Elementary Teacher (Open: 8/1/2026 Close: 11/ 30/ 2026)

JOURNEY EAST ACADEMY; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement plan

TN state retirement plan

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Adoption assistance program

Paid time off

Job summary

Journey Community Schools in Tennessee seeks a dedicated teacher to deliver high-quality instruction for K‑5 students in a small school setting where each learner is known and valued. You will plan, implement, and assess instructional activities to meet diverse needs with strong family engagement.

Applicants should demonstrate TVAAS or state assessment success, differentiate instruction, and collaborate with colleagues to improve student outcomes and equity in the classroom.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of academic achievement as evident in TVAAS or state assessments.
• Experience working with K‑5 students, especially reading below grade level.
• Knowledge of child development and diverse learning styles.
• Knowledge of Tennessee State Standards and instructional best practices.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and analyze data.

Responsibilities

• Establish a culture of high expectations and engage scholars and families.
• Plan and implement lesson plans aligned with standards and pacing guides.
• Assess student progress with formative and summative methods.
• Provide timely feedback to support student growth.
• Communicate regularly with families and involve them as partners.

Skills

TVAAS proficiency

K-5 teaching experience

Differentiated instruction

Strong communication

Data-driven instruction

Collaboration

Student assessment

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 ).

The 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.

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.