What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Teacher position at Maclay School?
Lower School Teacher
Full Time, 10 Months
Start Date: August 2026
Maclay School seeks a skilled, student-centered elementary educator who is deeply grounded in child development and inspired by the belief that young learners thrive when they feel safe, known, and challenged. The ideal candidate brings strong instructional expertise in literacy and mathematics, a warm and steady classroom presence, and a commitment to building a joyful, inclusive learning community where every child can grow.
Who You Are
You are an elementary teacher who believes that strong relationships and strong instruction go hand in hand. You know that children learn best when they feel emotionally safe, intellectually curious, and supported in taking risks. You design learning experiences that are structured yet flexible, grounded in developmentally appropriate practice, and responsive to the needs of each child.
You understand that literacy and numeracy are foundational not only to academic success, but also to confidence, independence, and identity as a learner. You are thoughtful about how children grow, socially, emotionally, and cognitively, and you bring that understanding into every aspect of your teaching. You enjoy collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on your practice, and continually refining how you support diverse learners.
Above all, you find deep fulfillment in helping young students discover their voices, their strengths, and their love of learning, and cultivating a classroom environment conducive to the holistic development of our students.
Key Responsibilities
-
Serve as a full-time Lower School classroom teacher
-
Design and implement developmentally responsive, engaging lessons in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies
-
Build a classroom community that is warm, respectful, and structured, where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to take academic and social risks
-
Use a variety of instructional approaches, including whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction, to support a wide range of learning profiles
-
Assess student learning through both formal and informal measures, using feedback and data to guide instruction and support continuous growth
-
Implement Responsive Classroom practices and positive behavior supports that promote self-regulation, cooperation, and responsibility
-
Communicate clearly and compassionately with families about student progress, learning goals, and areas of growth
-
Collaborate with colleagues across grade levels and disciplines to ensure curricular coherence and shared expectations
-
Participate in professional learning, faculty collaboration, and school-wide initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning
-
Engage fully in the life of the school by supporting community events, student activities, and the broader mission of Maclay
-
Perform additional responsibilities that support the school’s mission and daily operations as needed
Qualifications
-
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a related field required; master’s degree preferred
-
Demonstrated experience teaching elementary-aged students with strong understanding of child development and effective instructional practices
-
Expertise in literacy and mathematics instruction, including differentiated and standards-aligned approaches
-
Ability to design and facilitate whole-group, small-group, and individualized learning experiences
-
Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues
-
Commitment to professional growth, reflection, and continuous improvement
-
Outstanding personal and professional references
Physical Requirements and ADA Statement
This role requires regular movement between classrooms and buildings, active engagement with students, and the ability to sit, stand, walk, communicate clearly, operate classroom technology, and occasionally lift materials up to 20–30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Maclay School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or actual or perceived gender identity, consistent with the nondiscrimination standards outlined in our employee benefit and policy documents.