First Grade Teacher

Okemos Public Schools•Okemos, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Okemos Public Schools is seeking a passionate, student-centered educator to serve as a 1st Grade Teacher at Cornell Elementary School. This position provides the opportunity to inspire and support upper elementary students during a critical stage of academic, social, and emotional development. The ideal candidate will create a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where students are challenged to think critically, collaborate effectively, communicate confidently, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Educators in this role will design and deliver meaningful instruction aligned with Michigan Academic Standards while supporting the whole child through relationship-centered practices and high expectations for student achievement. This role is ideal for educators who value elementary learners' curiosity, creativity, and growing independence. Successful candidates will contribute positively to a collaborative school culture and demonstrate a commitment to equitable outcomes and academic excellence for all students.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or related field required.
Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate required.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Michigan certification endorsement: K-5 All Subjects (ZG) or equivalent elementary certification.
Successful elementary teaching experience preferred.
Experience implementing student-centered instructional practices and differentiated instruction preferred.
Knowledge of elementary curriculum, instructional best practices, and Michigan Academic Standards.
Ability to create engaging, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments.
Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
Ability to support literacy development, mathematical reasoning, and interdisciplinary learning.
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, families, and community partners.
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to integrate instructional technology effectively to support teaching and learning.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging instruction aligned with Michigan Academic Standards across core content areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Foster a student-centered classroom environment that promotes inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Develop meaningful learning experiences that encourage student engagement, curiosity, and academic growth.
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of learners.
Utilize formative and summative assessment data to monitor student progress and inform instructional decision-making.
Implement evidence-based instructional practices that support literacy development, mathematical reasoning, and content-area learning.
Create opportunities for student voice, choice, reflection, and authentic application of learning.
Integrate instructional technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Support students in developing organizational skills, independence, responsibility, and positive learning habits.
Build positive, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and equitable classroom environment.
Promote positive student behavior through proactive, restorative, and relationship-centered practices.
Support students' social-emotional growth, self-regulation, and positive identity development.
Foster a classroom culture that values diversity, belonging, empathy, and mutual respect.
Encourage student participation in school activities and opportunities that support personal growth and leadership development.
Collaborate regularly with grade-level teams, special education staff, interventionists, specialists, counselors, and support staff to support student success.
Participate actively in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and district initiatives.
Communicate effectively and consistently with families regarding student progress, classroom activities, and student needs.
Maintain accurate student records, assessment data, and instructional documentation.
Demonstrate continuous professional growth and reflective instructional practice.
Support school and district initiatives aligned with the Strategic Plan and Equity Plan.
Contribute positively to a collaborative and student-focused school culture.