Title: Lower School 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.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.  

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning. 

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. 

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. 

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position, starting at $51,000 annually for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no prior teaching experience. Salary is commensurate with degree and years of teaching experience. 

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes: 

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded). 
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles. 
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status. 

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.