Second Grade Teacher

Southern Avenue Charter School; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Avenue Charter School is seeking a 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher to design engaging lessons across reading, writing, math, and science, aligned with state standards.

The role emphasizes literacy development, structured writing, and inclusive instruction with frequent progress monitoring and parent communication. A Tennessee teaching license and EPP completion are required, with additional endorsements supported.

Qualifications

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate endorsement in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (e.g., PreK–3, K–5, or K–6).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP).
• Successful completion of required Praxis exams for licensure.
• Strong knowledge of child development, literacy instruction, and differentiated teaching strategies.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with standards-based instruction, data-driven teaching, and educational technology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instructional planning and standards-based teaching across core subjects.
• Early literacy and reading development through guided and shared reading.
• Structured writing and language instruction with writing workshop.
• Mathematics instruction focusing on place value, operations, and problem-solving.
• Classroom management and social-emotional development.
• Student assessment and progress monitoring to inform instruction.
• Individualized support and differentiation for diverse learners.
• Family engagement, communication, and partnerships with families.
• Professional collaboration and alignment with school culture and goals.

Skills

Classroom management

Literacy instruction

Differentiated instruction

Data-driven instruction

Communication skills

Collaboration

Instructional planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

Master's degree preferred

Teacher licensure in Tennessee (PreK–3 / K–5 / K–6)

Completion of EPP

Praxis exams completed

Job description

Key Responsibilities – 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher

Southern Avenue Charter School

1. Instructional Planning and Standards-Based Teaching

• Develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across all core subject areas—reading, writing, math, science, and social studies—aligned with state and school academic standards.
• Foster academic curiosity and skill-building through hands‑on activities, inquiry-based learning, and interactive instruction.
• Use backward design and curriculum pacing guides to plan units that promote mastery of grade‑level content and essential skills.

2. Early Literacy and Reading Development

• Teach foundational literacy skills including phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension strategies, and vocabulary development.
• Use small‑group guided reading, shared reading, and independent reading practices to address varying levels of reading proficiency.
• Promote a love of reading and build stamina through daily read‑alouds, book discussions, and access to diverse literature.

3. Writing and Language Instruction

• Deliver structured writing instruction focused on opinion, narrative, and informative writing using mentor texts and writer’s workshop practices.
• Reinforce grammar, sentence structure, and conventions in writing, encouraging students to revise and publish their work.
• Provide daily opportunities for students to write across the curriculum.

4. Mathematics Instruction

• Teach key mathematical concepts including place value, addition and subtraction strategies, time, money, and problem‑solving.
• Use manipulatives, visuals, math journals, and real‑world scenarios to promote conceptual understanding and math fluency.
• Incorporate daily math talks and collaborative learning to strengthen reasoning and communication skills.

5. Classroom Management and Social‑Emotional Development

• Establish a classroom environment that is safe, structured, nurturing, and inclusive.
• Model and teach social‑emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, and self‑regulation through daily classroom routines and explicit instruction.

6. Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Track and document academic and behavioral progress to inform report cards, parent communication, and support plans.
• Use data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback, and plan targeted interventions or extensions.
• Regularly assess student understanding through observations, formative assessments, running records, and unit assessments.

7. Individualized Support and Differentiation

• Differentiate instruction based on student learning needs, including English Language Learners, students with IEPs, and advanced learners.
• Provide small‑group and individualized instruction to support students’ progress toward grade‑level benchmarks.

8. Family Engagement and Communication

• Host parent‑teacher conferences, share regular updates on student progress, and involve families in classroom activities and school events.
• Build strong relationships with families to support student success through ongoing, two‑way communication.

9. Professional Collaboration and School Culture

• Uphold and model the school’s mission, core values, and high standards for student achievement and character.
• Participate in professional development, faculty meetings, instructional coaching, and school initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate endorsement in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (e.g., PreK–3, K–5, or K–6).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Completion of a state‑approved educator preparation program (EPP).
• Successful completion of required Praxis exams for licensure.
• Strong knowledge of child development, literacy instruction, and differentiated teaching strategies.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with standards‑based instruction, data‑driven teaching, and educational technology preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Classroom‑based environment with occasional duties outside (e.g., recess, bus duty).
• Regular school hours with occasional after‑school meetings or events.