Elysian Charter School is an innovative K–8 public charter school located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Founded as one of New Jersey's inaugural charter schools, Elysian has spent more than 25 years building a strong academic foundation grounded in small class sizes, meaningful community partnerships, and a whole-child approach to education.
With an average class size of just 16 students, we are intentionally designed so every child is known, supported, and challenged. Our program combines rigorous academics with a deep commitment to the arts, diversity, character development, and social-emotional learning.
We are proud to have been named the 2026 #1 K–5 School in Hoboken and a Top 50 Elementary School in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report. These distinctions reflect the strength of our instructional program, the dedication of our educators, and the strong partnerships we build with families.
Our mission is to educate and inspire students to become curious, confident, and compassionate lifelong learners who are prepared to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Position Summary
Elysian Charter School is seeking a passionate and dedicated First Grade Teacher for a leave replacement position for a minimum of three months in the 2026–2027 school year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an elementary educator who is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and academically rich classroom environment. The successful candidate will provide developmentally appropriate instruction that builds strong foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while fostering students' curiosity, confidence, independence, and love of learning.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, reflective professional who believes in high expectations, strong relationships, and creating an inclusive classroom community where every child feels known, supported, and challenged.
Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction across all first grade subject areas, including literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Build strong foundational skills in reading, writing, phonics, spelling, mathematics, and problem-solving.
- Create a warm, structured, and inclusive classroom environment that supports students' academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs.
- Establish clear expectations, routines, and classroom procedures that promote independence, responsibility, and positive behavior.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and provide appropriate support and enrichment.
- Assess student learning using a variety of formal and informal measures and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
- Use student data and assessment results to inform instruction and support individual student growth.
- Develop strong relationships with students and create a classroom culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, kindness, and perseverance.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding student progress, classroom experiences, and areas of growth.
- Collaborate with specialists, classroom teachers, and administrators to support individual students and school-wide goals.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to plan instruction, share resources, and support a cohesive elementary program.
- Participate actively in professional development, faculty meetings, collaborative planning, and school-wide events.
- Maintain accurate student records, assessment data, and required documentation.
- Prepare substitute lesson plans and maintain organized instructional materials as needed.
- Support and participate in school-wide activities, community-building events, and the broader life of the Elysian community.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and student-centered school culture.
Qualifications
- Eligible for New Jersey Standard Certification, CE, or CEAS in Elementary Education.
- Previous elementary teaching experience preferred; first grade or primary-grade experience is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of early literacy, foundational reading skills, and elementary mathematics.
- Demonstrated ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Experience differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a welcoming learning environment for all students.
- Growth mindset and enthusiasm for ongoing professional learning and collaboration.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a close-knit, collaborative school community.
Compensation & Benefits
Elysian Charter School offers a competitive salary based on experience and education, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical and dental insurance
- New Jersey State Pension Plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development and instructional coaching
- Supportive, collaborative school community
- Small class sizes that allow teachers to truly know their students
Interested candidates should email their resume with a cover letter to: Employment@ecsnj.org