Elementary Educator (Grades 4-5)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Benefits Eligible
Months Worked Per School Year: 10
Work Days/Hours: M-F, 7:45 am- 3:45 pm, occasional after-school and weekend work 

Start Date: August, 2026 

School: Terra School is in Serenbe, an idyllic community nestled among preserved forests and meadows in South Fulton county. Just 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, we opened our new campus in August, 2023 with state-of-art 1500 square foot classrooms and attached outdoor learning spaces. As a community-based STEAM school, we serve families from a range of cities and towns in Fulton, Coweta, Carroll and Fayette counties. 

We currently have 245 students and offer programs spanning from 8 weeks through 12th grade. Our goal is to nurture students who thrive in a diverse and ever-evolving world, equipped with resilience, intellectual humility, an ethical compass, and boundless curiosity. 

Position: Elementary Educator for Grades 4-5

Terra School is seeking an experienced and passionate Upper Elementary Educator for Grades 4 & 5. The ideal candidate will create a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment where learners can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This role involves planning and delivering lessons aligned with Terra School’s curriculum standards, fostering critical thinking, and employing project-based learning to support students’ developmental milestones. Our multi-age classrooms emphasize autonomy, growth, challenges, and individual achievement.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Planning and Delivery
● Develop and implement multi-age lesson plans that align with the Terra School curriculum and address diverse learning styles and needs.
● Teach core subjects, including reading, writing, grammar, math, science, and social studies, in engaging and interactive ways.
● Incorporate hands-on activities, project-based learning, interactive games, and technology to enrich the learning experience.

Classroom Management
● Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes autonomy, respect, and collaboration.
● Manage student behavior with positive reinforcement and consistent routines.
● Effectively multitask by managing small groups, individualized instruction, whole-group activities, and learning stations/centers.
 

Student Assessment and Support
● Assess students’ academic progress and development through both formal and informal methods.
● Provide individualized support and interventions for students needing additional assistance.
● Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress and strategies to support learning at home.
 

Collaboration and Professional Development
● Work collaboratively with an assistant teacher to enhance instructional practices and curriculum development.
● Engage in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in upper elementary education.
 

Additional Duties
● Supervise students during outdoor time, lunch, and other non-classroom activities.
● Prepare classroom materials and maintain a clean, organized learning environment.
● Be a proactive team player, committed to stepping in and contributing wherever needed.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

● Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Education or a related field.
● Skills:
○ Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
○ Passion for learning and willingness to stay updated on best practices in elementary education.
○ Experience with technology platforms such as Canvas, HMH, SEE Learning, and MAP testing (a plus).
○ Knowledge of supporting engaged readers and math learners.
○ Ability to integrate curriculum and implement learning strategies for all students.

● Certifications and Training:
○ Orton-Gillingham training (or willingness to be trained).
○ Training by PBL Works (or willingness to complete training).
● Experience:
○ Experience in an independent school environment or non-traditional teaching setting.
○ Familiarity with multi-age teaching environments.

 

Salary & Benefits: Terra School offers employee benefits that include 

● Competitive compensation based on educational attainment and years experience in education. 

● We operate on a ten-month calendar, with organized sessions aligned with local public and private schools. 

● Educators will have time off during seasonal breaks and in the summer. 

● Health insurance that includes vision, dental, long term disability and life insurance. 

● Professional development funding. 

● Child tuition discounts. 

● Retirement matching offered through ValuTeachers Fund

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Explore our website to gain insights into our vibrant community. If you find a position that aligns with your passion and expertise, we invite you to submit your application. Interested candidates should provide a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Kara Adler, Admissions & Hiring Coordinator (karaa@terraatserenbe.org). Feel free to include any additional supporting documents that would help us better understand your qualifications and suitability for the role. 

Upon reviewing each applicant's materials, we will contact selected candidates for a phone interview. Following the initial phone interviews, we will choose candidates to proceed to on-campus interviews. Depending on the position, the on-campus interview may involve discussions with administrators and faculty members, a 10-minute mini-lesson presentation, and classroom observations. Visiting our campus is a crucial aspect of our interview process, providing candidates with a firsthand experience of what it's like to work and teach at Terra. 

Terra School at Serenbe is committed to equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. We encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply, and we look forward to welcoming individuals who share our commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment.