Description

Position Objective

St. James School in St. Joseph, MO seeks a full-time First Grade Teacher for the 2026–2027 academic year. The teacher is entrusted with the integral formation of students by nurturing their souls in virtue, their minds in truth, and their hearts in love of what is good and beautiful within a Christ-centered community of learning.

In fidelity to the Catholic intellectual tradition, the teacher guides students through a rich and ordered encounter with reality, forming the faculties of memory, intellect, and will through attentive study. All instruction is grounded with the light of the Gospel, so that faith and reason are harmoniously developed and united in the pursuit of wisdom.

As a visible witness to the faith, the teacher models a life of prayer, virtue, and devotion, joyfully advancing the mission of St. Joseph Catholic Academy and the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph.

Essential Duties

• Model and witness a strong Catholic faith and moral values.
• Incorporate Catholic teachings into curriculum and classroom life.
• Lead students in prayer and participate in school liturgies and faith-based activities.
• Support student development in forming a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Plan and deliver engaging and effective lessons aligned to diocesan and state standards.
• Implement with fidelity programs and curriculum provided.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and differentiate for student needs.
• Establish a safe, supportive, and structured learning environment.
• Collaborate with the principal, assistant principal, inclusive education coordinator, school counselor, and classroom teachers to support student success by identifying individual needs, implementing developmentally appropriate strategies, and fostering a faith-filled, inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records by grading assignments, providing timely and constructive feedback, and consistently updating the grade book in accordance with school policies and reporting deadlines.
• Develop positive relationships with students to support their holistic growth.
• Provide accommodations and interventions for students with diverse needs.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
• Promote social-emotional development and a culture of respect and responsibility.
• Implement and uphold consistent, fair, and respectful discipline practices that align with the school’s Catholic values and behavioral expectations.
• Supervise and monitor student behavior in classrooms, hallways, parking areas, and other school environments to promote a safe, respectful, and orderly atmosphere for all students.
• Engage in ongoing professional and faith formation opportunities.
• Participate in school events, meetings, and extracurricular activities as required.
• Uphold diocesan and school policies, including all safe environment requirements.
• Demonstrate and maintain a professional appearance that reflects the dignity and mission of Catholic education, setting a visible standard of excellence and respect for faculty, students, and the wider school community.
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance, reporting to work on time and adhering to assigned schedules to ensure the safety, supervision, and continuity of care for all students.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Catholic teachings and ability to integrate them into the classroom.
• Ability to manage a classroom effectively and create a positive learning environment.
• Strong instructional skills and familiarity with current best practices in education.
• Proficient in communication, collaboration, and use of technology in the classroom.
• Capacity for reflection, continuous learning, and personal faith development.

Basic Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic preferred or commitment to supporting the mission of Catholic education.
• Complete and maintain diocesan safe environment expectations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• Missouri Teaching Certification (or eligibility to obtain).
• Ability to obtain a valid Missouri Teaching Certification within three years of employment, if not already certified.
• Minimum of one year of teaching or student teaching experience.

Benefits

This position offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays.

Requirements

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.