Kaala Elementary - Kindergarten Teacher (2024-00998)

Salary: $51,835.00 - $72,941.00 Annually
Location : Wahiawa, HI 96786
Job Type: Full-time 10-month
Job Number: 2024-00998
District / Complex Area: Teacher / Central / LMW
School / Office: Teacher / Kaala Elementary
Opening Date: 03/27/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Position %: 100%
Teacher Salary Differentials / Bonuses: $5,000 (National Board Certification, Pro-Rated)
$3,000 (Out-Of-State Relocation One Time Bonus)
Description
Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning in the earliest stages of education? Do you possess the enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to make a positive impact on the lives of young children? If so, we invite you to apply for the position of Kindergarten Teacher at Kaala Elementary School.
Kaala Elementary School is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. As a Kindergarten Teacher at our school, you will play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for academic success and social-emotional growth for our youngest learners.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional activities that promote kindergarten readiness skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy, social studies, science, and social-emotional development.
* Create a warm, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment that fosters a sense of belonging, curiosity, and exploration.
* Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs, interests, and learning styles of individual students, including English language learners and students with special needs.
* Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and parents/guardians to support the holistic development of each child and ensure continuity of learning between home and school.
* Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, materials, and technology tools to enhance student engagement and facilitate active learning experiences.
* Implement effective classroom management techniques, positive reinforcement strategies, and conflict resolution skills to promote a positive and respectful learning community.
* Assess student progress regularly using a variety of assessment methods and tools, and use data to inform instructional decisions and support student growth.
* Communicate regularly with parents/guardians through newsletters, conferences, and digital platforms to provide updates on student progress, upcoming events, and ways to support learning at home.
Rich in Hawaiian legend and Hawaiian history, Wahiawa and the surrounding area has been long been known for its cool climate, rolling plain, and abundance of wildlife. In ancient times, it was a training ground for Oahu chiefs for their armies, and revered as the sacred place for royal births. As homesteaders and immigrants began to arrive, they cleared the land and planted sugar, coffee, and pineapple. For nearly 80 years, the town was a center for nearby plantation communities and military installations, and many plantation workers were brought from the countries of Asia.
The school, which was founded in 1958, is bounded by California Avenue and Kilani Avenue, the old cemetery and Mahele Street. The school grounds are made up of two parcels of land; the main area on which the school buildings are located, and the park area behind the school buildings fronting Kilani Avenue. The park area was taken over by the Department of Parks and Recreation and is designated as a public park, however, it is used by the school students during recess and for school activities. Also nearby, are two military bases: Schofield Army Base and Wheeler Army Base.
VISION
We value, respect, and support each other in reaching our highest potential.
MISSION
* Prepare students for success by teaching standards-based lessons; creating a safe and nurturing environment; providing meaningful learning experiences; and ensuring opportunities for evaluation and assessment of progress.
* Provide opportunities to give parents tools to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of the students.
* Commit ourselves wholeheartedly to our vision; communicate that vision with integrity; follow up commitments relentlessly; and foster positive relationships within our school community.
THRIVE MESSAGE
Our students deserve to thrive with options and opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.
If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.
Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website ().
Supplemental Information
Please visit to review the eligibility requirements for all bonuses, differentials, and initial salary placement. To obtain a Hawaii Teaching License, which is required to receive any salary differentials, please apply with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at
For more information about this school, please visit their website at
Equal Opportunity
The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year.
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan. For more information, please visit the to see premiums and contributions for Bargaining Unit 05 members.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits. For more information, please visit
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. 12-Month Teachers are represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. More information can be found at by visiting the

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.
01
Will you have completed a bachelor's degree or higher by July 30, 2024?

• Yes
• No

Required Question