Elementary Classroom Teacher

Elementary Classroom Teacher (K–6)

Location: Iowa City, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Date Posted: February 10, 2026

Position Summary

Willowwind School is seeking a thoughtful, collaborative, and student-centered Elementary Classroom Teacher (K–6) to join our progressive learning community.

Willowwind teachers are deeply engaged in carrying out the school’s mission through meaningful relationships, intentional curriculum design, and responsive teaching practices. The classroom teacher holds responsibility for students’ academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth, as well as for day-to-day classroom operations and communication with families.

Teachers work closely with the Head of School and fellow faculty to design learning experiences that are purposeful, engaging, and aligned with Willowwind’s values.

Teaching & Learning Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment
  
   
• Design and implement effective, purposeful lesson plans, units, and curriculum
  
   
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
  
   
• Assess student learning through observation, formative assessment, and other appropriate measures
  
   
• Engage in project-based learning, including:
  
  
  • Designing and facilitating interdisciplinary projects
    
     
  • Supporting student inquiry, collaboration, and real-world connections
    
     
  • Demonstrating a willingness to learn about, reflect on, and grow in project-based learning practices, with support from colleagues and leadership
    
     
• Collaborate with faculty and administration to ensure cohesive program delivery
  
   
• Fulfill daily work hours:
  
  
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    
     
  • Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
    
     
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend responsibilities as outlined below
  
   
• Adhere to employment dates as specified in the annual employee agreement

Communication & Documentation

• Communicate regularly and effectively with families through email, phone, in-person conversations, and formal conferences (three times per year)
  
   
• Create and maintain student documentation, including:
  
  
  • Progress reports
    
     
  • Anecdotal records
    
     
  • Student files
    
     
  • 504 plans and IEP documentation, as applicable
    
     
• Collaborate with office staff to support accurate and relevant content for Willowwind communications and marketing materials

Leadership & Professionalism

• Model professionalism, respect, and responsibility within and beyond the classroom
  
   
• Serve as a positive representative of Willowwind School within the broader community
  
   
• Model effective conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving
  
   
• Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional growth

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend weekly division meetings and all-faculty meetings
  
   
• Participate in required school events, including but not limited to:
  
  
  • Open House
    
     
  • Curriculum nights
    
     
  • Harvest Festival
    
     
  • Academic and community events
    
     
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Iowa Teaching License (Elementary) required or equivalent
  
   
• Prior teaching experience preferred, not required
  
   
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
  
   
• Interest in or experience with progressive, student-centered, and project-based learning approaches is strongly encouraged

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching
  
   
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
  
   
• Flexible spending account
  
   
• Paid time off
  
   
• Parental leave

Equal Employment Opportunity

Willowwind School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive community. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, socioeconomic status, disability, race, national origin, color, religion, creed, or veteran status.