Elementary Teacher

Journey Community Schools; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption assistance program

Job summary

Journey Community Schools in Memphis, TN is looking for passionate teachers to join their team and help ensure underprivileged students excel. As a teacher at JCS, you will deliver high-quality instruction and foster a positive learning environment for K-5 students, focusing on individualized student needs.

This role requires strong communication skills, creative teaching strategies, and the ability to work collaboratively with families and colleagues. Offering a competitive salary, benefits include paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of academic achievement.
• Experience working with K-5 students, especially those behind grade level.
• Strong knowledge of instructional best practices.
• Ability to reflect and improve instructional practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement lesson plans aligned with state standards.
• Assess student progress through formative and summative assessments.
• Communicate regularly with families.
• Establish a culture of high expectations.

Skills

Communication skills

Differentiating instruction

Classroom management

Data analysis

Collaboration

Creativity

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

Journey Community Schools (JCS) is a Tennessee non‑profit corporation serving scholars in grades kindergarten through 8th grade at our Coleman School, East Academy, and Northeast Academy campuses. Our Mission is to engage families and community partners in our scholars’ learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education. Visit Journey Community Schools for more information (https://myjourneycs.org).

Opportunity

Behind every successful student is a passionate and dedicated team. Together, we will change the odds for underserved students, ensuring that every student is prepared to excel in all areas of life. As a teacher at Journey Community Schools (JCS), you will deliver high‑quality instruction within a small school environment where every student is known and valued as an individual. You will be responsible for planning, implementing, and assessing instructional activities to meet the diverse needs of students. This role requires strong communication skills, a passion for teaching, and the ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment.

What You Will Do

• Establish a culture of high expectations that includes the shared belief of Paving Pathways to Success for all scholars and teammates.
• Design, develop, and implement lesson plans and classroom activities aligned with Tennessee State Standards and JCS Instructional Pacing Guides Guidelines.
• Assess student progress through formative and summative assessments.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students to support their growth and development.
• Communicate regularly with families and involve families as partners in their child’s education.
• Adapt instructional materials to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance teaching practices and stay current with educational trends.
• Deliver engaging and effective instruction using a variety of teaching strategies and techniques.
• Foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem‑solving skills among students.
• Establish and maintain a positive classroom environment conducive to learning, may collaborate with outside vendors, and develop necessary communications internally and externally.
• Implement behavior management strategies to promote student engagement and participation.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in all interactions with students, teammates, and stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

What You Will Bring

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven track record of academic achievement as evident in TVAAS, state assessments, etc.
• Experience working with K‑5 students, particularly those reading two or more years behind grade level.
• Knowledge of child and youth cognitive development and different learning styles.
• Knowledge of subject matter and subject‑specific frameworks.
• Knowledge of Tennessee State Standards.
• Strong knowledge of instructional best practices.
• Ability and willingness to implement JCS Strategic Practices.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative student data.
• Ability and willingness to reflect and improve instructional practices.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective classroom management skills.
• Effectively analyze assessment data to implement data‑driven small group instruction.

Education Requirements

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

Licensure Requirements

Valid teaching license and endorsement in the hired content area with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) or a valid teaching license and endorsement from a state that offers reciprocity with Tennessee.

Experience Requirements

At least one year working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or teaching assistant preferred.

Experience and data to prove effectiveness working with K‑5 students, particularly those reading two or more years behind grade level.

Compensation

Journey Community Schools offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, small payroll contributions for rich benefit plans, life insurance/short‑term and long‑term disability, participation in a TN state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Journey Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. JCS promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.