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers equal employment opportunity to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other status protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr smcprep