Current Openings

School Board Director
The Strain-Japan R-XVI School District currently has a Board Director vacancy.  This position will be held until the April 2026 election.  Generally, the board meets once per month.  Interested persons may fill out the Application for a Vacated Board Position, which can be found in the Documents folder on the school website at strainjapanschool.com, or you may call or email the school office to request a copy.  Applications must be received in the school office by May 16th.  The board will review applications and appoint a candidate at the regular May board meeting scheduled for May 20th at 6:30 p.m. For questions, please call 573-677-1815 or email mrskrone@strainjapan.com.

Middle School Math 25/26
The Strain-Japan R-16 School District is seeking applicants for a full-time Middle School Math Teacher. Strain-Japan School is a small PK-8 school located approximately 8 miles north of Sullivan, with an enrollment of approximately 90 students. 

Strain-Japan School is in a rural community that loves and supports its educators. Due to the low incidence of behavior issues, teachers and administrators can focus on growing the district through a vision set forth by the strategic plan. The school's size allows the staff and students to enjoy a strong sense of belonging. We seek a motivated, enthusiastic educator to join our crew at the #bestlittleschoolever. 

Strain-Japan offers exceptional benefits to full-time employees, including 100% board-paid premium medical insurance, $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D, and a shortened calendar of 156 student attendance days.  To apply, complete this Certified Application. For questions, call 573-677-1815 or email mrsvandegriffe@strainjapan.com. Strain-Japan R-16 School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Music (one day per week) 25/26
The Strain-Japan R-16 School District is seeking applicants for a part-time Music Teacher (one day per week), for the 2025-2026 school year. Strain-Japan School is a small PK-8 school located approximately 8 miles north of Sullivan, with an enrollment of approximately 90 students. 

Strain-Japan School is in a rural community that loves and supports its educators. Due to the low incidence of behavior issues, teachers and administrators can focus on growing the district through a vision set forth by the strategic plan. The school's size allows the staff and students to enjoy a strong sense of belonging. We seek a motivated, enthusiastic educator to join our crew at the #bestlittleschoolever. 

To apply, complete this Certified Application. For questions, call 573-677-1815 or email mrsvandegriffe@strainjapan.com. Strain-Japan R-16 School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Parents as Teacher 25/26
The Strain-Japan R-16 School District is seeking applicants for a part-time parent educator position for the 2025-2026 school year. Parent educators provide parent education and family support to enhance the quality of parenting, increase a parent’s understanding of child development, and work with parents to help their child learn, grow, and develop to meet their full potential. Strain-Japan School is a small PK-8 school located approximately 8 miles north of Sullivan, with an enrollment of approximately 90 students. 

Strain-Japan School is in a rural community that loves and supports its educators. Due to the low incidence of behavior issues, teachers and administrators can focus on growing the district through a vision set forth by the strategic plan. The school's size allows the staff and students to enjoy a strong sense of belonging. We seek a motivated, enthusiastic educator to join our crew at the #bestlittleschoolever. 

 To apply, complete this Non-certified Application. Applicants require: 

• Bachelor’s degree or certification in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Family
  and Consumer Science Education, Elementary Education, or a related field such as Counseling, Nursing, or Social Work. 

• Or a two-year associate degree or certificate program in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Nursing.

• Or sixty semester college hours and two years of successful work experience in a program working with young children and their parents, as approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

 For questions, call 573-677-1815 or email mrsvandegriffe@strainjapan.com. Strain-Japan R-16 School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Substitute Teacher
The Strain-Japan R-16 School is seeking applicants for substitute teachers.  To apply click:  Apply Now or you may request an application from our school office at 4640 Hwy H, Sullivan, MO.  For questions call 573-677-1815. Strain-Japan R-16 School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

School Bus Driver
The Strain-Japan R-16 School is seeking applicants for a bus driver for the 2024-2025 school year.  Starting pay is $15/hour, higher pay for experienced drivers. To apply click:  Apply Now or you may request an application from our school office at 4640 Hwy H, Sullivan, MO.  For questions call 573-677-1815. Strain-Japan R-16 School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Substitute School Bus Driver
The Strain-Japan R-16 School is seeking applicants for the position of substitute school bus driver.  Don’t have your school bus endorsement?  All costs in order to obtain the proper license will be reimbursed to you in exchange for one complete year of service to the district!  Starting pay $15/hour, depending on experience. To apply click:  Apply Now or you may request an application from our school office at 4640 Hwy H, Sullivan, MO.  For questions call 573-677-1815. Strain-Japan R-16 School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.