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 students 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 lshma).

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

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.