First Grade Teacher

Purpose:  An ESD First Grade Teacher is a passionate educator with comprehensive knowledge of child development who employs a variety of teaching tools and methodologies. As an effective member of the Lower School faculty, this individual is flexible and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues. He/she is committed to developing and modifying curriculum to meet the unique needs of every child. This teacher will be a lifelong learner who engages in professional development and collegial conversation leading to effective teaching and learning practices.

Essential Functions:

• Promote the best interests of each child in the Lower School within the context of the Mission Statement and the Founding Tenets
• Use appropriate technology in support of the curriculum of the 21st Century global classroom
• Teach a self-contained classroom delivering instruction aligned with ESD’s Statement of Educational Philosophy
• Plan a well-balanced program that builds basic literacy and research skills. Ensure instruction includes creative activities, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
• Lessons should reflect developmentally appropriate skills, a logical sequence of topics, and reasonable student assessments
• With the Division Head and grade level team, research, select, and order appropriate supplies and learning materials for units of study
• With the Division Head and grade level team, plan special programs, visitors, and field trips
• Articulate clear learning outcomes for students and parents
• Research and develop new curriculum topics
• Participate in outdoor education program once a year
• Plan and execute classroom activities and routines that meet both individual and group needs

Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues

• Conduct a Parent Orientation meeting in the fall
• Conduct parent conferences on scheduled family conference days and convene or attend additional meetings as needed in individual cases
• Make phone calls and/or send emails to parents, tutors, and support personnel to ensure honest, open, and regular lines of communication
• Write report cards with thorough, positive, and honest comments each trimester.
• Work closely with colleagues to build the school’s curricular initiatives
• Provide regular curricular updates via the classroom newsletter

Participate and engage in professional activities and gatherings at team, departmental, divisional, and school-wide levels

• Complete recommendations for educational testing and for admission to other schools
• Attend regularly scheduled grade-level meetings and cross-grade-level meetings

Other duties and responsibilities:

• Attend a chapel service daily
• Keep a current substitute folder at all times
• Keep permanent student files current
• Recommend proper class placement for each child
• Prepare classroom and attend all meetings during scheduled in-service
• Complete all end-of-year responsibilities and submit the checklist before leaving for summer vacation

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Contact Information