Lower School Teacher

Position: Lower School Teacher 
Location: St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church, York, PA 
Schedule: Full Time (contracted one year July-June) 
Reports To: Head of School 
Start Date: July 1, 2025 – or date otherwise agreed upon 

About St. John Chrysostom School 

We are a parish school of St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church in York, Pennsylvania. Our school mission is to raise up children in the Life of the Orthodox Christian Faith, cultivating prayer, virtue, and wisdom through the art of classical instruction in a community of worship. 

The 2025-2026 school year will be our inaugural year of operation. Our children are looking for a teacher who will nurture them and lead them with his or her joy and love of learning. Our parents are looking for someone who will inspire confidence and will know and love their children. Our school leadership is seeking an experienced educator who is passionate about classical education and motivated to help us build the academic program. Our visionary teacher will play a key role in laying the foundation that our school will be built upon.  

SJCS Model of Education 

SJCS is a classical school where students’ course of study will include the liberal arts, sacred arts, and common arts, focusing on mastery of the arts of language and number, worship and prayer, the lives of the Saints, and the teachings of Christ. (The common arts refer to the practical provision of human needs using real tools in real contexts.) The weekly schedule will include four days of classroom instruction and one day dedicated to liturgy, catechism, choir, and the common arts. 

Character 

  • Loves children and enjoys spending time with them; maintains a hopeful view of all children, seeing their full personhood, dignity in Christ, and God-given potential  
  • Embodies and displays a faithful, genuine, and reverent adherence to Orthodox doctrine and teachings   
  • Displays and actively seeks to acquire the virtues (in particular, the theological, cardinal, and intellectual virtues)
  • Practices humility and self-reflection 

Habits 

  • Regularly participates in the services of the Church
  • Attends to Holy Scripture and cherishes the lives of the Saints 
  • Reads good books and seeks to cultivate good taste in music, art, poetry, and literature
  • Spends time in nature; enjoys being outdoors and learning about the flora and fauna of Pennsylvania
  • Practices hospitality  

Capacity and Essential Skills 

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
  • Consistently demonstrates the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion 
  • Leads by example and cultivates a culture of service and collaboration among colleagues, students, and community
  • Aims to know and be known by students
  • Articulates an Orthodox Christian worldview to students, parents, and the community 
  • Ability to manage a classroom of different personalities, learning styles, and ages
  • Fosters order, joyful learning, creativity, and mutual service within the classroom and student body
  • Demonstrates a life of character, is respected as trustworthy, and lives the values of integrity, service, repentance, and humility 

School & Classroom Responsibilities 

  • Embraces and advances a love of learning within the community
  • Promotes and cultivates St. John Chrysostom School’s core mission, vision, and purpose
  • Possesses a deep commitment to and passion for classical Christian education, and understands the classical Christian education model and principles
  • Establish and enforcing SJCS rules of behavior and disciplinary policy for students in the classroom
  • Prepare lessons, units, and projects to meet learning objectives
  • Utilize teaching techniques and resources in alignment with classical education methodology
  • Oversee Common Arts curriculum and activities
  • Adapt teaching methods and materials to adhere to the classical style of teaching and meet the interests and learning styles of students
  • Create, assign, and assess all tests, quizzes, and projects
  • Work with students one-on-one when they need extra help or attention
  • Ensure active student participation in SJCS weekly schedule of academic, spiritual, and common arts activities
  • Encourage a love of learning and exploration
  • Manage student behavior, encouraging daily practice of kindness, listening, teamwork, devotion to the work at hand, curiosity, order, and service to others. Additionally, instill Christian values and inspire students to live out Orthodox Christian teachings 

Administrative Responsibilities 

  • Track and evaluate student academic progress
  • Lead parent-teacher meetings/ conferences
  • Communicate regularly with Head of School and parents
  • Help students develop study methods, good habits, and a routine
  • Attend yearly evaluations conducted by the Head of School
  • Assist with the development of the school calendar
  • Establish consistent and efficient communication protocols between you and parents
  • Organize extra-curricular activities and partnerships  

Daily Responsibilities

  • Full teaching load
  • Administer lessons, oversee weekly attendance, and supervise or instruct Common Arts curriculum
  • Address and resolve parental concerns and questions
  • Oversee and execute student drop off and pick up procedures
  • Engage parents in the academic process and routine of SJCS
  • Attend or lead daily prayer, and attend mid-week Liturgy
  • Fill in other teaching gaps as needed 

Requirements 

  • Chrismated Orthodox Christian, in good standing with the Church
  • Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science
  • Masters in relevant content area or education-related field preferred, though not required
  • Classical education degree, certificate, or training a plus, though not required
  • Preferred minimum of 1-3 years teaching experience in classical or private schools  

Compensation

Annual Salary: $40,000-$50,000 depending on experience, plus benefits. Benefits will include: 

  • Healthcare stipend
  • Paid holidays and vacation days
  • Paid sick time
  • Professional development
  • Other benefits negotiable 

Application 

Please submit your resume or CV, cover letter, a list of three professional references, and a short statement of your educational philosophy to Leslie Atherholt at schoolinfo@orthodoxyork.org 

If contacted for an interview, please be prepared to provide contact information for your current parish priest (with his permission and blessing) for a personal reference.

Posted by

St. John Chrysostom School

2397 N Sherman St
York, PA 17406

Web: https://www.orthodoxyork.org/school.html
Email: schoolinfo@orthodoxyork.org
Phone: 717-515-2156

Posted on: March 18, 2025