Job Description

Job Location: Memphis, TN 38132Key Responsibilities – Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Southern Avenue Charter School
1. Foundational Instruction and Early Learning Development
- Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across core areas: early literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies.
- Build foundational skills in phonemic awareness, letter recognition, number sense, counting, and problem-solving.
- Incorporate songs, movement, storytelling, play-based learning, and hands-on activities to support academic and developmental goals.
2. Literacy and Language Development
- Use phonics-based instruction to teach letter-sound relationships, blending, segmenting, and sight word recognition.
- Support early reading skills through guided reading, shared reading, and read-alouds using diverse and engaging texts.
- Promote language development through interactive discussions, vocabulary-building activities, and storytelling.
3. Math and Cognitive Skill Building
- Introduce key math concepts such as counting, number sense, shapes, patterns, measurement, and basic addition and subtraction.
- Use manipulatives, visuals, games, and songs to make math concrete, engaging, and accessible for all learners.
- Foster problem-solving and mathematical reasoning through structured play and hands-on exploration.
4. Social-Emotional Learning and Behavior Management
- Teach and model social-emotional skills such as sharing, turn-taking, empathy, self-regulation, and managing emotions.
- Establish and maintain clear classroom routines, expectations, and transitions using visual schedules and consistent practices.
- Use positive behavior supports and proactive strategies to create a nurturing, safe, and respectful classroom environment.
5. Individualized Support and Differentiation
- Observe and assess students’ developmental progress and adapt instruction to meet a wide range of readiness levels and learning styles.
- Differentiate lessons for students with diverse needs, including English Language Learners, students with IEPs, and advanced learners.
- Collaborate with special education staff, interventionists, and support personnel to ensure inclusive, supportive learning for all.
6. Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Conduct ongoing observations, checklists, work samples, and early learning assessments to track growth and guide instruction.
- Use data to identify areas of need, plan small-group interventions, and report progress toward kindergarten readiness goals.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records in alignment with school and district expectations.
7. Family Engagement and Communication
- Establish strong relationships with families as partners in their child’s education through frequent communication and support.
- Conduct conferences, share progress updates, and provide strategies for learning at home.
- Encourage family involvement through classroom events, newsletters, take-home activities, and volunteer opportunities.
8. Classroom Environment and Culture
- Create a warm, inviting, and literacy-rich classroom that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
- Organize centers and activities that promote independence, collaboration, and exploration.
- Encourage a sense of community, belonging, and responsibility among students.
9. Professional Collaboration and Growth
- Work collaboratively with kindergarten team members and specialists to align instruction, share strategies, and support student learning.
- Participate in ongoing professional development, coaching, and school-wide initiatives to continually improve practice.
- Contribute positively to school culture by embodying Southern Avenue Charter School’s mission and values.

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.