English Language Arts; ELA Teacher – First Grade

Last Updated:
Feb, 20, 2026

In July 2019, Compass Community Schools opened six high-quality charter schools (five elementary and one middle/high) in the Memphis communities of Binghampton, Berclair, Frayser, Hickory Hill, Midtown, and Orange Mound. We focus intently on three pillars – academic excellence, values-based character education, and service learning in the community – as we prepare our students for college and life-long success.

Our vision is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ideal of education: “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” This true education – provided within a supportive, joyful, and hopeful school culture – will prepare our students to be positive agents of change in our communities.

Compass Community Schools seeks a first-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher for the upcoming school year. We seek ELA teachers who are passionate about preparing Memphis youth academically and in character for college and lifelong success.

• Imparting a love of learning in our youngest students
• Support and contribute to a school-wide focus on three pillars: academic excellence, values-based character education, and service learning in the community.
• Claim ownership of the privilege and responsibility to ensure high levels of student learning.
• Establish a supportive, joyful, and hopeful classroom culture that has high expectations for students’ individual and collective success.
• Instruct students with purpose, clarity, and urgency.
• Monitor student progress to ensure that student needs are being met.
• Communicate regularly with families as partners in their children’s education.
• Welcome opportunities to develop professionally.

Elementary School Teacher Pay & Perks:

• Intentionally small school settings – K-8 sites have only about 225 students in total, and one classroom per grade level
• Collaborative professional development (PLCs) supported by a network-level Director of English Language Arts and network level Director of Math
• 2.5 hours of planning each day
• Robust medical, dental, and vision plan with significant employer contributions to premiums
• 100% employer-funded short-term disability, life, and accidental death insurance
• Contributions in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (AAA-rated pension plan)
• Salary ranges from $55,000 to $67,000

• PREFERRED: valid Tennessee teaching license (generally, with endorsement #120)
• ENCOURAGED:
  Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
• Affinity with, and passion for, the compelling vision of Compass Community Schools
• Strong content knowledge in all content areas
• Driving commitment to advance student learning
• Ability to lead students toward a joyful and productive learning environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with students and colleagues
• Desire to work hard in a balanced, extended school calendar
• Utmost personal and professional integrity

• Mission-driven, joyful, respectful working environments
• Intentionally small school settings
• Opportunity to positively impact the lives of Memphis youth
• Competitive compensation and benefits package