First Grade Teacher

About This Role

Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated 1st Grade Teacher to join our growing school community. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early elementary education, values strong academic foundations alongside child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will lead our 1st Grade classroom — building strong literacy, math, and social-emotional foundations while fostering each child's growth in faith, character, and confidence.

We are always accepting applications for this role.

What You'll Do

Classroom Leadership

• Lead and manage a 1st Grade classroom as the sole teacher, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day
• Establish consistent routines, clear expectations, and an organized, focused learning environment
• Create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident

Curriculum & Lesson Planning

• Implement Fundations to build strong phonemic awareness, phonics, and early literacy skills
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies
• Follow pacing guides aligned with the local public school district to ensure students are well-prepared for 2nd grade
• Integrate age-appropriate Islamic values and character lessons into daily routines and academic content • Submit weekly lesson plans to the Director

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
• Observe, assess, and document children's growth, sharing progress with families regularly
• Differentiate instruction to support a range of learning styles and developmental levels

Classroom Environment

• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers and instructional materials
• Organize, set up, and put away materials and supplies before and after class

Family Communication

• Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences
• Address concerns professionally and participate in school events

Staff Collaboration

• Collaborate with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism

Health & Safety

• Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety
• Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations
• Maintain accurate attendance and incident documentation

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings
• Follow a personal professional development plan for continuous growth
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field
• Minimum 2 years of classroom experience teaching 1st Grade or early elementary grades
• Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction, phonics, and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
• Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans aligned with district pacing guides
• Strong classroom management skills with a calm, structured presence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children
• Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
• 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

Nice To Haves

• NJ Elementary K–6 teacher certification
• Experience with Fundations or other Wilson Language programs
• Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
• Knowledge of New Jersey Student Learning Standards
• Prior experience teaching in a private or faith-based school
• Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and character
• Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge

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