Upper Elementary Teacher

MEMSPA; Kentwood (MI); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentwood Public Schools is hiring an Elementary Classroom Teacher for grades 3 through 5, with multiple positions across buildings for the 2026-2027 school year. Under principal supervision, the teacher will implement district curriculum, differentiate instruction, assess students, and keep accurate records.

Strong literacy background and EL experience are valued. Eligible candidates hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate and participate in required professional development.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate.
• Must meet State of Michigan requirements for Professional Development.
• Experience with current school math curriculum.
• Experience teaching within the Balanced Literacy format.
• Strong reading background.
• Successful classroom management.
• An understanding of learning styles and diverse students.
• Able to work as part of a collaborative team.
• EL certification or experience with EL students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and administers school elementary curriculum aligned with district goals.
• Creates safe, inclusive classrooms and differentiates instruction.
• Plans lessons and learning activities to maximize instructional time.
• Assesses students and adjusts methods to fit individual needs.
• Communicates progress to students, parents and administration.
• Maintains accurate records of attendance, grading and progress.

Skills

Classroom differentiation

Communication with parents

Create engaging lessons

Record keeping & assessment

Collaboration with grade-level team

Student behavior management

Education

Michigan teaching certificate

Professional development compliance

EL certification or EL experience

Balanced Literacy experience

Strong reading background

Job description

Deadline: October 30, 2026
District/Organization: Kentwood Public Schools
Position/Type: Teacher, full time

Upper Elementary Teacher Position (Various Buildings)

Category:Elementary Certified Teaching
Date Posted:8/24/2026
Location:Various Buildings

Position:Elementary Classroom Teacher – Multiple Positions Grades 3 through5
Effective 2026-2027 School Year

Position Purpose:Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops and administers school elementary curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction, by using a variety of styles, and inspire mixed culture and ability classes by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all students
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student’s needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the c school system.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students’ education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school’s standard and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other elementary professional staff members, especially within grade level, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance

Additional Duties:Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment:Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements:Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of elementary school curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• 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 working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to work in an economically, culturally and racially diverse environment.

Qualifications:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate.
• Must meet State of Michigan requirements for Professional Development.
• An understanding of working with standards.
• Experience with current school math curriculum.
• Experience teaching within the Balanced Literacy format.
• Strong reading background.
• Successful classroom management.
• An understanding of a "learning styles" approach to instruction and a respect for students' multiple intelligences.
• Able to work as part of a collaborative team.
• EL certification or experience working with EL students preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Ada Requirements:The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.
• Work Environment:The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.
• Mental Functions:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

FLSA Status:Exempt

Kentwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in its employment decisions or the provision of services.

Kentwood Public School Districtuses theapplicant trackingsystem from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.