5th Grade Teacher

Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year
St. Joseph Catholic School
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Diocesan Region

Position Summary

St. Joseph Catholic School is seeking a faith-filled, enthusiastic, and student-centered 5th Grade Teacher to join our school community for the 2026–2027 school year. The successful candidate will foster academic excellence, nurture students' spiritual growth, and create a positive classroom environment where all learners can thrive.

St. Joseph Catholic School is a Preschool through 8th Grade Catholic school located on the east side of Des Moines and is part of the Des Moines Diocesan Region. We are committed to educating the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually—while building strong partnerships with families, staff, parishioners, and the greater community.

The 5th Grade Teacher will provide engaging instruction across core content areas while supporting students as they continue to develop independence, responsibility, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith.

Primary Job Duties

Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-based instruction aligned with Iowa Academic Standards and diocesan curriculum expectations.
• Teach core content areas including Religion, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.
• Utilize assessment data, including FAST assessments and classroom-based measures, to guide instruction and intervention.
• Implement evidence-based instructional practices, including Science of Reading principles where applicable.
• Incorporate technology as a tool to enhance learning while supporting responsible digital citizenship.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records, grades, and assessment data.

Catholic Identity and Faith Formation

• Model and promote Catholic values and teachings in daily interactions.
• Integrate faith into all aspects of classroom instruction and school life.
• Prepare students for participation in weekly Mass, prayer services, and religious activities.
• Foster a classroom culture centered on service, respect, compassion, and discipleship.
• Support students in developing a personal relationship with Christ and living out the Gospel message.

Classroom Environment and Student Support

• Establish and maintain a structured, positive, and engaging learning environment.
• Implement school-wide expectations through The Hawk's Way: Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Faithful.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining high expectations for behavior and academic achievement.
• Utilize proactive classroom management strategies and logical consequences to support student success.
• Collaborate with interventionists, special education personnel, counselors, and administrators to support student needs.
• Promote student independence, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Family and Community Engagement

• Maintain open, professional, and timely communication with families.
• Partner with parents to support student growth and success.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and other school events.
• Foster positive relationships within the school, parish, and community.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, diocesan trainings, and school activities.
• Engage in ongoing professional growth and reflective practice.
• Support school-wide initiatives, committees, and special events.
• Fulfill supervisory duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Valid Iowa Teaching License with Elementary Classroom Endorsement.
• Practicing Catholic preferred; all applicants must support the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Strong knowledge of elementary curriculum and instructional best practices.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Effective communication, organization, and classroom management skills.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, faith-filled, and academically rigorous learning environment.

Preferred

• Experience teaching upper elementary students.
• Knowledge of Science of Reading practices.
• Experience using assessment data to inform instruction and interventions.
• Familiarity with educational technology platforms and student data systems.
• Experience collaborating within PLC structures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to supervise and actively engage with students throughout the school day.
• Ability to move throughout the building and participate in school activities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform duties requiring standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• Competitive salary based on education and experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• IPERS participation
• Paid personal and sick leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition discounts for eligible children
• Supportive Catholic school community

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Completed diocesan application
• Copy of Iowa teaching license
• Three professional references

Questions may be directed to:

Becky Beneke, Principal
St. Joseph Catholic School
216 8th Street SE
Des Moines, IA 50309
bbeneke@stjosephcatholicdsm.org
515-266-3433

St. Joseph Catholic School Mission:
Learn. Grow. Serve in Christ.