Main Street School
Elementary School Teacher
Norwalk, IA, USUSD 40,000–55,000
About the role
About the job
Upper Elementary Teacher
3rd\-4th Grades
Full\-Time 10 Month Position
**Position Overview**
We seek a passionate and innovative Upper Elementary Teacher who is energized by children’s creativity, inquisitiveness, and intelligence and shares our commitment to progressive education. The ideal candidate will create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that encourages student exploration, inquiry, and collaboration. This position involves teaching a 3rd \-4th grade class and collaborating with colleagues to integrate project\-based learning into the curriculum. In project\-based learning (PBL), teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through real\-world problems and encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and problem\-solving, shifting away from traditional direct instruction. Teachers at Main Street School demonstrate a love of learning and a willingness to embrace new ideas and challenges, modeling the lifelong learning they want their students to adopt.
**Key Responsibilities**
* Create and deliver a hands\-on, emergent, project\-based program that aligns with the school’s mission and the developmental needs of elementary students.
* Collaborate with the Early Elementary Teacher to implement lesson plans.
* Establish a nurturing, organized, and joyful learning environment where children feel safe and valued.
* Differentiate and facilitate instruction to meet each child’s needs, abilities, and interests.
* Support children to reach educational milestones.
* Foster a sense of community, empathy, and respect within the classroom through positive guidance and modeling.
* Work closely with assistant teachers, other staff members, and families to support student success and maintain a cohesive elementary progra
* Build strong partnerships with families through regular updates, conferences, and open communication about their child’s progress and experience.
* Observe and document student learning, growth, and development to inform instruction and provide meaningful feedback to families.
* Ensure a clean, safe, healthy classroom environment by adhering to all school policies and licensing requirements and providing appropriate supervision for children.
* Manage classroom activities including lessons, outdoor play, and meals.
* Encourage children to interact with each other to develop social skills.
* Maintain an inventory system for classroom materials and supplies.
* Facilitate diverse and creative activities for children, including songs, games, and storytelling
* Participate in ongoing training and professional growth opportunities to stay current with best practices in elementary education.
* Actively participate in school\-wide events, meetings, and committees to support the overall mission and vision of Main Street School.
**Qualifications Required:**
* Bachelor of Elementary Education, Elementary Education Teaching Certification
* Minimum of 2–3 years of experience teaching in an elementary setting.
* Knowledge of progressive, emergent, and project\-based teaching methods.
* Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in elementary education.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to create a joyful, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment.
* A “Yes…and” approach to ideas, work, and challenges.
**Physical Requirements:**
* Ability to move quickly and respond to children’s needs in a fast\-paced environment.
* Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage students at their level.
* Ability to lift, carry, and move classroom materials and equipment.
* Ability to supervise outdoor play and physical activities, including walking on uneven terrain and
* being outside in various weather conditions.
**Benefits:**
* Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
* Tuition remission for children.
* Professional development opportunities.
* Supportive and collaborative work environment.
To apply, please submit your application here. If you have questions, you can contact Tanya Apana, Head of School, at office@mainstschool.org or call 515\.981\.1275\. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and completing a background check. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and passionate Upper Elementary Teacher to our school community at Main Street School.
Job Type: Full\-time
Pay: $40,000\.00 \- $55,000\.00 per year
Benefits:
* Dental insurance
* Employee discount
* Flexible schedule
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Paid time off
* Professional development assistance
Experience:
* Teaching: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
* Teaching Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
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