Elementary Lead Teacher

Atlas Elementary; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Public Schools seeks an Elementary Lead Teacher to foster foundational skills and a love of learning in young students. You will develop engaging, standards-aligned lessons and create a nurturing, inclusive classroom culture emphasizing literacy, math, and inquiry-based learning.

You will differentiate instruction and collaborate with teachers, interventionists, and families to support each child’s growth and success in a joyful, rigorous program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
• Missouri state certification preferred.
• Experience working with young learners preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Patience, flexibility, creativity, and genuine passion for working with children.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned to Atlas-approved curriculum.
• Deliver engaging literacy, math, and inquiry-based instruction.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
• Incorporate experiential, play-based, and project-based learning as appropriate.
• Establish a positive, structured, and inclusive classroom culture.
• Promote independence, self-regulation, and responsibility.
• Maintain open communication with families regarding student progress.
• Collaborate with colleagues for professional development and program improvement.
• Use assessment data to inform instructional planning and differentiation.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

Missouri state certification in Early Childhood or Elementary Education

Experience with young learners

Job description

Job Overview

Atlas Public Schools is seeking a passionate and dedicated Elementary LeadTeacher to join our team. This role is ideal for an educator who loves working with young learners and understands the importance of building strong academic, social, and emotional foundations.

The Elementary Lead Teacher creates a nurturing, structured, and engaging learning environment where students feel safe, curious, and excited to learn. This role plays a critical part in helping students develop foundational academic skills, independence, and a love of learning that supports long-term success.

Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Instruction

• Internalize and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned to Atlas-approved curriculum (including CLKA Skills, EL Module, and UFLI Foundations).


• Deliver engaging, hands-on instruction that builds foundational skills in literacy, math, and inquiry-based learning.


• Use a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning styles and developmental needs.


• Incorporate experiential, play-based, and project-based learning as appropriate.

Classroom Environment and Management

• Establish and maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive classroom culture aligned with Atlas values.


• Implement consistent routines and effective behavior management strategies to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.


• Promote independence, self-regulation, and responsibility while providing appropriate guidance and support.

Differentiation and Student Support

• Recognize and respond to the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students.


• Differentiate instruction and provide targeted supports to help all students access learning.


• Collaborate with assistant teachers, interventionists, and support staff to meet individual student needs.

Family Communication and Partnership

• Maintain open and regular communication with families regarding student progress, growth, and classroom updates using school-approved communication tools.


• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, school events, and family engagement opportunities.


• Build strong, respectful partnerships between home and school.

Assessment and Data Use

• Conduct ongoing formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning and development.


• Maintain accurate records of academic progress and social-emotional growth.


• Use assessment data to inform instructional planning and differentiation.

Professional Collaboration and Growth

• Participate actively in professional development, coaching, and team meetings.


• Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, plan instruction, and strengthen the early elementary program.


• Remain current on best practices in early childhood and early elementary education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field.


• Missouri state certification in Early Childhood or Elementary Education preferred.


• Experience working with young learners preferred.


• Strong understanding of child development and early learning pedagogy.


• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.


• Patience, flexibility, creativity, and a genuine passion for working with children.

Why Atlas

If you are an enthusiastic educator who believes in joyful, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences, we invite you to apply and join our growing Atlas community.