Position Title:  First-Grade Teacher

Date Modified:  February 2026

FLSA Classification:  Exempt

Reports to: Head of Primary and Lower School

About St. John's

St. John's is an independent, coeducational Episcopal school serving up to 500 students in grades pre-K 3 through eight. Located in a park-like setting on 10 acres in East Dallas, the School offers its employees and students a supportive esprit de corps fueled by a common mission – one dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment. We think of St. John's not only as a School but also as a very special kind of community. We seek to employ people who – regardless of the role they play in the School –understand that they impact the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. The St. John's Code calls us to model honesty and respectfulness in our relationships, responsibility in the performance of our assignments, and a caring attitude that extends to all members of our community. Do you dream of becoming the best educator you can be? Of coming to work each day with a sense of mastery, belonging, and purpose? Of working with fun, collegial, collaborative, growth-minded professionals? If so, you could thrive at St. John's.

Position Purpose

This full-time position requires the teacher to teach multiple subject areas to approximately 16 first-grade students in a self-contained classroom that values project-based learning, collaboration, and differentiated instruction. In a nurturing environment, the classroom teacher must integrate developmentally appropriate teaching of core curriculum skills in reading, writing, handwriting, math, science, and social studies. Students have access to 1:1 iPads, and teachers are expected to leverage technology, when appropriate, as an integral part of the learning experience. This position supervises students within the classroom and other assigned areas.

Key Accountabilities

• Guide the development of age-appropriate skills across all curricular areas.
• Foster a culturally competent classroom by establishing and maintaining a respectful and conscientious environment.
• Collaborate with the grade-level team on planning, evaluating, and directing the grade-level curriculum. As part of that work, the grade-level team will ensure the curriculum aligns with the progression of Lower and Middle School skills in all subjects taught.
• Maintain curriculum documentation following Lower School division requirements.
• Understand and meet the developmental and academic needs of first-grade students of varying academic, social, and emotional abilities. Differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Adapt instructional strategies to accommodate the needs of students with diagnosed learning differences according to the accommodations outlined in Student Support Plans.
• Provide feedback to students and parents using quarterly skill reports, in-person and video conferences, phone calls, emails, and one-on-one meetings. The teacher is expected to write thoughtful, meaningful, and well-articulated comments that reflect students' progress and give specific direction for growth.
• Maintain daily lesson plans and effectively use the Student Information System, Learning Management System, and other online tools. The teacher is expected to record attendance, grade books, and reports electronically.
• Attend and contribute to grade‐level, vertical, divisional, and all-employee meetings.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned, such as lunch, recess, and carpool duty.
• Adapt curriculum and instructional modalities based on whether learning occurs on campus, at home, or in a hybrid/blended environment. Demonstrate technical proficiency and the ability to plan, organize, teach, and communicate in a blended in-person/online class and synchronous and asynchronous online environments.
• Assist with planning and participating in first-grade field trips, whether virtual or day trips.

Opportunities and Challenges

The first-grade teacher plays a pivotal role in the life of a St. John's student. The teacher is a team member who helps students develop the habits, skills, and attitudes they will continue to hone throughout Lower School. The teacher must:

• Model the St. John's Code of respect, responsibility, honesty, and care.
• Demonstrate clarity in verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrate strong listening skills.
• Embrace the School's Episcopal identity, ethos, and commitment to respecting the dignity of each individual.

Growth Mindset

• Collaborate with colleagues on the development of curriculum and practice of instructional strategies.
• Leverage the Student Formation Team's knowledge, skills, and abilities to support students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional growth. Able to meaningfully receive, reflect on, and apply feedback to professional development.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum of two years of experience teaching lower elementary grades. Independent school experience is preferred.
• Experience with Reading and Writing Workshop and Responsive Classroom is a plus.
• Must meet minimum technology proficiency standards, including the ability to work in online Student Information and Learning Management Systems, schedule and conduct classes via Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and use the Microsoft 365 suite.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift approximately 30 lbs.
• Ability to work for extended periods, including weeknights and weekends.
• Ability to work with children and adults in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Ability to work in on-campus, home, and field trip settings.

How to Apply

Access link below

In our commitment to diversity and equity, St. John's Episcopal School does not discriminate regarding race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, marital status, religion, military status, and any protected category. This commitment extends to our employment, educational, admission, financial aid policies, and other School-administered programs.