Kindergarten Teacher
Description
Summary
Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated Kindergarten Teacher to join our growing school community. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early elementary education, values strong academic foundations alongside child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will lead our Kindergarten classroom — building strong literacy, math, and social-emotional foundations while fostering each child's growth in faith, character, and confidence.
We are always accepting applications for this role.
Duties
Classroom Leadership
- Lead and manage a Kindergarten classroom as the sole teacher, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day
- Establish consistent routines, clear expectations, and an organized, focused learning environment
- Create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident
Curriculum & Lesson Planning
- Implement Fundations to build strong phonemic awareness, phonics, and early literacy skills
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies
- Follow pacing guides aligned with the local public school district to ensure students are well-prepared for first grade
- Integrate age-appropriate Islamic values and character lessons into daily routines and academic content
- Submit weekly lesson plans to the Director
Child Development & Guidance
- Support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
- Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles
- Observe, assess, and document children's growth, sharing progress with families regularly
- Differentiate instruction to support a range of learning styles and developmental levels
Classroom Environment
- Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers and instructional materials
- Organize, set up, and put away materials and supplies before and after class
Family Communication
- Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences
- Address concerns professionally and participate in school events
Staff Collaboration
- Collaborate with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism
Health & Safety
- Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety
- Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations
- Maintain accurate attendance and incident documentation
Professional Responsibilities
- Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings
- Follow a personal professional development plan for continuous growth
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field
- Minimum 2 years of classroom experience teaching Kindergarten or early elementary grades
- Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction, phonics, and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
- Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans aligned with district pacing guides
- Strong classroom management skills with a calm, structured presence
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
- Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children
- Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
- Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ requirements
- Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification
- Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day
Nice To Haves
- NJ Elementary K–6 teacher certification
- Experience with Fundations or other Wilson Language programs
- Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
- Knowledge of New Jersey Student Learning Standards
- Prior experience teaching in a private or faith-based school
- Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and character
- Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge
Benefits
- Sick Leave
- Child Care Discount
- Professional Development
- Paid school holidays (following the school calendar)
- Summer break (school-year position)
- Consistent Monday–Friday schedule, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM
- No evening or weekend hours
- Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County)
- Faith-centered work environment
- Paid professional development opportunities and trainings
- Support for continuing education
- CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed
- Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture
- Supportive administration and engaged parent community
- Meaningful, mission-driven work
Common Questions
What ECE credentials are required?
This role requires a bachelor's degree required.
What does this position pay?
This Kindergarten Teacher role pays $25 to $30/Hr.
Is this full-time or part-time?
This job is Full Time.
Where is Serenity Islamic School @ICMC located?
Serenity Islamic School @ICMC is located at 1 Mannino Drive, Rockaway,, NJ