2026-2027 Elementary General Education Teacher

Growing Up Green Charter Schools; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 56,611 - 69,192; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charter school is seeking a General Education Elementary Teacher to foster a diverse and inclusive culture. This role emphasizes collaboration and innovative teaching strategies within a strong mission of social justice. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree, NY Teaching Certification, and a deep commitment to the school's ethos. Starting salary is $62,902 with growth potential based on experience and education.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to mission and vision of Growing Up Green Charter School.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom and/or Developmental Designs.

Responsibilities

• Use the Responsive Classroom model for community building.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
• Participate in grade team and curricular planning meetings.

Skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Experience in environmental education

Ability to integrate technology

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Job description

General Education Elementary Teacher (Jamaica)

Mission Statement: The Growing Up Green Charter School (GUGCS) supports children to be conscious, contributing members of their community through a rigorous, anti‑racist, anti‑bias curriculum and engaging green culture. Graduates of GUGCS will be prepared to attend high‑performing schools where their interdisciplinary academic foundation, knowledge of sustainability, and strong sense of self sets them apart as leaders and social justice advocates of the future.

School Culture: GUGCS teaches students our school culture through our core values: Social Justice, Collaboration, Courage, and Kindness. Students are taught the core values through assemblies, class meetings, and various lessons.

Classroom Teacher Responsibilities

• Use the Responsive Classroom model for community‑building and behavior management strategies such as Morning Meeting, Quiet Time & Closing Circle.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
• Adhere to subject‑specific grade‑wide pacing calendars.
• Maintain organized records of anecdotal notes and assessments.
• Use data collected on assessments to modify unit plans, inform groupings, and to support student referrals.
• Participate in grade team and curricular planning meetings.
• Create and maintain an engaging and organized physical classroom environment, making learning accessible to all students.
• Establish and maintain ongoing positive relationships with families.
• Actively participate in the school community through bi‑weekly staff meetings, PD opportunities, staff committees, school events, etc.
• Work with an instructional coach on specific goals throughout the year.
• Respond productively to ongoing, year‑round professional feedback.
• Work closely with the Special Education department (learning specialists, interventionists, service providers) to best support student learning.
• Use weekly lesson plans to help drive instruction in a clear manner.
• Demonstrate commitment to working with diverse populations of families and students, including those at risk.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Implement GUGCS curricular programs as determined by our Curriculum Coaches in ELA, Math Explore & Discover time (social studies)
• Implement GUGCS curricular programs as well as units written in‑house
• Collaborate with grade team and coordinators to write rich, integrated units of study
• Adhere to grade‑level pacing calendars
• Participate in grade‑level team and curricular planning meetings
• Use daily or weekly lesson plans to help drive instruction
• Differentiate instruction in meaningful ways to support student learning
• Work closely with the Special Education department (learning specialists, interventionists, service providers)
• Collaborate with the Special Education and Counseling department to help meet the needs of all students
• Understand and implement interventions recommended for students as outlined by an IEP, support services, or the counseling department

Assessment

• Maintain organized records of anecdotal notes and assessments.
• Administer formal and informal assessments throughout the school year (examples: Fountas & Pinnell running records, conferencing, end‑of‑unit rubrics, student portfolios, etc.).
• Use assessment data to modify unit plans, inform groupings, and support student referrals.
• Use assessment data to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
• Share data systems with classroom teachers as necessary.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain ongoing positive relationships with families.
• As necessary communicate social, emotional, and academic success and concerns with families.
• Encourage our “open door” classroom design, inviting families to regularly be a part of classroom activities.

Related Professional Responsibilities

• Actively help establish and participate in the school community through weekly staff meetings, PD opportunities, staff committees, school events, etc.
• Fulfill duties, responsibilities, and commitments as outlined in the GUGCS faculty handbook.
• Work with an instructional coach on specific goals throughout the year.
• Respond productively to ongoing, year‑round professional feedback.
• Assume any other duties from time to time as delegated by the Executive Director and/or the School Leader (note: The Executive Director and/or the School Leader may make any adjustment in the scope of responsibilities as outlined above which will be in the interest of Growing Up Green).

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong commitment to Growing Up Green Charter School's Mission & Vision
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team of teachers and administrators.
• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom and/or Developmental Designs.
• Experience in environmental education a plus.
• Ability in integrating technology into teaching.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Starting salary is $62,902. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience as lead teacher in a K‑12 setting and levels of attained education and/or certification.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Teaching experience in elementary school grades preferred.

Required Certificates & Licenses

• NY Teaching Certification
• NYC DOE/Fingerprinting & Background Clearance