First Grade Teacher

Child Care Resources Inc; Rockaway (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Child Care Discount

Paid professional development

Faith-centered work environment

Daily prayer accommodations

Job summary

Serenity Islamic School is looking for a dedicated 1st Grade Teacher passionate about early education. You will lead a classroom, fostering literacy, math, and social-emotional growth while integrating Islamic values into the curriculum.

The role requires strong communication skills, classroom management, and the ability to create a nurturing and respectful learning environment. Join our team and be part of a supportive community dedicated to excellence in education.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of classroom experience teaching 1st Grade or early elementary grades.
• Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction, phonics, and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a 1st Grade classroom as the sole teacher.
• Establish consistent routines and clear expectations for learning.
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in various subjects.

Skills

Classroom management

Early literacy instruction

Communication skills

Collaboration

Differentiated instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education

NJ Elementary K–6 teacher certification

Tools

Fundations

Brightwheel

Job description

Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated 1st Grade Teacher to join our growing school community. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early elementary education, values strong academic foundations alongside child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will lead our 1st Grade classroom — building strong literacy, math, and social-emotional foundations while fostering each child's growth in faith, character, and confidence.

We are always accepting applications for this role.

What You''ll Do

• Lead and manage a 1st Grade classroom as the sole teacher, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day
• Establish consistent routines, clear expectations, and an organized, focused learning environment
• Create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident
• Implement Fundations to build strong phonemic awareness, phonics, and early literacy skills
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies
• Follow pacing guides aligned with the local public school district to ensure students are well-prepared for 2nd grade
• Integrate age-appropriate Islamic values and character lessons into daily routines and academic content Submit weekly lesson plans to the Director

Child Development & Guidance

• Support each child''s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles
• Observe, assess, and document children''s growth, sharing progress with families regularly
• Differentiate instruction to support a range of learning styles and developmental levels
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers and instructional materials
• Organize, set up, and put away materials and supplies before and after class

Family Communication

• Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences
• Address concerns professionally and participate in school events
• Collaborate with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism

Health & Safety

• Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety
• Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations
• Maintain accurate attendance and incident documentation

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings
• Follow a personal professional development plan for continuous growth
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

Requirements

• Bachelor''s degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field
• Minimum 2 years of classroom experience teaching 1st Grade or early elementary grades
• Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction, phonics, and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
• Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans aligned with district pacing guides
• Strong classroom management skills with a calm, structured presence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children
• Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ requirements
• Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day

Nice To Have

• NJ Elementary K–6 teacher certification
• Experience with Fundations or other Wilson Language programs
• Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
• Knowledge of New Jersey Student Learning Standards
• Prior experience teaching in a private or faith-based school
• Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and character
• Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Paid school holidays (following the school calendar)
• No evening or weekend hours
• Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County)
• Faith-centered work environment
• Paid professional development opportunities and trainings
• Support for continuing education
• CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed
• Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture
• Supportive administration and engaged parent community