Second Grade Teacher

R.C. Diocese of Paterson; Totowa (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Academy of St. James, a PreK3–Grade 8 Catholic elementary school in Totowa, NJ, seeks a full-time 2nd Grade Teacher beginning November 9, 2026. The ideal candidate is dynamic and collaborative, ready to join a strong team of educators.

Responsibilities include leading Religion, planning lessons per Diocese standards, assessing students, and engaging families while maintaining Catholic mission and school policies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and pedagogy.
• Ability to differentiate instruction based on student learning styles.
• Experience with data systems and MAP assessments.
• Ability to integrate technology into the curriculum.
• Strong communication with students and parents.
• Ability to self-evaluate for professional growth.
• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Upholds Gospel values and Catholic education philosophy.
• Leads daily prayer and Religion lessons; participates in liturgies.
• Develops daily lessons based on Diocese curricula standards.
• Creates a safe, conducive learning environment for individualized instruction.
• Assesses student learning; analyzes data to plan instruction.
• Attends professional development and collaborates with staff.
• Maintains records of grades and attendance; communicates with parents.
• Engages in meetings and committees; models high expectations.

Skills

Teaching methods

Differentiate instruction

Classroom management

Data analysis

Technology integration

Communication

Self-evaluation

Collegial relationships

Education

NJ State Teaching Certificate

Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Elementary School Teacher

The Academy of St. James, a PreK3 - Grade 8 family small Catholic Elementary School located in Totowa, NJ, has an opening for a full-time 2nd Grade Teacher beginning November 9, 2026. Seeking outgoing, dynamic individuals who want to join a great team of educators.

Essential Functions

• Supports and upholds Gospel values and the philosophy of Catholic education.
• Recognizes and supports the unique Catholic Mission of the school by speaking, acting, and instructing in a manner consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Leads daily prayer, instructs daily Religion lessons for the class, and participates in school liturgies.
• Develops daily lessons based upon the Diocese of Paterson curricula standards.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed. Administers NWEA MAP tests and analyzes student assessment results to plan instruction that will meet the needs of each student.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by the school.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and Diocesan policies and establishes and maintains standards for student behavior.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess student learning and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Model behaviors that promote high expectations for students, staff, and faculty.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as the ability to differentiate instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of best practices in instruction and classroom management.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Ability to integrate the use of technology effectively into the curriculum.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and collegial working relationships with faculty and staff.

Qualifications Profile

• Must possess New Jersey State Teacher Certification.
• Must be a Practicing Catholic.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or related discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in related area preferred.

Salary Range: $40,000+