Employment
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Employment
Opportunities
1st Grade Teaching Job Announcement
First Grade Teacher
J. Paul Taylor Academy
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Start Date: July 20, 2026
FLSA Status: Exempt | Full-Time | 10-Month Licensed Position
Position Summary
The First Grade Teacher provides standards-based instruction in accordance with:
New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) regulations
New Mexico Academic Content Standards
School policies and charter requirements
Instruction must align with the three foundational pillars of J. Paul Taylor Academy:
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Conversational Spanish Development
Healthy Living
The First Grade Teacher is responsible for advancing students' literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development through engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences that promote academic growth, bilingual communication, collaboration, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional Planning and Delivery
Plan and deliver standards-aligned instruction in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Design and facilitate interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning units that connect academic standards to authentic real-world questions and community issues.
Integrate daily opportunities for conversational Spanish through classroom routines, collaborative discussions, presentations, and project work.
Foster student inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Integrate healthy living concepts through movement, outdoor learning, nutrition awareness, and wellness activities.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with IEPs, 504 Plans, English Learners, and gifted students.
Utilize small-group instruction and targeted interventions to support literacy and mathematics growth.
Maintain lesson plans and instructional documentation consistent with NMPED requirements and school expectations.
Assessment and Accountability
Administer required state and local assessments.
Monitor student progress using formative and summative assessment data.
Use assessment results to guide instruction, intervention, and enrichment opportunities.
Maintain accurate student records in compliance with FERPA and state reporting requirements.
Participate in school-wide data analysis and instructional improvement processes.
Support students in reflecting on their learning and setting personal academic goals.
Classroom Management and Learning Environment
Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
Implement proactive classroom management systems that promote student responsibility and independence.
Foster a classroom culture that values collaboration, respect, perseverance, and curiosity.
Support positive student behavior through restorative and developmentally appropriate practices.
Follow school discipline policies and reporting procedures.
Family and Community Engagement
Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and classroom activities.
Involve families and community members in Project-Based Learning experiences when appropriate.
Support student participation in project exhibitions, presentations, and celebrations of learning.
Encourage family engagement in conversational Spanish and healthy living initiatives.
Compliance and Professional Responsibilities
Maintain valid New Mexico teaching licensure and endorsements.
Complete required background checks and compliance documentation.
Participate in professional development related to PBL, bilingual education strategies, literacy instruction, and student wellness.
Adhere to ethical and professional standards outlined in the NMPED Code of Ethics.
Perform duties as assigned by administration consistent with licensure, school policy, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years of successful elementary teaching experience.
Demonstrated experience teaching first grade.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Experience implementing Project-Based Learning.
Experience with structured literacy instruction and early numeracy development.
Experience integrating outdoor education, wellness, or place-based learning.
Performance Evaluation Framework
I. Instructional Effectiveness (State-Aligned)
Indicators:
Standards-based lesson design and implementation
Strong literacy and mathematics instruction
Clear learning targets and success criteria
Differentiation for diverse learners
Effective classroom management
Student engagement, growth, and achievement
II. Charter Pillar Implementation
A. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Indicators:
Development of interdisciplinary inquiry-driven projects
Student ownership of learning and inquiry
Authentic connections to community and real-world issues
Student collaboration and problem-solving
Integration of academic standards throughout projects
Student presentations, exhibitions, and reflection opportunities
B. Conversational Spanish Development
Indicators:
Consistent integration of oral Spanish communication throughout the school day
Structured partner and small-group conversations in Spanish
Use of bilingual supports and language acquisition strategies
Student participation in presentations and collaborative discussions using Spanish
Growth in student confidence, comprehension, and conversational fluency
C. Healthy Living
Indicators:
Integration of movement and brain breaks into instruction
Outdoor learning and exploration opportunities
Promotion of nutrition, wellness, and healthy decision-making
Modeling of healthy lifestyle practices
Support for student social-emotional well-being
III. Professional Responsibilities
Indicators:
Collaboration with colleagues and interdisciplinary teams
Strong family partnerships and communication
Timely completion of required documentation
Participation in professional learning and school initiatives
Ethical conduct and professionalism
Active contribution to the school's PBL, bilingual, and healthy living mission
This version better reflects what a strong 1st-grade teacher would be expected to do in a school built around PBL, Spanish conversation, and healthy living rather than simply shifting the grade level title.
Collaborative and mission-driven school culture.
Innovative Project-Based Learning environment.
Commitment to bilingual communication and cultural responsiveness.
Strong emphasis on student wellness, outdoor learning, and healthy living.
Opportunity to lead and shape the school's Healthy Living pillar.
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
Supportive team dedicated to developing the whole child through academics, wellness, and community engagement.
Application Information
Start Date: July 17, 2026
Application Deadline: Until filled
Interested candidates should submit all required application materials through the school's employment application process.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
J. Paul Taylor Academy is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student is empowered to learn, grow, and thrive. We seek educators who embrace innovation, collaboration, and the belief that healthy, engaged students are better prepared for success in school and in life.
How to Apply:
Click the appropriate form below for a job application and submit it with a resume and a list of at least three professional references to:
J. Paul Taylor Academy
Attn: Wayne Sherwood
500 N. Reymond St.
Las Cruces, NM 88005
-OR-
Email the completed application, resume, and references to:
wayne.sherwood@jpaultayloracademy.org
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