What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026-2027 Elementary Reading Teacher position at Santa Fe South Spero Upper Elementary?
Spero Elementary | Santa Fe South Charter Schools
Oklahoma City, OK | 190–196 Day Contract (196 days for new teachers; 190 days for returning teachers)
About Spero Elementary
Spero Upper Elementary is one of Santa Fe South’s established, high-performing elementary campuses, known for its strong culture, high expectations, and unwavering commitment to student growth. Spero is a place where excellence is the norm, collaboration is intentional, and professional learning is taken seriously. Spero Elementary was recently ranked the #1 Charter Elementary School in Oklahoma by US News & World Report.
Teachers at Spero are supported through structured coaching, clear instructional vision, and a shared belief that all students can achieve at high levels. Many educators who thrive here grow into leadership roles, including instructional coaching and other campus and network opportunities. While the work is challenging and fast-paced, the environment is deeply mission-driven, supportive, and grounded in continuous improvement.
Position Summary
The Elementary Reading Teacher (Grades 3–5) at Spero Elementary is responsible for delivering rigorous, standards-aligned literacy instruction that helps students become confident, capable readers and writers. Teachers in this role support students as they transition into upper-elementary literacy expectations through structured reading instruction, purposeful writing, and meaningful engagement with increasingly complex texts.
This position may include teaching reading in either third, fourth, or fifth grade depending on campus needs. It is ideal for an educator who embraces collaboration, values instructional coaching, and maintains consistently high expectations while building a structured and supportive classroom environment.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Planning
- Deliver high-quality, standards-aligned literacy instruction focused on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and writing
- Plan and internalize lessons with strong attention to student needs and instructional clarity
- Use assessment data to plan targeted instruction, interventions, and enrichment that support student growth
- Implement structured literacy practices that build strong reading and writing skills
Collaboration & Growth
- Actively engage in Santa Fe South’s instructional coaching model by seeking and implementing feedback
- Collaborate with grade-level teams, content teams, instructional coaches, and campus leadership
- Analyze student work and assessment data to strengthen instruction and improve outcomes
Classroom Culture & Relationships
- Establish a structured and supportive classroom environment with clear academic and behavioral expectations
- Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Foster a classroom culture that promotes confidence, persistence, and a love of reading
- Communicate student progress regularly with families
Campus Contribution
- Participate in professional learning communities and campus initiatives
- Contribute to the continued growth of Spero Elementary’s literacy goals
- Support a positive, collaborative campus culture
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Oklahoma teaching certification (or eligibility/willingness to pursue) in Elementary Education
- Strong alignment with Santa Fe South’s mission and commitment to serving the southside community
Preferred
- Experience teaching literacy in grades 3–5
- Strong understanding of evidence-based reading instruction and interventions
- Experience working in diverse or high-need school communities
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills
- Demonstrated openness to feedback and a growth-oriented mindset
Why Join Spero & Santa Fe South?
- A supportive and collaborative campus culture
- Strong instructional coaching and professional development
- A mission-driven school community focused on student growth
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a high performing elementary school community