Lower Elementary Lead Teacher

Saint Mark’s School is an independent, Episcopal coeducational day school in Altadena, California, serving more than 300 preschool through sixth grade students from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds. Founded in 1960, Saint Mark’s celebrates a mission rooted in academic excellence, respect for diversity, spiritual growth, and the development of each student’s unique intellect and character within a nurturing environment.

We are seeking a passionate, collaborative, and experienced Lower Elementary Lead Teacher to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will create a joyful and engaging classroom that nurtures academic, social, and emotional growth while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. The teacher will embrace an anti-bias approach to teaching, demonstrate a commitment to differentiated instruction and project-based learning, and bring creativity, flexibility, and a growth mindset to their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement curriculum and instruction aligned with best practices and developmental needs of primary grade students
  
• Build and maintain a warm, inclusive, and respectful classroom community
  
• Collaborate with faculty, the student support team, and academic leadership to support all learners
• Design and assess meaningful assignments using diverse strategies—including portfolios, performance tasks, and self-reflection—to evaluate student growth and guide instruction, with clear communication of progress
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues, including writing report cards,  holding parent conferences, and maintaining weekly communication
  
• Mentor and support a co-teacher or associate teacher
  
• Supervise students’ safety and well-being throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess, and field trips
  
• Actively engage in school events, community life, and professional development opportunities
  
• Embrace the mission and values of Saint Mark’s School

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
  
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
  
• At least 3 years of experience teaching at the elementary level, preferably in an independent school
  
• Training or familiarity with Responsive Classroom
  
• Experience with Singapore Math, Orton-Gillingham or equivalent structured literacy approach, and writing workshop
• Experience with inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning
  
• Enthusiasm for fostering creativity, independence, and collaboration in young learners
  
• Strong communication and organizational skills
  
• Willingness to grow professionally and contribute positively to school culture
  
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-bias practices

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range: $63,000 – $96,000, commensurate with experience and education

• Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus TIAA/CREF retirement plan

Physical Demands

This position includes some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; hearing, speaking, observing and significant fine finger dexterity. Specific abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 40% walking and 45% standing and the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, a generally hazard free environment, and in a clean atmosphere.

Saint Mark’s School is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, the presence of mental, physical, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.

Contact Information