Founding Kindergarten- Second Grade Teacher

Founding Kindergarten- Second Grade Teaching Positions

Start Date: August 2026

School Opening: August 2026

On-Site | Full-time: Colorado Springs, CO

Compensation | Salaried Exempt: $50,000 - $80,000 (DOE)

Overview

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Spruce Community School is looking for exceptional educators to launch our founding kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms. As a Founding Teacher, you will create a joyful, rigorous, and community-connected learning environment where young learners build strong academic foundations, develop social-emotional skills, and cultivate a deep love of learning.

At Spruce, we believe that children, like trees, grow in two directions:

• They deepen their roots in self-discovery and foundational academic and social skills.
• They extend their branches to enrich their surroundings through project-based learning and place-based education.

Our Mission: At Spruce Community School, students find their purpose through adaptive thinking and joyful engagement as we reimagine academic excellence.

Spruce is a place where curiosity, kindness, and courage drive every decision.

Spruce is a place where we inspire life-long learners who are equally prepared to listen and lead our world. Our approach combines high expectations, interdisciplinary project-based learning, and a commitment to whole-child development. At Spruce learning is rigorous but joyful, structured yet exploratory, and always connected to our city.

We believe:

1. Learning happens in connection with the world.
2. Learning happens in relationships.
3. Learning is about becoming. Students don’t just learn skills—they become artists, engineers, scientists, historians, and change-makers.

We believe quality teachers are the most important factor in creating phenomenal student outcomes. Teaching is a craft that develops over time, and we're committed to elevating the profession through continuous coaching, training, and development. We aspire for Spruce to exemplify sustainability in teaching by trusting educators to create beautiful and challenging learning environments.

Why Spruce ?

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Join a group of likeminded visionaries who refuse to uphold the traditional norms of education. Students should not be separated by class, career trajectory nor isolated from the communities they serve. When people say, "I don’t think you can do all of that," we say,—”it’s not a question of possibility, but of will.”

What You Bring? & Who You Are?

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You believe in the potential of every child and turn vision into reality. through action, care, and innovation.

• Rooted in Relationships – You build deep connections with students, families, community members, and colleagues, making school feel like home where everyone is known, valued, and celebrated.
• Equity-Driven & Results-Oriented – You refuse to accept opportunity gaps and believe all children can achieve at the highest levels when given the right support.
• Obsessed with Data & Improvement – You use student work as a form of assessment, reflection, and growth, helping children develop a deep sense of pride and ownership over their learning.
• Creative, Playful & Joyful – You bring wonder, laughter, and a willingness to try new things.
• Flexible & Committed – You are a self starter who is ready to put in the hard work to launch a school that will change lives.
• Passionate about Pedagogy – You love to design student learning that prioritizes: place, time, and engagement through interdisciplinary project based learning.

Qualifications + Additional Requirements

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• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field required
• Strongly preferred at least two years of early childhood or elementary teaching experience
• Experience with structured literacy programs (Orton-Gillingham, LETRS, or similar) preferred
• Previous experience in or knowledge about implementing project-based or experiential learning
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of working with young children (prolonged standing, movement, and lifting up to 15 pounds)
• Willingness to uphold all Spruce policies and procedures
• Other administrative duties assigned based on Spruce’s needs

Team Expectations

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Our school is a hands-on, start-up community where no two days are alike. You’ll engage in data dives, field trips, exhibitions, community events, and canvassing to connect with families. Some days may require staying late for conferences or special events, while others end at the bell. We are a high-support, collaborative team, working together to make a meaningful difference for every student and family and we celebrate the joy, creativity, and impact of doing this work together