Kindergarten Teacher

Summary Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated Kindergarten Teacher to join our growing school community. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early elementary education, values strong academic foundations alongside child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will lead our Kindergarten classroom — building strong literacy, math, and social-emotional foundations while fostering each child's growth in faith, character, and confidence. Duties Classroom Leadership Lead and manage a Kindergarten classroom as the sole teacher, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day Establish consistent routines, clear expectations, and an organized, focused learning environment Create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident Curriculum & Lesson Planning Implement Fundations to build strong phonemic awareness, phonics, and early literacy skills Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies Follow pacing guides aligned with the local public school district to ensure students are well-prepared for first grade Integrate age-appropriate Islamic values and character lessons into daily routines and academic content Submit weekly lesson plans to the Director Child Development & Guidance Support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles Observe, assess, and document children's growth, sharing progress with families regularly Differentiate instruction to support a range of learning styles and developmental levels Classroom Environment Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers and instructional materials Organize, set up, and put away materials and supplies before and after class Family Communication Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences Address concerns professionally and participate in school events Staff Collaboration Collaborate with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism Health & Safety Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations Maintain accurate attendance and incident documentation Professional Responsibilities Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings Follow a personal professional development plan for continuous growth Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Requirements Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field Minimum 2 years of classroom experience teaching Kindergarten or early elementary grades Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction, phonics, and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans aligned with district pacing guides Strong classroom management skills with a calm, structured presence Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ requirements Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day Nice To Haves NJ Elementary K-6 teacher certification Experience with Fundations or other Wilson Language programs Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms Knowledge of New Jersey Student Learning Standards Prior experience teaching in a private or faith-based school Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and character Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge Benefits Paid school holidays (following the school calendar) Summer break (school-year position) Consistent Monday-Friday schedule, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM No evening or weekend hours Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County) Faith-centered work environment Paid professional development opportunities and trainings Support for continuing education CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture Supportive administration and engaged parent community Meaningful, mission-driven work