First Grade Teacher

First Grade Teacher

Sacred Heart of Jesus School – Wadsworth, Ohio

Sacred Heart of Jesus School is a dynamic, Christ-centered school of excellence located in Wadsworth, Ohio. As part of our academic expansion, we are currently accepting applications for a First Grade Teacher. We are seeking an educator who shares our passionate commitment to the teachings, culture, identity, and values of the Catholic faith.

This teacher will lead students into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ while fostering academic excellence, virtue, and a love of learning. At Sacred Heart, we believe that passionate and committed teachers inspire students to achieve their God-given potential while developing strong character rooted in Gospel values.

Reports To: Principal

Basic Job Description

Lead students to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ while providing a learning environment that promotes Catholic values, social-emotional growth, academic excellence, and the development of the whole child.

Required Qualifications

Hold a valid Ohio teaching license in Early Childhood Education or appropriate licensure for the position.

Practicing Catholic preferred and willing to actively support the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Successful teaching experience in an early elementary classroom.  Five or more years preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood and elementary education.

Strong classroom management and organizational skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, support staff, and administration.

Commitment to continuous professional growth and reflective practice.

Preferred Qualifications

Extensive experience implementing the Science of Reading framework.

Experience teaching and assessing foundational literacy skills through:

Heggerty Phonemic Awareness

Wilson Fundations

Decodable text instruction

Explicit phonics instruction

Structured literacy practices

Experience analyzing literacy assessment data to drive differentiated instruction and intervention.

Experience supporting diverse learners through targeted interventions and small-group instruction.

Familiarity with NWEA MAP Growth assessments and data-informed instructional practices.

Experience integrating educational technology into instruction.

Master's degree in Education or a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Strong understanding of the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction.

Knowledge of early elementary curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment practices.

Ability to deliver explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Knowledge of differentiated instruction and intervention strategies.

Ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to foster a positive classroom culture rooted in faith, virtue, and mutual respect.

Proficiency with educational technology and student data systems.

Commitment to collaboration, flexibility, and professional growth.

Essential Responsibilities

Faith Formation and Catholic Identity

Lead students to deepen their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Integrate Catholic teachings, values, and virtues throughout the curriculum and daily classroom life.

Prepare and supervise students for school Masses, prayer services, and other faith-based activities.

Model Christian behavior and serve as a witness to the Catholic faith.

Support the mission and vision of Sacred Heart of Jesus School.

Instruction and Student Learning

Plan and implement engaging lessons aligned with state standards, diocesan expectations, and school curriculum.

Deliver high-quality literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

Implement Heggerty and Fundations programs with fidelity and consistency.

Utilize assessment data to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions.

Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

Establish clear learning objectives and communicate expectations effectively.

Foster critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.

Provide opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and student engagement.

Prepare, administer, and evaluate assessments to measure student growth and achievement.

Classroom Environment and Student Development

Build positive, caring relationships with students and families.

Establish and maintain a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment.

Promote social-emotional development and age-appropriate independence.

Observe and evaluate student performance, behavior, and well-being.

Implement effective classroom management strategies that reflect Gospel values.

Collaboration and Communication

Communicate regularly and effectively with parents regarding student progress and needs.

Collaborate with teachers, intervention specialists, support staff, and administration.

Participate actively in grade-level meetings, faculty meetings, committees, and school initiatives.

Maintain accurate student records and documentation in accordance with school, diocesan, and state requirements.

Professional Responsibilities

Attend professional development opportunities to maintain and enhance instructional effectiveness.

Remain current with best practices in literacy instruction, educational research, and child development.

Participate fully in the life of the school community.

Assist with school events, field trips, extracurricular activities, and other duties as assigned.