Code Number
028
Title
Elementary Teacher
Location
Independence Academy
Description
Grade 5
Full-time
2026–2027 school year
Starts at $46,000 more based on experience
Position Summary
Independence Academy Charter School is seeking a passionate and reflective 5th Grade Elementary Teacher who believes in student-centered, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive instruction. The ideal candidate creates a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. This position emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and social studies, while your partner teacher will teach math and science through meaningful, interdisciplinary experiences.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
The 5th Grade Teacher provides instruction that is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to student needs. The teacher will:
• Design and deliver instruction aligned to Colorado Academic Standards for Grade 5 across core content areas (literacy, and social studies)
• Create a classroom culture that promotes respect, collaboration, curiosity, and student ownership of learning
• Implement literacy instruction including reading, writing, speaking, and listening using research-based practices
• Integrate social studies through inquiry-based units and real-world applications
• Use diverse, culturally responsive, and inclusive materials that reflect a wide range of identities and perspectives
• Design interdisciplinary learning experiences that incorporate STEAM concepts
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and monitor student progress
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students
• Incorporate technology to enhance instruction, collaboration, and student engagement
• Build strong relationships with students to support their academic and personal growth
• Collaborate with colleagues to align instruction, share best practices, and support student success
• Frequently and effectively communicate with parents and families about what is happening in the classroom and how their student is growing.
Full-time
2026–2027 school year
Starts at $46,000 more based on experience
Position Summary
Independence Academy Charter School is seeking a passionate and reflective 5th Grade Elementary Teacher who believes in student-centered, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive instruction. The ideal candidate creates a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. This position emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and social studies, while your partner teacher will teach math and science through meaningful, interdisciplinary experiences.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
The 5th Grade Teacher provides instruction that is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to student needs. The teacher will:
• Design and deliver instruction aligned to Colorado Academic Standards for Grade 5 across core content areas (literacy, and social studies)
• Create a classroom culture that promotes respect, collaboration, curiosity, and student ownership of learning
• Implement literacy instruction including reading, writing, speaking, and listening using research-based practices
• Integrate social studies through inquiry-based units and real-world applications
• Use diverse, culturally responsive, and inclusive materials that reflect a wide range of identities and perspectives
• Design interdisciplinary learning experiences that incorporate STEAM concepts
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and monitor student progress
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students
• Incorporate technology to enhance instruction, collaboration, and student engagement
• Build strong relationships with students to support their academic and personal growth
• Collaborate with colleagues to align instruction, share best practices, and support student success
• Frequently and effectively communicate with parents and families about what is happening in the classroom and how their student is growing.
Benefits
What We Offer
At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support teacher wellness, planning, and sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical and dental benefits for employees
• Professional Growth: Ongoing, meaningful professional development aligned to instructional best practices and teacher interests
• Smaller Class Sizes: Class sizes that allow for strong relationships, individualized instruction, and effective student support
• Leadership Opportunities: Opportunities to take on instructional leadership roles and help shape curriculum and practice
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support teacher wellness, planning, and sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical and dental benefits for employees
• Professional Growth: Ongoing, meaningful professional development aligned to instructional best practices and teacher interests
• Smaller Class Sizes: Class sizes that allow for strong relationships, individualized instruction, and effective student support
• Leadership Opportunities: Opportunities to take on instructional leadership roles and help shape curriculum and practice
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Requirements
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a related field
• Valid Colorado Teaching License in Elementary Education (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of upper elementary development and instructional practices
• Experience or interest in inquiry-based and interdisciplinary instruction
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, verbal, and technology-based communication skills
Professional Expectations
In addition to instructional responsibilities, the teacher is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture
• Collaborate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, students, and families
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, flexibility, and professionalism
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS’s students
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director – [email protected]
Becky Polniak – [email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com
• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a related field
• Valid Colorado Teaching License in Elementary Education (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of upper elementary development and instructional practices
• Experience or interest in inquiry-based and interdisciplinary instruction
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, verbal, and technology-based communication skills
Professional Expectations
In addition to instructional responsibilities, the teacher is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture
• Collaborate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, students, and families
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, flexibility, and professionalism
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS’s students
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director – [email protected]
Becky Polniak – [email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com
Start Date
08/01/26
Salary
Starting at $46,000 (0 years of professional experience) more based on years of experience
Contact
Becky Polniak
Phone: (970) 254-6850
Fax: (970) 241-2064
675 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Phone: (970) 254-6850
Fax: (970) 241-2064
675 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Files
- Elementary Teacher_5th grade (126.99 KB)