Lower School Assistant Teacher Principia School

Title: Lower School Assistant Teacher

Department/Location: Lower School Faculty; St. Louis, Missouri

Position Type: Full-time, school-year position

Summary 

The Lower School Assistant Teacher works under the direction of the classroom teacher, to support the teaching of reading, writing, word study, mathematics, science, and social studies lessons within our curriculum frameworks, which follow a workshop approach as well as an integrated approach. The Assistant Teacher will help scaffold student learning for deep understanding and transfer of knowledge and support student behavior.

Who We Are

At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends. 

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Displays a strong interest and love for working with elementary-age students
• Supports and delivers engaging and developmentally appropriate lessons in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in accordance with Principia’s curriculum, under the direction of the classroom teacher
• Differentiates instruction based on individual student need
• Sets up necessary materials for lessons and projects, especially with project-based science and social studies lessons
• Helps students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills
• Assists teacher with various assessment tasks, such as grading assignments, record keeping, covers the classroom as acting lead teacher up to ten full days throughout the school year
• Handles discipline situations in an effective manner that supports character growth
• Implements the Responsive Classroom approach to create a positive and engaging learning environment, fostering social-emotional growth, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community among students
• Able to work with a wide range of students – helping them feel successful and to understand their unlimited potential
• Recognizes the value of fostering an inclusive and respectful classroom where all students feel seen, heard, and valued
• Applies best practices in the classroom; becomes part of a professional learning community where teachers are continually improving teaching and learning
• Actively participates in various meetings including continuing professional development (CPD) and PLC meetings
• Actively collaborates with Lower School teachers and Principal to support the implementation of school-wide initiatives
• Recognizes that spiritually-based character education is as important as the subject matter being taught
• Displays the utmost professionalism as evidenced by proactive and responsive behavior, professional mannerisms, effective collaboration, maintaining accurate records, timely communication with faculty members and families, evidence, and initiative in following through with all professional expectations
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies 

• Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:
• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements  
• Bachelor’s degree in education (elementary degree/certification preferred)

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia. 

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position beginning at $43,391 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity 

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.