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The Lower School Teacher plays a vital role in fostering academic excellence, character development, and a love of learning within a nurturing Episcopalian environment. The Lower School Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing core academic instruction while cultivating a classroom culture grounded in curiosity, respect, collaboration, and high expectations. The position requires close partnership with grade-level colleagues, co-teachers, and special subject faculty to support the whole-child development of each student.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Teaching and Instruction

• Plan, deliver, and assess instruction in core academic subject areas.
• Design developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with school curriculum standards and best practices.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students, including those requiring enrichment or additional support.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, assessment tools, and technology to support student engagement and achievement.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback to students to support academic growth and skill development.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate learning outcomes effectively to families and school leadership.
• Cultivate a classroom environment that promotes inquiry, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Collaboration and Professional Community Engagement

• Collaborate closely with co-teachers, grade-level team members, and special subject faculty to design cohesive instructional experiences.
• Participate actively in grade-level meetings, divisional planning sessions, and professional learning opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with learning specialists, counselors, and school leadership to support student success.
• Engage respectfully and proactively with families to build strong home-school partnerships.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings, professional development days, and required in-service training.

Student Development and Classroom Culture

• Foster a positive classroom culture rooted in dignity, belonging, and high expectations.
• Support students’ social-emotional growth and character development.
• Implement classroom management practices that promote responsibility, independence, and mutual respect.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the Lower School administration to support divisional needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of full-time classroom teaching experience in elementary education.
• Practical knowledge of current best practices in elementary education.
• Strong instructional skills with proven classroom management and communication abilities.
• Comfort with educational technology and innovative teaching practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team-based environment.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Valid California Teaching Credential.
• Experience in an independent school setting.
• Experience with differentiated instruction and student support strategies.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Salary Range: $73,000 - $100,000
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off: 10 Faculty wellness days
• Retirement: 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Additional: Tuition Remission, Salary Continuance Plan, Wee Tartan Childcare Center (upon availability)

About St. Margaret's Episcopal School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is an independent, college-preparatory day school in Orange County, serving 1,234 students in Preschool through Grade 12. St. Margaret’s is situated on a picturesque 22-acre campus in San Juan Capistrano, California, with dedicated campuses for each school division, modern classrooms and facilities, including a performing arts center, science and technology labs, library, athletics fields and gymnasiums. Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham leads a team of experienced and passionate administrators and educators, including principals in each school division. A 21st-century, rigorous and balanced curriculum prepares every student for future success and healthy, productive lives.

Connections working at St. Margaret's Episcopal School