Lower School Second Grade Teacher

The McGillis School, an established, independent K-8 school in Salt Lake City, Utah has an opening for a full-time 2nd Grade Teacher in our Lower School beginning August 2026.

Our mission is to educate children and instill in our students a love of learning and the abilities to think critically, live ethically, and appreciate the value of each individual. Our school is built on the premise that diversity, equity, and inclusion matter. As a school founded on Jewish values, culture, and history, we understand how vital it is to hear, understand, and learn from those who have been marginalized. We believe a diverse, inclusive community is essential to a rich educational experience, and we support each person in our community to reach their full potential. Commitment to this work is crucial for the long-term viability and success of our school.

Position Description

The Lower School Teacher is responsible for fostering a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for young students. The teacher will work collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, and parents to support each student's academic, social, and emotional growth. This position reports to the Lower School Director and works closely with students and families, as well as Lower School faculty and staff.

Responsibilities:

• Create and sustain a classroom culture based on the mission and values of the school.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children as a priority.
• Supervise recess and lunch according to duty schedules, monitor student safety at all times.
• Develop well-reasoned, age appropriate lesson plans and units for all aspects of the academic curriculum including language arts, mathematics, social studies, social-emotional learning, and project based work.
• Apply various effective, research-based instruction and assessment techniques.
• Manage a positive and structured learning environment, differentiate instruction as needed.
• Communicate proactively and consistently with parents/guardians and colleagues; conference with families twice yearly and as needed throughout the year; write progress reports each trimester.
• Attend and participate positively in faculty meetings and school events.
• Engage in professional development opportunities, as well as in the professional growth model specific to The McGillis School.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times.
• Participate in co-curricular program opportunities specific to The McGillis School (Family Group, Shabbat, Advisory, etc.)
• Be patient, positive, and find joy in the journey of promoting a lifelong love of learning (limud l’shma).

The ideal candidate will have:

• A commitment to collaborative planning, research, and analysis of best practices of teaching and learning.
• A commitment to the Science of Reading and in teaching systematic and explicit phonics and phonemic awareness instruction.
• A college degree in teaching, a related subject area, or equivalent professional experience.
• A growth mindset and comfort in taking risks.
• Familiarity with culturally competent teaching and the ability to build an inclusive and equitable community.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Melinda Kaufman, Assistant Head of School, at [email protected]

The McGillis School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, belief, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, learning and physical abilities, and more in administration of their educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, athletics, hiring, and other school-administered programs.