Grade 1 Teacher at Radley Private School

Job Description

• Location: Northriding, Johannesburg
• Position: Grade 1 Teacher – Foundation Phase
• Start Date: January 2027
• At Radley Private School, we’re redefining what it means to educate the next generation. As one of South Africa’s first entrepreneurial schools, we combine academic excellence with essential 21st-century skills, including creativity, problem-solving, independence, and entrepreneurial thinking.
• We are looking for a passionate, experienced and dedicated Grade 1 teacher to join our Foundation Phase team in Northriding.
• We are open to appointing a temporary teacher who can start immediately or a suitable candidate who is available to join us in January 2027.
• If you are passionate about building strong academic foundations, nurturing young minds and helping children develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love for learning, we would love to hear from you.

Who we are

• Radley Private School is backed by Raizcorp, Africa’s leading business incubator. We offer a calm, caring and structured learning environment where children are encouraged to become confident, independent thinkers.

What makes Radley different?

• Small classes that allow for individual attention and meaningful relationships
• A strong focus on academic, creative and personal development
• Weekly professional development and entrepreneurial training for educators
• A learning environment that promotes independence, resilience, confidence and critical thinking
• A collaborative and supportive school culture

About the role

• As our Grade 1 teacher, you will play an important role in guiding learners through their first year of formal schooling, helping them develop the essential academic, social and emotional skills needed for future success.
• You will create a warm, engaging and structured classroom environment where learners feel supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their full potential.
• The role requires an educator who understands the importance of developing strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics, while making learning exciting, meaningful and accessible to every child.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate Grade 1 lessons aligned with curriculum requirements
• Develop strong foundational literacy skills, including phonics, reading, writing, spelling and comprehension
• Build numeracy skills, including number recognition, basic calculations, problem-solving and mathematical thinking
• Create a nurturing, stimulating and well-organised classroom that promotes effective learning
• Use creative, practical and interactive teaching methods to accommodate different learning needs and abilities
• Assess, monitor and report on learner progress, identifying areas requiring additional support
• Encourage independence, confidence, curiosity, responsibility and critical thinking
• Establish positive classroom routines and manage learner behaviour in a caring and constructive manner
• Maintain effective communication with parents, colleagues and school leadership
• Work collaboratively with fellow educators to support learner development and school objectives
• Participate actively in professional development, coaching and entrepreneurial training
• Contribute positively to Radley’s entrepreneurial and future-focused approach to education

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Foundation Phase Education – non-negotiable
• Valid SACE registration – non-negotiable
• Previous experience teaching Grade 1 or within the Foundation Phase, preferably with direct Grade 1 teaching experience
• Strong understanding of Foundation Phase curriculum requirements, particularly early literacy and numeracy development
• Proven ability to teach phonics, early reading, writing and foundational mathematics effectively
• Excellent classroom management, lesson planning and learner assessment skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when engaging with young learners and parents
• A warm, patient, creative and highly organised approach to teaching
• Ability to identify individual learning needs and adapt teaching strategies accordingly
• Passion for developing confident, independent and enthusiastic young learners
• Ability to adapt quickly and work effectively within a small, dynamic school environment
• Availability to start immediately for a temporary appointment or in January 2027

Why join Radley?

• Be part of a pioneering entrepreneurial education model
• Work in a calm, supportive and purpose-driven school
• Enjoy smaller classes that allow for more personalised teaching and learner engagement
• Benefit from ongoing mentorship, coaching and professional development
• Play a meaningful role in establishing the academic foundations that shape a child's educational journey
• Join a passionate and forward-thinking team committed to developing confident, capable and independent learners