Elementary School Teacher

About the job Upper Elementary Teacher 3rd-4th Grades Full-Time 10 Month Position **Position Overview** We seek a passionate and innovative Upper Elementary Teacher who is energized by children’s creativity, inquisitiveness, and intelligence and shares our commitment to progressive education. The ideal candidate will create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that encourages student exploration, inquiry, and collaboration. This position involves teaching a 3rd -4th grade class and collaborating with colleagues to integrate project-based learning into the curriculum. In project-based learning (PBL), teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through real-world problems and encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, shifting away from traditional direct instruction. Teachers at Main Street School demonstrate a love of learning and a willingness to embrace new ideas and challenges, modeling the lifelong learning they want their students to adopt. **Key Responsibilities** * Create and deliver a hands-on, emergent, project-based program that aligns with the school’s mission and the developmental needs of elementary students. * Collaborate with the Early Elementary Teacher to implement lesson plans. * Establish a nurturing, organized, and joyful learning environment where children feel safe and valued. * Differentiate and facilitate instruction to meet each child’s needs, abilities, and interests. * Support children to reach educational milestones. * Foster a sense of community, empathy, and respect within the classroom through positive guidance and modeling. * Work closely with assistant teachers, other staff members, and families to support student success and maintain a cohesive elementary progra * Build strong partnerships with families through regular updates, conferences, and open communication about their child’s progress and experience. * Observe and document student learning, growth, and development to inform instruction and provide meaningful feedback to families. * Ensure a clean, safe, healthy classroom environment by adhering to all school policies and licensing requirements and providing appropriate supervision for children. * Manage classroom activities including lessons, outdoor play, and meals. * Encourage children to interact with each other to develop social skills. * Maintain an inventory system for classroom materials and supplies. * Facilitate diverse and creative activities for children, including songs, games, and storytelling * Participate in ongoing training and professional growth opportunities to stay current with best practices in elementary education. * Actively participate in school-wide events, meetings, and committees to support the overall mission and vision of Main Street School. **Qualifications Required:** * Bachelor of Elementary Education, Elementary Education Teaching Certification * Minimum of 2–3 years of experience teaching in an elementary setting. * Knowledge of progressive, emergent, and project-based teaching methods. * Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in elementary education. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Ability to create a joyful, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment. * A “Yes…and” approach to ideas, work, and challenges. **Physical Requirements:** * Ability to move quickly and respond to children’s needs in a fast-paced environment. * Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage students at their level. * Ability to lift, carry, and move classroom materials and equipment. * Ability to supervise outdoor play and physical activities, including walking on uneven terrain and * being outside in various weather conditions. **Benefits:** * Competitive salary commensurate with experience. * Tuition remission for children. * Professional development opportunities. * Supportive and collaborative work environment. To apply, please submit your application here. If you have questions, you can contact Tanya Apana, Head of School, at office@mainstschool.org or call 515.981.1275. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and completing a background check. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and passionate Upper Elementary Teacher to our school community at Main Street School. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year Benefits: * Dental insurance * Employee discount * Flexible schedule * Health insurance * Health savings account * Paid time off * Professional development assistance Experience: * Teaching: 2 years (Preferred) License/Certification: * Teaching Certification (Required) Work Location: In person