Posted: 26-Feb-26
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 391
Position Summary
The Fifth Grade Teacher provides instruction and supervision for students in grade 5. The individual in this position must understand the emotional and educational needs of young children, be able to effectively communicate with them, and respond appropriately to individual differences in children. The Fifth Grade Teacher will work closely with the Director of Lower School, Associate Director of Lower School, other faculty members, students, and parents. The Fifth Grade Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and the daily supervision of the Director of Lower School. The individual in this position teaches and serves in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School.
The Fifth Grade Teacher is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
- Teach the fifth grade homeroom, managing the curriculum, discipline, and classroom community and environment
- Plan and execute lessons, using varied methods of instruction and assessment, that are in accord with divisional curriculum and the school's educational philosophy
- Leads the division's oldest students in their academic and social-emotional transition to middle school, fostering increased independence, accountability, and self-advocacy. Intentionally cultivates meaningful leadership opportunities that empower students to serve as role models and active contributors to the school community.
- Work as a team member with teaching colleagues and administrators by attending all school-wide meetings, department meetings, Lower School faculty meetings, and in-service days, and serving on committees as needed
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to the School's City as Our Campus initiative by actively seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities within and outside the classroom
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to the School's strategic priorities by designing and implement learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, student-centered and/or project-based
- Create and maintain an appropriate and organized classroom environment with an emphasis on child safety and well-being
- Work on curriculum revision and program development with other teachers in the department and the Director of Lower School
- Commit to ongoing professional growth through professional development opportunities and participating in faculty evaluation and growth processes.
- Communicate regularly with parents in an effective and timely manner through a variety of means, including email, telephone, student progress reports, and parent notices
- Assist the admission process by meeting with prospective families, attending admission events, and helping screen prospective candidates for admission
- Complete student assessment reports (e.g., grades reports, conference comments, etc.) in accordance with school guidelines and the deadlines established by the Director of Lower School
- Fulfill duties that are connected with non-academic responsibilities, including but not limited to, taking attendance, lunch and recess duties, chaperoning field trips, after-school events or grade-level trips, and other assignments
- Perform other duties as assigned
A Bachelor's degree in Education and experience teaching in an elementary setting is required; Master's degree in a related field and/or Reading Specialist certification is preferred. The individual should demonstrate and maintain an educational philosophy consistent with that of the School. Strong communication skills for working effectively with colleagues and parents as well as the ability to utilize educational technology in the classroom is required. Independent school teaching experience, responsive classroom training, and Readers and Writers Workshop training and experience are preferred.