Reading Teacher - Grade 7

Position Type:
Middle School Teaching/Reading
Date Posted:
11/3/2023
Location:
James Buchanan Middle School
Date Available:
2023/24 School YearMiddle School Classroom Teacher - Grade 7 Reading (DRAFT)
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

• Essential Performance Responsibilities
• Develops and administers school middle school curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
• Teaches all required subject matters as assigned to the grade level, which may including reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, health, physical education, and music to pupils in a classroom, utilizing course of study adopted by the Board of Education, and other appropriate learning activities NCLB.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual small group instruction as needed.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the Tuscarora School District.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other middle school professional staff members, especially within grade level and specific subjects, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of middle school curriculum and concepts, including all subject matters taught.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.
Qualifications Profile

• Certification/License:
  • PA State Certification as a Middle School Teacher (Middle Level English 6-9, English 7-12)
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

Experience
Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Demands

• Often sitting at a desk for long periods of time
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Frequent walking throughout various buildings
• Frequent bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping
• Moderate lifting from 15 to 30 pounds
• Some carrying-up to 30 pounds
• Manual dexterity to use office equipment
• Repetitive movement of fingers
• Occasional travel to school district offices and training
• Occasional pulling, pushing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or
• Crawling

Sensory Abilities

• Visual acuity to read correspondences, computer screen
• Auditory acuity to be able to use telephones and greet visitors
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly
• Visual ability to see close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Generally, office setting year round

Temperament

• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Must be courteous and able to effectively communicate with people
• Must be cooperative, congenial and service-oriented
• Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions

Cognitive Ability

• Ability to follow written and verbal directions
• Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to read, write and do complex computations
• Ability to use correct grammar, sentence structure and spelling
• Ability to compose clear, concise sentences, paragraphs and letters
• Ability to organize office setting to efficiently accomplish tasks
• Ability to work independently and make work-related decisions
• Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels

Note: All abilities above must be at a professional level, as expected from the required educational level of the job and the previous experience required.
Specific Skills

• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to use computer technology efficiently
• An ability to keep detailed and accurate records
• An ability to meet deadlines
• Must appropriately handle confidential information
• Must be a proficient typist
• Must know how to format business correspondence/reports
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

License:

• Valid Driver's License

Comments:

• Position holder must have a friendly, helpful, caring personality
• Position holder must demonstrate a positive attitude.
• Position holder must accept responsibility for the work assigned.
• Position holder has relatively unrestricted access to information for the Tuscarora School District and knowledge of student information and must exercise prudent judgment regarding the confidentiality of said information.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Employee must attain an Act 34 Criminal History Background Check, Act 151 Child Abuse History Clearance and Federal Criminal History Record every 60 months. Must satisfy Mandated Reporter Training and Act 168 requirements. Must obtain a physical examination and possess a valid driver's license. In other respects, the successful candidate must be eligible for employment according to the provisions contained in Section 1209 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
The position specifications described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Board Approved 3/9/09; Rev 07/16/18; 09/12/22