Kindergarten Teacher
2 days ago
Weehawken
Job Description About This Role We're looking for an outstanding Kindergarten Teacher to join our team at Serenity Islamic School. As a dedicated educator, you'll create a positive and engaging learning environment for our young students, building strong literacy, math, and social-emotional foundations while fostering their growth in faith, character, and confidence. What You'll Do Classroom Leadership • Lead the Kindergarten classroom, demonstrating Islamic values and character throughout the day, • Establish routines, set clear expectations, and maintain an organized, focused learning environment, • Create a safe and nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected and loved Curriculum & Lesson Planning • Implement Fundations to develop phonemic awareness, phonics, and early literacy skills in students, • Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in various subjects, including math, reading, and writing, • Integrate Islamic values and character lessons into daily routines and academic content, • Submit weekly lesson plans to the Director, ensuring alignment with district pacing guides Child Development & Guidance • Support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, • Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles, • Monitor and document children's growth, sharing progress with families regularly, • Adjust instruction to meet diverse learning styles and developmental levels Classroom Environment • Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers and materials, • Organize materials and supplies before and after class Family Communication • Communicate with families through various means, including Brightwheel and progress reports, • Address concerns professionally and participate in school events Staff Collaboration • Collaborate with administration and fellow teachers, exemplifying professionalism Health & Safety • Supervise children at all times to ensure their safety, • Follow all relevant regulations, including those related to licensing, health, sanitation, and safety, • Document attendance and incidents accurately Professional Responsibilities • Arrive on time and prepared for work, attending staff meetings and trainings, • Pursue ongoing professional growth through a personal development plan, • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Requirements • Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ requirements, • Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification, • Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day, • Strong classroom management skills with a calm, structured presence, • Minimum 2 years of classroom experience teaching Kindergarten or early elementary grades, • Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans aligned with district pacing guides, • Strong verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues, • Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment, • Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction, phonics, and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), • Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field Nice To Haves • Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge, • Prior experience teaching in a private or faith-based school, • Knowledge of New Jersey Student Learning Standards, • NJ Elementary K–6 teacher certification, • Experience with Fundations or other Wilson Language programs, • Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms, • Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and character Benefits • Sick Leave, • Child Care Discount, • Professional Development, • Paid school holidays (following the school calendar), • Summer break (school-year position), • Consistent Monday–Friday schedule, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM, • No evening or weekend hours, • Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County), • Faith-centered work environment, • Paid professional development opportunities and trainings, • Support for continuing education, • CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed, • Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture, • Supportive administration and engaged parent community, • Meaningful, mission-driven work