First Grade Teacher: Our Lady Elms

First Grade Teacher:
Our Lady of the Elms

Our Lady of the Elms School, a private Catholic school rooted in the Dominican tradition, educates girls and young women to live their lives boldly with purpose, confidence, kindness, resilience, justice and faith.

As the only all‑girls, faith‑based K–12 school in Summit County, the Elms is seeking a full‑time, exempt 1st Grade Teacher for the 2026–2027 academic year beginning in August 2026. The 1st Grade Teacher will work under the supervision of the Principal and be supported by a Team Lead.

The ideal candidate will foster a nurturing, academically rigorous, and faith‑filled classroom environment where young learners can thrive intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.

As a primary educator, you will guide students through pivotal milestones in literacy, numeracy, and spiritual formation, keeping the school’s mission and Dominican identity at the heart of all instruction.

• Instructional Planning, Delivery & Classroom Management
• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging, age‑appropriate lesson plans aligned with the Diocese of Cleveland graded course of study and State of Ohio standards
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies including hands‑on learning, phonics‑based reading instruction, and math manipulatives to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure learning for every student
• Teach the approved curriculum with high fidelity and instructional consistency to support uniform learning outcomes across the grade level using innovative AI frameworks, Savaas, Lexia, IXL, and Acadience
• Establish and maintain a positive, well‑structured, and nurturing classroom management system based on mutual respect and kindness
• Prepare and submit well‑structured, precise lesson plans on a weekly basis, effectively mapping out daily instructional objectives and activities
• Utilize student performance data targeting an 80% proficiency benchmark, proactively identifying areas of weakness and developing comprehensive RTI strategies to support underperforming learners
• Assessment & Student Support
• Regularly assess student progress using both formative and summative evaluation tools
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records of student attendance, academic performance, and behavioral growth
• Identify students who may need additional academic support or enrichment, collaborating with intervention specialists and parents to implement strategies for success
• Implement and sustain evidence‑based PBIS strategies to foster a positive classroom climate, effectively preventing and de‑escalating behavioral challenges
• Professional Growth & Communication
• Maintain contact with students and parents with effective and regular communication
• Update student grades and academic reports on a weekly basis to maintain accurate and transparent progress tracking
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development days, open houses, accreditation sessions, and Diocesan‑mandated training to stay current in your content area and aligned with accreditation standards
• Faith‑Based Spirituality
• Embrace and display Catholic/Christian values and spirituality
• Participate with your students in Catholic celebrations
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Dominican pillars of study, preaching, community, and prayer in your teaching

Salary Range: $35,000 to $50,000 (varies by years of experience, multiple credentials, extra services, and academic recommendations)

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education from a fully accredited institution
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Valid State of Ohio Teaching License (P‑3 or K‑5)
• Experience in a Catholic learning environment preferred
• Complete the Diocese of Cleveland’s Virtus:
  Protecting God’s Children training prior to employment
• Successfully pass a criminal background check (BCI/FBI)

The Elms is a delightful community of talented staff, academic professionals and diverse students offering a competitive salary. As a full‑time employee, you will be eligible to participate in numerous benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and matching 401(k).

Submit your cover letter, current resume with employment dates, and a list of 3 academic references to Dr. Caryl

A. Hess at chess c/o Our Lady of the Elms School.