2026-2027 2nd Grade Teacher (Certified)

SOUTHERN AVENUE CHARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF ACADEMIC EXCELL; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary Charter School in Memphis, TN is seeking a dedicated Second Grade Teacher to provide high-quality instruction and foster the academic, social, and emotional growth of second graders.

You will plan engaging lessons aligned with state standards, support literacy and numeracy development, monitor progress, collaborate with colleagues, and engage families to promote student success in a welcoming, inclusive classroom.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field is required.
• Master’s Degree is preferred but not required.
• Valid state teaching license or certification for Elementary Education (K–5 or equivalent).
• Experience teaching elementary students is preferred.
• Experience with early elementary instruction is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across core subjects.
• Foster a love of reading, writing, and mathematics with student-centered instruction.
• Use data to inform instruction and plan targeted interventions or extensions.
• Create a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learner needs including English learners and students with IEPs.
• Collaborate with colleagues, specialists, and families to support student success.
• Communicate progress and involve families through conferences and regular updates.
• Participate in professional development and school initiatives.

Skills

Elementary literacy instruction

Mathematics instruction

Classroom management

Lesson design

Communication and collaboration

Data-informed instruction

Family engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Valid state teaching license (K–5 or equivalent)

Prior elementary teaching experience

Experience with early elementary strongly preferred

Job description

Second Grade Teacher

Job Location: Memphis, TN 38132

Location: Southern Avenue Charter Elementary Charter School

Department: Instructional Staff

Reports To: School Principal / Instructional Leader

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Second Grade Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality instruction that promotes the academic, social, and emotional growth of second grade students. The teacher will develop and implement engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards and the school's curriculum, foster a positive classroom culture, and support students in building strong foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking.

Key Responsibilities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field required
• Master’s Degree preferred
• Valid state teaching license or certification in Elementary Education (K–5 or equivalent)
• Prior elementary teaching experience preferred
• Experience teaching early elementary students strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of elementary literacy and mathematics instruction
• Strong classroom management skills
• Ability to design engaging and developmentally appropriate lessons
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to analyze student data and adjust instruction accordingly
• Commitment to supporting student success and academic growth

Working Conditions

• Classroom environment within an elementary school setting
• Frequent standing, walking, and interacting with students
• Occasional lifting of classroom materials up to 25 pounds

Equal Opportunity Statement

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.