Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Grade 5 Language Arts Classroom Teacher Forsyth School

Forsyth School: Grade 5 Language Arts Classroom Teacher

Imagine your school day begins when you enter the front door of a charming, ornate, historic home. You walk up a staircase to find your fifth-grade classroom–greeted by warm, smiling faces along the way. Now imagine this historic home is part of a neighborhood of six homes, woven together to create a school that is dedicated to growing and challenging a diverse group of elementary school students in a joyful community. And this community is committed to fostering an environment where kindness, compassion, curiosity, and questioning are valued. If you are energized by these ideas, and you value collaborating with other passionate, student-centered educators who teach the whole child, then Forsyth School is looking for you. 
 

At Forsyth, our mission is to foster a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children to pursue challenges with confidence. And our Honor Code, to be honest, kind, respectful, responsible, fair, and practice good sportsmanship, is celebrated and lived by everyone in our community. It is embedded in the fabric of our institution, reminding us of our commitment to make Forsyth a special place. 
 

POSITION SUMMARY 
Teachers at Forsyth work in a highly collaborative, cooperative, student-centered environment. As a Grade 5 teacher, you will work closely with your teaching team to provide developmentally appropriate, academically challenging, joyful learning experiences for classes of 12-14 students in Language Arts instruction. In addition to closely collaborating with your grade level, you will work with the entire faculty as we engage in ongoing curriculum development and design. At the heart of all of your work as a Forsyth teacher is the desire to live our mission and do your part to create and uphold diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.
 

OPPORTUNITIES (TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES)

  • Nurture the social, emotional, academic, and developmental needs of Grade 5 students 
  • Develop and implement culturally responsive teaching practices to meet the needs of students
  • Design and implement innovative curriculum and instructional strategies aligned with our grade-level objectives for Language Arts to foster a love of language, writing, and literature
  • Actively participate in a faculty culture that is committed to being at the leading edge of Age 2 – Grade 6 education 
  • Participate in the curriculum review process and make recommendations for curricular refinement and development based on best practices in education and Forsyth’s Strategic Plan 
  • Advance a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust
  • Be an inclusive, positive, active contributor to the school community
  • Report to the Upper Division Director 


CORE COMPETENCIES

  • A love of elementary children
  • Demonstrable commitment to teaching and learning in a dynamic and diverse school environment that promotes the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Excellent instructional design and delivery skills 
  • Commitment to professional growth and openness to feedback and improvement 
  • A growth mindset, sense of humor, flexibility, comfort with change, and openness to quickly pivot to meet students’ needs
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and keenness to connect with students, families, and colleagues
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Eagerness to learn about and implement the Responsive Classroom approach in the classroom
  • Bachelor’s degree required

ABOUT FORSYTH SCHOOL
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Forsyth is an age 2 – Grade 6, co-ed independent school of 375 students. The campus is bordered by Washington University and Forest Park, one of the largest city parks in the nation and home to many of the city’s great cultural institutions, including free museums, a world-class zoo, and a thriving food and music scene. Forsyth’s unique facilities, six stately historic homes, all built in the 1920s and 30s, have been transformed into classrooms and community spaces. These nurturing, intimate spaces, as well as excellent teaching, have made challenges and high expectations for students the center of Forsyth’s ethos since its origin in 1961. 
 

BENEFITS
This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Forsyth’s full benefits package, including medical, dental, life, retirement match, education benefits, EAP, and more. 
 

HOW TO APPLY
In your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and any other supporting materials. Candidates will be informed before references are contacted. 
 

Forsyth School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, family composition, genetic information, citizenship, national and ethnic origin, or on the basis of any other protected status. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.
 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please submit your materials as soon as possible, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Stephanie Teachout, upper division director, with any questions about the application process.
 

Forsyth’s background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.