Lower Elementary Lead Teacher (Kindergarten–2nd Grade) (Los Angeles)

C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is a PreK–8 faith-based educational community committed to nurturing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and strong moral character. Rooted in Armenian Evangelical values, our mission is to educate the whole child's mind, body, and spirit within a supportive, inclusive, and family-centered environment.This is an exceptional opportunity for an educator seeking to join a team-oriented and professional learning community and to serve as a member of one of our dynamic lower elementary grade-level teams. We welcome candidates whose professional goals align with our mission and who are passionate about shaping young learners during their most formative years.Position OverviewThe Lower Elementary Lead Teacher (Grades K–2) is responsible for creating and maintaining a positive, structured, and nurturing homeroom environment that supports the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development of each child. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with grade-level colleagues and school leadership to design engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum while advancing the school's mission and faith-based values.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Classroom LeadershipPlan and deliver developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned instruction for students in Kindergarten through 2nd gradeIntegrate Armenian Evangelical faith, values, and character education into daily instruction and classroom cultureFoster a warm, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages curiosity, responsibility, and kindnessDifferentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of studentsImplement effective classroom management strategies that promote positive behavior and student accountabilityUse formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and monitor student progressMaintain accurate lesson plans, assessment records, and student documentationStudent Development & AssessmentSupport the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each studentProvide timely and meaningful feedback through formative assessments and cumulative evaluationsWrite narrative report cards and assign grades as appropriateParticipate in twice-yearly parent-teacher conferencesCollaboration & Community EngagementCollaborate actively with grade-level team members, specialists, and administrationCommunicate professionally and consistently with parents and guardiansParticipate in school-wide initiatives, curriculum development, and continuous improvement effortsProfessional & School ResponsibilitiesAttend monthly faculty meetings, grade-level meetings, and division meetingsParticipate in required professional development and faculty workshop daysFulfill assigned duties, including:Break and lunch supervisionAfternoon carpool dutyAttend and support school events throughout the year, including but not limited to:Back-to-School NightOpen HouseSchool fundraisers and community eventsFaith-Based ExpectationsModel Christian and Armenian Evangelical values in word and actionSupport the mission, vision, and spiritual life of the schoolParticipate in faith-related activities and services as requiredDemonstrate ethical conduct, professionalism, and integrity consistent with a faith-based educational settingQualification & RequirementsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Education or a related fieldValid teaching credential (as required by the State of California)Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a lower elementary setting (K–3 preferred)Strong classroom management and organizational skillsExcellent interpersonal and communication skills with students, parents, and colleaguesPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in EducationExperience teaching in an independent or faith-based schoolFamiliarity with or willingness to learn and implement:Responsive ClassroomBalanced Literacy approaches (Benchmark Assessments, Guided Reading, leveled reading groups)6 Traits WritingSingapore Math or similar conceptual math programsEvidence of teaching practices that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and cross-cultural competencyStrong writing skills, particularly in composing narrative report cardsCommitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practiceExperience using educational technologies, such as:SMART Board or interactive displaysiPads or classroom tabletsGoogle Workspace and Microsoft OfficeAbility to provide a teaching portfolio with examples of innovative lessons or projects demonstrating creativity and critical thinkingSuccessful completion of a demo lesson as part of the interview processCompensation & BenefitsSalary: Competitive and commensurate with education, credentials, and experiencePosition Type: Full-time, salaried (academic year)Benefits may include:Professional development opportunitiesSupportive, faith-centered work environmentSchool calendar aligned with academic-year breaks and holidaysWork ScheduleMonday–Friday during the academic school yearOccasional evenings and weekends required for meetings, events, and school functionsApplication ProcedureInterested candidates should submit a resume to the school administration by emailing personnel@merdinianschool.orgEqual Employment OpportunityC. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, consistent with our mission and values.