Elementary Classroom Teacher

Job Title: Elementary Classroom Teacher Organization: Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology Reports To: Director of Academics Duration: 10-Month Position

Position Summary The Elementary Classroom Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing, student-centered classroom environment that promotes academic excellence, inquiry-based learning, and social-emotional development. The teacher will design and implement engaging, standards-aligned lessons across core content areas with a strong emphasis on science and technology. By incorporating project-based learning and real-world problem solving, the teacher will support all students in becoming critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Displays a commitment to raising student achievement and integrating the school’s focus on science and technology
• Creates a positive and inclusive classroom culture that supports academic risk-taking and collaboration
• Uses New York State Learning Standards and school curricula to design rigorous, objective-driven lessons across subject areas
• Implements instructional strategies that promote inquiry, higher-order thinking, and student ownership of learning
• Writes and submits detailed weekly lesson plans that reflect instructional goals, differentiation strategies, and assessment opportunities
• Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all diverse learners, including but not limited to English Language Learners and students with IEPs
• Incorporates technology and hands-on learning opportunities to support varied learning styles and engagement
• Uses formative and summative assessment data to monitor student progress, drive instruction, and provide targeted supports
• Develops and reinforces classroom routines and procedures that maximize instructional time and student independence
• Collaborates with colleagues to support interdisciplinary projects and school-wide STEM initiatives
• Participates in weekly grade-level team meetings to align instruction, analyze student data, and plan collaboratively
• Attends weekly PLC (Professional Learning Community) meetings to engage in professional dialogue, share instructional practices, and support school-wide improvement goals
• Builds students’ oral language and communication skills through collaborative work, presentations, and discussions
• Fosters students’ social-emotional growth through community building, goal setting, and responsive classroom practices
• Maintains regular, respectful communication with parents/guardians to share student progress and classroom information
• Participates in school-wide events, family engagement activities, and professional development opportunities
• Uses Google Workspace

Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current best practices in elementary instruction, classroom management, and culturally responsive pedagogy
• Understanding of CRSE (Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education) practices and how to implement them in daily instruction
• Familiarity with NYS standards and effective methods for integrating STEM content into the general curriculum
• Ability to analyze student data and adjust instruction accordingly
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Capacity for self-reflection, feedback, and professional growth

Qualifications Profile

• Fingerprint clearance from NYS Department of Education
• Ability to work flexible hours for parent-teacher conferences, family events, and school activities
• Proficiency in using standard classroom technology, including interactive whiteboards, laptops, and digital platforms

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education or related field preferred
• Master’s Degree in Education or related field preferred

Certification

• Valid New York State Teaching Certificate in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) or Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) required

Experience

• Prior teaching experience in an urban or high-needs setting preferred
• Experience with project-based or inquiry-based instruction is strongly desired
• Experience working with diverse student populations and implementing CRSE strategies

Additional Details The hiring process for this position will require a fingerprinted background check through the New York State TEACH System. Any written or verbal offer is contingent upon satisfactory results, as determined by NYSED and the HR/Operations Manager. Exploration Elementary Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The school promotes diversity and provides equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law.