First Grade Teacher

The Academy of St. James, a PreK3 - Grade 8 Catholic elementary school in Totowa, NJ, is seeking a full-time 1st Grade Teacher for the 2026-27 school year.

About the role

Seeking outgoing, dynamic individuals who want to join a great team of educators.

Responsibilities

• Supports and upholds Gospel values and the philosophy of Catholic education.
• Recognizes and supports the unique Catholic Mission of the school by speaking, acting, and instructing in a manner consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Leads daily prayer, instructs daily Religion lessons for the class, and participates in school liturgies.
• Develops daily lessons based upon the Diocese of Paterson curricula standards.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Administers NWEA MAP tests and analyzes student assessment results to plan instruction that will meet the needs of each student.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by the school.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and Diocesan policies and establishes and maintains standards for student behavior.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess student learning and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Models behaviors that promote high expectations for students, staff, and faculty.

Requirements

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as the ability to differentiate instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of best practices in instruction and classroom management.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
• Ability to integrate the use of technology effectively into the curriculum.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and collegial working relationships with faculty and staff.

Qualifications

• Must possess New Jersey State Teacher Certification.
• Must be a practicing Catholic.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or related discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Master’s degree in a related area preferred.

Pay

$40,000–$42,000