Lower Elementary Lead Teacher; Second Grade

Saint Mark's School
Pasadena, CA United States

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher (Second Grade)
Saint Mark’s School – Altadena, CA

Start Date:

August 2026 | Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To:

Assistant Head of School
Date Posted:
February 17, 2026

Saint Mark’s School is an independent, Episcopal coeducational day school in Altadena, California, serving preschool through sixth grade students from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds. Founded in 1960, Saint Mark’s is rooted in a mission that celebrates academic excellence, respect for diversity, spiritual growth, and the development of each student’s unique intellect and character within a nurturing environment. (Following the Eaton Fire, our elementary program is temporarily located at EF Academy in Pasadena as we rebuild our campus and continue the vibrant life of our school community.)

We are seeking a passionate, innovative, and collaborative Second Grade Lead Teacher to join our Lower Elementary team. The ideal candidate fosters a joyful, engaging classroom where academic excellence and social-emotional growth thrive and every child feels seen and valued. This educator embraces an anti-bias, inclusive approach, differentiates to meet the needs of diverse learners, and designs meaningful learning experiences that support, challenge, and build confidence.

The Second Grade Lead Teacher plans and implements a developmentally responsive curriculum aligned with the School’s mission and educational philosophy. They cultivate an inclusive classroom grounded in respect and belonging, use assessment to inform instruction, and partner with families to support each child’s growth. The ideal candidate is eager to contribute to the life of a resilient, mission-driven community during this meaningful chapter in Saint Mark’s history.

• Design and implement curriculum and instruction aligned with best practices and developmental needs of lower elementary students
• Build and maintain a warm, inclusive, and respectful classroom community
• Collaborate with faculty, the student support team, and academic leadership to support all learners
• Design and assess meaningful assignments using diverse strategies to evaluate student growth and guide instruction, with clear communication of progress
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues, including writing report cards, holding parent conferences, and maintaining regular updates
• Mentor and support a co-teacher or associate teacher
• Supervise students’ safety and well-being throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess, and field trips
• Actively engage in school events, community life, and professional development opportunities
• Model and embrace the mission and values of Saint Mark’s School

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
• Valid Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching at the elementary level, preferably in an independent school setting
• Training or familiarity with Responsive Classroom
• Experience with Singapore Math, Orton‑Gillingham (or comparable structured literacy approach) and writing workshop
• Experience designing inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning experiences
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Enthusiasm for fostering creativity, independence, and collaboration in young learners
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and contributing positively to school culture
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-bias practices

Salary Range: $65,000 – $98,000, commensurate with experience and education

Benefits:
Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus TIAA/CREF retirement plan

This position includes some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; hearing, speaking, observing and significant fine finger dexterity. Specific abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 40% walking and 45% standing and the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds.

The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, a generally hazard free environment, and in a clean atmosphere.

Please submit a cover letter and current resume to:
Kelly Mancuso, Assistant Head of School
Email: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Saint Mark’s School is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, the presence of mental, physical, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.