General Studies Elementary Faculty - Lower Elementary

Akiva School, located in Nashville, Tennessee has an opening for an energetic, creative, and skillful educator to join our exceptional teachers.  Serving students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, Akiva is a vibrant learning community committed to academic excellence in both General and Judaic Studies while helping students grow as confident learners, thoughtful individuals, and engaged members of the world. We are looking for an educator who believes the earliest years of school should be filled with wonder, joy, and purpose—someone who understands the importance of foundational learning and creates a classroom where children feel known, supported, and inspired every day.

Position Overview: The Kindergarten Teacher will create a nurturing, structured, and engaging classroom environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and developmental growth of young learners. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, values student-centered teaching, and uses evidence-based practices to help children build confidence and independence as learners.

This teacher will work collaboratively with colleagues and co-teachers to deliver high-quality instruction while fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction in early literacy, including explicit, phonics-based reading instruction grounded in research-based practices.
• Plan and teach hands-on, conceptual math lessons that build number sense, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Design experiential learning opportunities that encourage exploration, creativity, and active student engagement.
• Foster a warm, positive classroom culture with strong routines, clear expectations, and effective classroom management.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs, strengths, and developmental profiles of students.
• Assess student growth regularly through formal and informal measures and use data to guide instruction.
• Maintain clear, timely, and compassionate communication with families regarding student progress and classroom life.
• Collaborate closely with co-teachers, faculty, support staff, and administration as part of a thoughtful and dynamic educational team.
• Participate in curriculum development, faculty meetings, professional learning, and school initiatives.
• Share in school-wide responsibilities such as supervision duties, community events, and student support beyond the classroom.
• Help sustain Akiva’s inclusive and welcoming culture by honoring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and Jewish practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience teaching kindergarten or early childhood students preferred
• Strong understanding of early literacy development and child-centered instructional practices
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Passion for teaching young children and supporting their growth as learners and people

Compensation: 

Equitable Salary band based on experience. $50,000-$80,000.

Why Akiva?

At Akiva School, you will join a spirited and dedicated faculty that values innovation, connection, and purpose-driven teaching. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a child’s first school experiences in a close-knit community that celebrates learning, identity, and belonging.

Applicants of all faiths and backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to hiring@akivaschool.net with ‘Early Elementary Teacher’ in the heading.