Job Title: 1st Grade Teacher
Job Status: Permanent/Full Time
Contact: Alissa DeVito, Vice Principal
E-Mail: adevito@saintmatthewschool.com
Position Overview:
St. Matthew School, a vibrant PreK–8 Catholic elementary school committed to academic excellence and faith-based education, is seeking a nurturing, dedicated, and enthusiastic 1st Grade Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.
The ideal candidate will serve as a self-contained 1st Grade Homeroom Teacher, providing instruction across all core subject areas, with a strong emphasis on foundational literacy and mathematics skills.
This role requires a compassionate educator who is committed to supporting the academic, social, and spiritual development of young learners during this critical stage of growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Spiritual Leadership and Catholic Identity:
- Foster a Christ-Centered Environment: Create a classroom atmosphere where students encounter the love of Christ through daily prayer, the use of sacred space/prayer corners, and the integration of the liturgical seasons.
- Faith Formation: Lead students in daily morning and mealtime prayers, and guide them in the development of a personal relationship with God.
- Virtue-Based Management: Model and teach the theological and cardinal virtues (faith, hope, charity, justice, fortitude, temperance, and prudence) as the basis for social-emotional growth and classroom discipline.
- Ministry of Presence: Actively participate in school liturgies, prayer services, and the spiritual life of the faculty, serving as a visible witness of the Catholic faith to students and families.
Instruction and Curriculum:
- Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate, standards-based instruction across all subject areas, with a strong focus on early literacy and math foundations.
- Implement structured literacy practices, including phonics, reading comprehension, writing development, and language skills.
- Build strong number sense and mathematical reasoning through hands-on, differentiated instruction.
- Use a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners.
- Monitor student progress through formative and summative assessments and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Integrate Catholic values and principles into daily instruction and classroom routines.
- Implement a high-dosage, multi-sensory approach to phonics/reading instruction to ensure all students reach foundational reading fluency by year-end.
Classroom Leadership:
- Create a warm, structured, and supportive classroom environment that fosters a love of learning.
- Establish clear routines and expectations that promote independence, responsibility, and positive behavior.
- Support the social-emotional development of students, including cooperation, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills.
- Encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for students and families, building strong, positive community relationships.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and classroom activities.
- Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and administration to meet the needs of all learners.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide initiatives.
- Partner with the administration and learning support team to identify early intervention needs in reading and math, ensuring no child falls behind during these critical years.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field required
- Valid Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in Early Childhood (PK-4) or Elementary Education (K-6) strongly preferred
- Experience teaching primary grades (K–2) preferred
- Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction and foundational math skills
- Patience, creativity, and strong classroom management skills
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Alissa DeVito, Vice Principal of SMS at adevito@saintmatthewschool.com.
If the position is offered, the candidate will be required to complete the “Protecting God’s Children” training through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Additional information regarding this training can be found here.
- Full Time
- Permanent
- Teacher