Job Description

Job Location Memphis, TN 38132

Key Responsibilities – 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher

Southern Avenue Charter School

1. Instructional Planning and Standards-Based Teaching

• Develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across all core subject areas—reading, writing, math, science, and social studies—aligned with state and school academic standards.
• Foster academic curiosity and skill-building through hands-on activities, inquiry-based learning, and interactive instruction.
• Use backward design and curriculum pacing guides to plan units that promote mastery of grade-level content and essential skills.

2. Early Literacy and Reading Development

• Teach foundational literacy skills including phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension strategies, and vocabulary development.
• Use small-group guided reading, shared reading, and independent reading practices to address varying levels of reading proficiency.
• Promote a love of reading and build stamina through daily read-alouds, book discussions, and access to diverse literature.

3. Writing and Language Instruction

• Deliver structured writing instruction focused on opinion, narrative, and informative writing using mentor texts and writer’s workshop practices.
• Reinforce grammar, sentence structure, and conventions in writing, encouraging students to revise and publish their work.
• Provide daily opportunities for students to write across the curriculum.

4. Mathematics Instruction

• Teach key mathematical concepts including place value, addition and subtraction strategies, time, money, and problem-solving.
• Use manipulatives, visuals, math journals, and real-world scenarios to promote conceptual understanding and math fluency.
• Incorporate daily math talks and collaborative learning to strengthen reasoning and communication skills.

5. Classroom Management and Social-Emotional Development

• Establish a classroom environment that is safe, structured, nurturing, and inclusive.
• Model and teach social-emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation through daily classroom routines and explicit instruction.
• Use positive behavior strategies and consistent routines to foster responsibility and respectful behavior.

6. Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Regularly assess student understanding through observations, formative assessments, running records, and unit assessments.
• Use data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback, and plan targeted interventions or extensions.
• Track and document academic and behavioral progress to inform report cards, parent communication, and support plans.

7. Individualized Support and Differentiation

• Differentiate instruction based on student learning needs, including English Language Learners, students with IEPs, and advanced learners.
• Provide small-group and individualized instruction to support students' progress toward grade-level benchmarks.
• Collaborate with special educators, interventionists, and instructional aides to implement accommodations and modifications effectively.

8. Family Engagement and Communication

• Build strong relationships with families to support student success through ongoing, two-way communication.
• Host parent-teacher conferences, share regular updates on student progress, and involve families in classroom activities and school events.
• Provide strategies for families to support learning at home.

9. Professional Collaboration and School Culture

• Work collaboratively with grade-level team members and specialists to align instruction and support student achievement.
• Participate in professional development, faculty meetings, instructional coaching, and school initiatives.
• Uphold and model the school’s mission, core values, and high standards for student achievement and character.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate endorsement in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (e.g., PreK–3, K–5, or K–6).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP)
• Successful completion of required Praxis exams for licensure.
• Strong knowledge of child development, literacy instruction, and differentiated teaching strategies.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with standards-based instruction, data-driven teaching, and educational technology preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Classroom-based environment with occasional duties outside (e.g., recess, bus duty).
• Regular school hours with occasional after-school meetings or events.