Title: ?Lower School 5th Grade Team Teacher

Department/Location: Lower School Faculty, St. Louis

Position Type: Full-Time, 39-week

Summary

The 5th Grade Team Teacher is a collaborative educator who shares ownership of the 5th grade program with a teaching partner through joint planning, coordinated instruction, and a deep commitment to student growth. This role is part of a team-teaching model in which educators share responsibility for a class of students while each bringing particular strengths to key areas of instruction. One teacher leads reading and writing, while the other leads mathematics and ConnectEd (science and social studies). Both teachers working closely together to create a cohesive, integrated student experience.

The 5th grade team plans and delivers instruction in reading, writing, word study, mathematics, science, and social studies within an integrated learning environment. Instruction is grounded in inquiry-based and project-based learning, creating meaningful and engaging experiences that promote deep understanding and transfer of knowledge.

Strong collaboration, communication, flexibility, and a team-oriented mindset are essential for success in this full-time, school-year position.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Displays a strong interest and love for working with elementary-age students and possesses strong content knowledge of curriculum areas and application of best practices 
• Plans and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in accordance with Principia’s curriculum and differentiates instruction to meet diverse needs
• Effectively integrates critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills into classroom learning
• Uses formative and summative assessments to effectively inform instruction
• Demonstrates ability to use a variety of technology tools to enhance curriculum and student learning (e.g. iPad, interactive display tv, various apps, etc.)
• Knowledge of or experience with the Responsive Classroom framework
• Creates a classroom environment that reflects an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging 
• Engages and supports diverse learners, helping each student build confidence and realize their full potential
• Approaches discipline situations in an effective manner that supports character growth
• Pursues ongoing professional development and applies best practices in the classroom while contributing to a professional learning community committed to continuous improvement
• Actively participates in school-wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and parent meetings
• Actively collaborates with colleagues across levels and departments to support the implementation of school-wide initiatives
• Supports Lower School activities and chaperones trips
• Demonstrates a genuine love for working with Lower School students and establishes and maintains mutual respect and a strong rapport
• Participates in yearly goal-setting and regular one-on-one meetings with supervisor
• Reflects on teaching and learning regularly and improves practice
• Completes the required portfolio, including walkthroughs, school visits, reflections, and goal-setting
• Recognizes that spiritually-based character education is as important as the subject matter being taught
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia: 

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes. 
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals. 
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes. 
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results. 
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. 
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment. 
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations. 
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect. 
• Culture & Team Building: Fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication; demonstrates genuine care for team members’ well-being and development.
• Minimum Qualifications
• Student of Christian Science preferred 
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• Bachelor’s degree in education; Master’s degree preferred
• MO teaching certification preferred; ability to obtain certification within 2 years required

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia. 

About Principia School

At Principia School, students are encouraged to embrace their unlimited potential—with curiosity, confidence, and the knowledge that their educational journey will be guided by those who believe in boundless possibility. Every day we “mark the perfect man”(Psalms 37:37). This guides us to see each other as whole and unlimited. We see the good in every student—and because we do, they see the good in themselves. From that starting point, all things are possible. Job candidates’ overall outlook and approach to life and learning are just as important to us as appropriate qualifications and experience. Principia School seeks individuals who are . . . Positive: We appreciate team members who are optimistic, positive, and focused on elevating and bringing out the very best in themselves and others. We are a strengths-based organization; faculty and staff are expected to understand teammates’ strengths and how they can complement each other. Team players: The ability to collaborate and partner with peers and senior administrators is critical. The School has a strong team-centered leadership approach. Staff are expected to be able to listen, give and receive feedback, and be com...fortable exchanging ideas and speaking candidly in a professional and collegial manner. They must bring a constructive outlook to partnering with a wide range of stakeholders—administrators, faculty, coaches, residential life, and central administration. Innovators: Given our fast-moving, ever-changing world, all School employees are expected to demonstrate a problem-solving mindset that helps our team come up with creative solutions to challenging issues. The School emphasizes continual improvement and expects staff to have a mentality of self-improvement and organizational excellence. Strategic thinkers: We prize the ability to consider complex topics from multiple perspectives and offer innovative solutions.

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