Elementary Lead Teacher: 1st Grade

Role Overview

We're partnering with a growing independent school that believes exceptional education develops the whole child—not just academic achievement. Every aspect of the student experience is intentionally designed to foster intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, physical well-being, and personal responsibility.

As a First Grade Lead Teacher, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping students during one of the most formative years of their education. You'll join a collaborative faculty that values innovation, meaningful relationships, and continuous growth while helping students become confident, capable learners.

About the School

The school was founded with a simple belief: children learn best when their academic, emotional, and physical development are intentionally supported together.

Students experience a challenging academic program enriched by social-emotional learning, entrepreneurship, project-based learning, wellness practices, and meaningful real-world experiences. Families are viewed as trusted partners, and educators play an active role in building a supportive, collaborative school community.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Location: Miami, Florida
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Schedule: Approximately 7:45 a.m.–4:00/4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Faculty Meetings: Tuesdays until approximately 5:30 p.m.
• Start Date: September 1
• Work Environment: On-campus, collaborative elementary classroom

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging first grade instruction that balances academic rigor with creativity, inquiry, and hands-on learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual learning needs while helping every student build confidence and independence.
• Create meaningful learning experiences through project-based learning and authentic, real-world applications.
• Foster an emotionally safe classroom built on connection, self-regulation, and mutual respect.
• Monitor student progress through ongoing assessment and adjust instruction to support continued growth.
• Build strong partnerships with families through consistent, proactive communication.
• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen curriculum, contribute to school initiatives, and support a positive school culture.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $50,000–$69,000
• A mission-driven school community focused on whole-child development
• Ongoing coaching and professional growth rather than traditional annual evaluations
• A collaborative culture where educators help shape programs and school initiatives
• The opportunity to innovate, create, and grow alongside an expanding independent school

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means

• Students demonstrate meaningful academic growth while developing confidence, curiosity, and strong learning habits.
• Families feel informed, supported, and valued as partners in their child's education.
• You actively contribute to a collaborative school culture by embracing innovation, feedback, and continuous improvement.

About Thrive

Thrive Education Partners connects exceptional educators with schools and families seeking thoughtful, values-driven educational experiences. We believe outstanding teaching transforms lives. Our goal is to thoughtfully match educators with opportunities where they can make a meaningful impact while growing professionally.

What to Expect Next

Our hiring process is designed to help both you and the school determine whether this is the right long-term fit. Qualified candidates can expect an initial conversation with Thrive, followed by interviews with school leadership, an in-person sample lesson, and a final hiring decision.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Thrive Education Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and are committed to providing an inclusive hiring process for every qualified candidate. We encourage all educators who believe they would thrive in this role to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field
• Elementary classroom teaching experience, preferably at the primary level
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction and create engaging learning experiences
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong partnerships with families
• Ability to successfully complete all required employment screenings and background checks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with project-based learning
• Experience teaching within independent or private schools
• Training or experience in social-emotional learning or Conscious Discipline
• Experience contributing to innovative curriculum design or interdisciplinary learning experiences