1st Grade Teacher

The Elementary Classroom Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student is supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The teacher designs and delivers standards-based instruction aligned with Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards, differentiates based on student needs, and builds strong relationships with students and families. As a key contributor to a collaborative professional culture, the teacher also works closely with colleagues, support staff, and administration to uphold the mission and values of the charter school.

Core Values of St. Paul City School Staff

All staff are expected to uphold and model the St. Paul City School Standard:

• Honor the humanity of every person we encounter.
• Come to the table to solve problems. Positive collaboration is non-negotiable.
• Pursue growth and embrace feedback. Ask: “How can I be better today?”
• Believe in our students. Keep the bar high — SPCS students can.

Key Responsibilities

Positive School and Classroom Culture

• Establish and maintain a trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally responsive classroom environment.
• Build strong, affirming relationships with each student and their family.
  
   
• Design and facilitate daily morning meetings or community circles to promote social-emotional learning and classroom unity.
• Implement clear expectations, consistent routines, and restorative behavior supports to ensure a safe and productive classroom.
• Provide opportunities for joy, celebration, and student voice in the classroom community.

Instructional Excellence

• Plan and deliver engaging, rigorous instruction aligned with Minnesota State Standards and grade-level benchmarks.
• Design lessons that include student-centered learning, small group instruction, and active collaboration.
• Post and communicate clear content and language objectives aligned with student learning goals.
• Use culturally relevant and diverse instructional materials to ensure all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
• Adapt instruction to support multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students receiving interventions.
• Incorporate anti-racist and historically accurate content, creating space for critical conversations and inclusive perspectives.
• Provide frequent formative assessments and use data to guide re-teaching and differentiation.
• Support students in tracking their academic growth and setting learning goals.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Use formative and summative assessments to measure student learning and inform instruction.
• Maintain accurate records of student achievement and growth toward grade-level standards.
• Implement Tier 1 supports and differentiated strategies; collaborate with intervention teams for Tier 2 and 3 supports.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and supports outlined in IEPs, 504 plans, or SIT recommendations.

Planning & Preparation

• Create quarterly instructional plans that address key standards and skills, adjusting as needed based on student progress.
• Develop and upload daily lesson plans tailored to student needs and aligned with team pacing guides.
• Prepare instructional materials and resources that support differentiated learning and represent diverse perspectives.
• Organize and maintain data, student work samples, and documentation to support learning, evaluation, and conferences.

Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities

• Participate actively in weekly collaboration meetings with grade-level teams, EL teachers, SPED teachers, and educational assistants.
• Engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on improving student outcomes and equity.
• Collaborate with support staff including social workers, deans, family liaisons, and administrators to meet the needs of the whole child.
• Attend and contribute to IEP meetings, SIT/MTSS meetings, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Maintain appropriate and current licensure with the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
• Fulfill all components of the teacher evaluation process as outlined in Minnesota Statute 122A.40/122A.41.
• Stay current with research-based teaching practices, culturally responsive pedagogy, and state education requirements.
• Participate in school events, committees, and community-building activities beyond the classroom.

Other Duties

• Support school-wide initiatives, testing coordination, and student supervision as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the principal or school leadership in support of student success and school operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Minnesota teaching license in Elementary Education (K–6) or eligible for licensure through PELSB.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and commitment to educational equity.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and classroom management skills.

About the School: SPCS is a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student graduates as a resilient, critical thinking, and compassionate learner.