Second Grade Teacher (2026-2027)

Job Description

Second Grade Teacher (Full-Time, Permanent Position)
Royal Palm Academy - Naples, Florida
School year: 2026-2027
Salary range: $52,000-$72,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Royal Palm Academy, a joyful and thriving independent Catholic PK-8 school in North Naples, Florida, is seeking a full-time Second Grade Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a permanent faculty position with competitive salary and benefits.

Royal Palm Academy partners with families to provide an education of rich academics with Catholic formation. We teach the mind, educate the heart, and form the character of tomorrow's leaders. Second grade is a pivotal year in which students strengthen foundational academic skills while continuing to grow in independence, confidence, and virtue.

This position is designed for a warm, organized, and reflective educator who understands the developmental needs of young elementary students and values strong routines, clear instruction, and joyful classroom culture.

Position Overview
The Second Grade Teacher is responsible for the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development of students during a critical year of growth. The teacher creates a structured, nurturing classroom environment and delivers instruction aligned with Royal Palm Academy's curriculum and standards.

The Second Grade Teacher works closely with grade-level colleagues, lower school leadership, and support staff. This is a full-time, on-campus teaching position that follows the academic calendar.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction and Student Development
• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with second grade curriculum and learning standards.
• Provide clear instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and foundational academic skills.
• Support continued development of literacy, numeracy, handwriting, and study skills.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic and developmental needs of each student.
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student growth and guide instruction.
Classroom Culture and Student Formation
• Create a structured, positive, and respectful classroom environment.
• Establish and maintain age-appropriate behavioral expectations.
• Support students' social and emotional development with consistency and care.
• Model kindness, responsibility, and respect in daily interactions.

Catholic Identity and Mission
• Integrate Catholic values, prayer, and virtue formation throughout the school day.
• Teach and act in accordance with the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Support the Catholic identity of the school through example and participation in the life of the community.
• Embrace and uphold the mission and philosophy of Royal Palm Academy.

Family Partnership and Communication
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents regarding student progress.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with families as partners in their child's education.
• Provide excellent and responsive customer service to students and families.

Professional Collaboration and Responsibilities
• Collaborate with grade-level colleagues, specialists, and support staff.
• Participate fully in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.
• Maintain accurate student records using school systems and tools.
• Contribute positively to a collegial, mission-driven faculty culture.

Professional Expectations

Strong candidates will demonstrate:
• A genuine love for teaching young elementary students.
• Alignment with the Catholic mission and values of Royal Palm Academy.
• Strong classroom management and instructional clarity.
• Professional reliability, organization, and follow-through.
• Warmth, patience, and emotional maturity.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• A growth mindset and openness to collaboration and feedback.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or a related field.
• Teaching experience in early elementary grades strongly preferred.
• Strong foundation in literacy and numeracy instruction.
• Proficiency with technology tools including Microsoft Office and student information systems.
• Commitment to providing excellent service and support to students and families.

Preferred Qualifications
• Practicing Catholic in good standing and comfortable integrating Catholic faith into the classroom.
• Experience in a Catholic school or independent school setting.
• Experience with elementary assessments and differentiated instruction.

Position Details
• Full-time, permanent faculty position.
• Second grade teaching assignment.
• School-year position following the academic calendar.
• Salary range: $52,000-$72,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Competitive benefits package.
• On-campus position in Naples, Florida.
• Reports to the Head of Lower School.

To Apply
• Please submit your Resume or CV in Adobe PDF format to Michael Bussman, Head of School, at mbussman@royalpalmacademy.org.
• A brief email or cover letter expressing your interest in the Second Grade Teacher position is encouraged.

Royal Palm Academy is building a joyful, high-performing, and mission-driven lower school faculty. We are seeking educators who love children, value collaboration, and want to help form confident, capable, and faith-filled learners.

About the Employer

Royal Palm Academy is an independent, Catholic, pre-kindergarten to eighth grade school in Naples, Florida. Our mission is to partner with families to provide an education of rich academics with Catholic formation. Royal Palm Academy teaches the mind, educates the heart, and forms the character of tomorrow's leaders. This mission is pursued through the development of the whole person, integral formation, which encompasses the commitment to teach, to educate, and to form our students.