Second Grade Teacher (2026-2027)

Job Description

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.

To Apply
• Please submit your Resume or CV in Adobe PDF format to Michael Bussman, Head of School, at mbussman@royalpalmacademy.org.
• This position requires a practicing Catholic in good standing, in order to assist the students with their Sacramental preparation year.
• With your resume, please include a brief email or cover letter expressing your interest and alignment with our school and position description.
• Candidates with independent school experience, Catholic school experience, and direct second grade experience are strongly preferred.
• Qualified candidates will be invited to take a 12-minute online assessment and complete an online application before being invited to interview for this position.

About Us
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.

Key Responsibilities

Catholic Identity and Mission
• Second Grade is an important Sacramental preparation year for our students. A Catholic in good standing with experience with Catholic instruction or Sacramental preparation is strongly preferred.
• 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.

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.

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.
• 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.
• Teaching experience in a Catholic school environment strongly preferred.
• Teaching experience in second grade preferred.
• 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.
• RPA offers a competitive benefits package.
• On-campus position in Naples, Florida.
• Reports to the Head of Lower School.

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.