FIRST GRADE TEACHER (FULL-TIME) - ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL - PHILADELPHIA, PA

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 & 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 & 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 & 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

To Apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Alissa DeVito, Assistant Principal of SMS at adevito@saintmatthewschool.com