Grade 1 Teacher

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

Interested in joining our team?

If you believe education should go beyond the classroom and are passionate about helping young learners build the foundations for lifelong success, Radley Private School could be the perfect place for you.

Apply now and become part of the Radley team