Description

*We have openings on the Global Mercy and Africa Mercy in August of 2026. Training begins in July 2026.

The Academy Elementary Class Teacher develops and maintains an age-appropriate environment and instructs children in their assigned grade in activities designed to promote emotional, spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual growth and provides proper communication with parents. The Elementary curriculum includes language arts, sciences, social sciences, physical education, Bible, mathematics, music, and art. Grade 4/5 is a combined class on a 2-year rotation. The teacher works closely with the Academy Elementary Team to appropriately cover all subjects and differentiate as needed.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

Provide instruction for their Elementary Grade class as assigned in consultation with the Principal
Maintain a classroom atmosphere suitable for educational progress and spiritual development
Complete assigned paperwork on or before published schedules
Demonstrate professional support for Academy administration and its policies and directives
Be responsible for organizing, maintaining and cleaning own classroom area
Attend all staff devotions and staff meetings called by the Principal. Attend such meetings as are deemed compulsory by the Management of the ship
Maintain relationships on the ship and within the school which honor the Lord and demonstrate the attitude of a “team player.”
Participate in systematic review of the Elementary curriculum, in collaboration with Assistant Director.
Meet with the LEAD Teachers and Principal on a regular basis.
Participate in regular Professional Development Training Sessions.
Instruct and encourage classroom assistants helping in the Academy, if applicable
Due to the ever-changing staffing levels and field service rotations, all staff may be re-assigned to temporarily fill roles in other departments in a time of need
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values
Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
The ability and willingness to participate and engage in a school climate that supports growth and promotes change in helping students achieve specified learning goals and the vision/mission of the school
A working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is required. Possess aptitude for learning new computer applications
Ability to effectively establish priorities in a multi-tasking work environment
Ability to effectively communicate and relate to fellow crew members, school staff, students and parents
Aim to follow the example of Jesus, seek to live out the core values of Mercy Ships and perform assigned duties from a Biblical worldview
Possess a personal and professional commitment to, and an understanding of, the special purpose, mission, and programs of Mercy Ships
Adhere to Mercy Ships Code of Conduct
Successfully complete all Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Teacher certification requirements within one year of hire date
The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required:

Successful completion of Mercy Ships Onboarding program will be required
Bachelor's Degree in elementary education from an accredited college or university is required plus a minimum of 2 years classroom experience teaching
A current teaching certificate is preferred
A minimum teaching commitment of two school years
Successfully complete the Child Safety Screening Process, which includes a Background Check. This is required.