Fifth Grade Teacher (One-Year Long-Term Substitute Position)

Job Description

5th Grade Teacher (One-Year Long-Term Substitute Position)
School Year: 2026-2027
Classification: Long-Term Substitute Teacher for 2026-2027 school year
Compensation: $54,000-$64,000, depending on experience and qualifications

About This Position
Royal Palm Academy, a joyful and thriving independent Catholic PK-8 school in North Naples, Florida, is seeking a full-time Fifth Grade Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a one-year long-term substitute position, with the possibility of becoming a permanent position. The teacher will teach fifth grade math, science, and history to two sections of students in partnership with our other fifth grade ELA/religion teacher.

To Apply
• Please submit your Resume or CV in Adobe PDF format to Michael Bussman, Head of School, at mbussman@royalpalmacademy.org.
• With your resume, please include a brief email or cover letter expressing your interest and alignment with our school and position description.
• Applications submitted through Indeed, LinkedIn, or other third-party platforms will not be considered.
• Candidates with independent school experience, Catholic school experience, upper elementary teaching experience, and strength in math, science, and history 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 Royal Palm Academy
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. Fifth grade is an important year in which students strengthen academic skills, grow in independence, and prepare for the increased expectations of upper school.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Classroom Instruction and Student Development
• Teach fifth grade math, science, and history to two sections of students.
• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-based lessons aligned with the fifth grade curriculum.
• Partner closely with the other fifth grade teacher to support student growth, consistency, and a strong grade-level experience.
• Support students as they grow in independence, organization, responsibility, and readiness for upper school.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic and developmental needs of each student.
• Use assessments to monitor student growth and guide instruction.
• Use technology to enhance instruction and maintain accurate records of student progress.

Classroom Culture and Student Formation
• Create a structured, positive, and respectful classroom environment.
• Establish and maintain age-appropriate behavioral expectations.
• Promote positive behavior and student responsibility.
• Support students' social and emotional development with consistency and care.
• Model kindness, responsibility, respect, and Christian virtue 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 service to students and families.

Professional Collaboration and Responsibilities
• Collaborate with the fifth grade teaching partner, 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 upper elementary students.
• Alignment with the Catholic mission and values of Royal Palm Academy.
• Strong classroom management and instructional clarity.
• Strength in math, science, and history instruction.
• 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.
• Minimum of two years of lead teaching experience at the K-5 level, or five or more years of experience in Catholic or independent schools preferred.
• Strong foundation in upper elementary instruction.
• Excellent classroom management and instructional skills.
• Proficiency with educational technology, Microsoft Office, and student information systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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.
• Previous experience in fifth grade or upper elementary teaching preferred.
• Experience teaching math, science, and/or history preferred.
• Experience with assessments and differentiated instruction.

Physical and Other Demands
• Ability to lead classroom instruction and supervise students in various environments.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in a dynamic school setting.
• Ability to manage up to 20 students and supervise outdoor activities on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to perform CPR and emergency response procedures for children and adults.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with students, parents, and staff.

Position Details
• Full-time, one-year long-term substitute position for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Possibility of becoming a permanent position.
• Fifth grade math, science, and history teaching assignment.
• Two sections of fifth grade students.
• School-year position following the academic calendar.
• Compensation range: $54,000-$64,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• On-campus position in Naples, Florida.
• Reports to the Head of Upper School.

Royal Palm Academy is building a joyful, high-performing, and mission-driven 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.