1st Grade Teacher

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:   This position is responsible for the professional instructions designed to provide academic, social, physical, and skills development for students in specific grades/subject areas to prepare the to be successful citizens and workers in the 21^st century.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

Key Responsibilities – First Grade Classroom Teacher

1. Instructional Planning and Curriculum Implementation

• Develop and execute daily lesson plans that are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with state standards and the school’s curriculum for first grade.
• Deliver strong foundational instruction in early literacy (phonics, reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary) and early numeracy (number sense, basic operations, problem-solving).
• Incorporate thematic units and hands-on learning experiences to support young learners in making real-world connections.
• Integrate play-based learning and structured academic time to balance developmental and academic needs.

2. Literacy and Language Development

• Utilize research-based reading programs and guided reading practices to build strong reading skills.
• Support the development of oral language, listening comprehension, and expressive writing through daily reading aloud, storytelling, and shared writing activities.
• Scaffold instruction to meet the diverse reading levels in the classroom and ensure all students make progress toward grade-level benchmarks.

3. Classroom Environment and Behavior Management

• Create a warm, structured, and predictable classroom environment where children feel safe, seen, and valued.
• Teach and reinforce classroom routines, transitions, and behavioral expectations using positive behavior supports and restorative practices.
• Promote social-emotional learning by teaching empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution skills through daily practice and classroom discussions.

4. Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Administer diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments to track individual student growth and guide instructional decisions.
• Use tools such as running records, sight word checklists, math fluency probes, and observation notes to identify student needs.
• Maintain student portfolios and progress monitoring data, and use them to communicate growth with families and staff.

5. Family Communication and Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families to support student learning and well-being.
• Provide regular updates through newsletters, phone calls, classroom apps, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Encourage family participation in classroom activities, literacy nights, and school events to strengthen the home-school connection.

6. Collaboration and Teamwork

• Collaborate with grade-level team members to plan units, share best practices, and align instructional goals.
• Work closely with interventionists, special education staff, and school counselors to meet the needs of all learners, including those with IEPs or ELL services.
• Participate actively in professional learning communities (PLCs), data team meetings, and ongoing school-based professional development.

7. Student Support and Differentiation

• Differentiate instruction to accommodate a range of learning styles, developmental levels, and student needs.
• Provide small-group and one-on-one instruction to support struggling learners and challenge advanced students.
• Implement accommodations and behavior supports for students with special needs or intervention plans.

8. Professionalism and School Culture

• Uphold the school’s mission, vision, and core values in all professional interactions.
• Reflect on personal teaching practices and seek feedback to grow professionally.
• Support school-wide initiatives, attend staff meetings, and contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven school culture.

Qualifications:

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate endorsement in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (e.g., PreK–3, K–5, or K–6).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP).
• Successful completion of required Praxis exams for licensure.
• Strong knowledge of child development, literacy instruction, and differentiated teaching strategies.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with standards-based instruction, data-driven teaching, and educational technology preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Classroom-based environment with occasional duties outside (e.g., recess, bus duty).
• Regular school hours with occasional after-school meetings or events.

Sensory (ADA) Requirements: The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Southern Avenue Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the district to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.