Teacher - Elementary School

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: To implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives. Under direction, to teach and instruct pupils in elementary or a combination of in academic, social, behavioral, and other related skill areas; to plan, develop, organize, and conduct a comprehensive education program for early childhood and primary grade pupils; to assist pupils, parents, and others in aiding pupils in adjusting to a structured educational environment; and to do other related functions as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This position classification requires subject matter expertise commonly associated with teaching and instruction. Directly related teaching and instruction experience is suggested to perform problem analysis using prescribed principles, methods and concepts. The position classification performs decision analysis and makes decisions of considerable consequence, in determining how best to aid students in the learning process. The functional role of this position classification requires the application and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, and policies. The incumbent meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, and other staff to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs and learning styles of each student.
• Translate lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Pursue a variety of methodology in teaching and instructing pupils, including instruction, demonstration, lecture, activity participation, and using specialized educational equipment, materials, and aids.
• Teach and instruct pupils in citizenship and other subject matter specified by legal mandates, district policies and regulations.
• Prepare, develop and utilize a variety of instructional materials appropriate for the instructional level of pupils within a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturity.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate the history, background, and assessment of pupils in designing an educational program to meet specific individual educational needs.
• Provide individual and group instruction designed to enhance pupil mental, social, and emotional growth.
• Establish and maintain appropriate standards of student behavior, utilizing a variety of behavior management strategies and techniques, including behavior modification, reinforcement and other positive behavior shaping processes.
• Evaluate each student's academic, behavioral, and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports on a regular basis.
• Communicate with students and parents through conferences and other means to discuss student progress and interpret the school program.
• Identify student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude and learning problems.
• Create an effective environment for learning.
• Maintain professional competence through professional staff development activities provided by the district and/or self-selected professional growth activities.
• Participate cooperatively with the appropriate administrator in the district evaluation process.
• Supervise students in/out of classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Administer group assessments in accordance with the district assessment program.
• Administer, score, and record the results of a variety of criterion referenced and standardized tests in evaluating pupil progress.
• Assist and cooperate with school and district personnel in assessing pupil needs, in the development of alternative solutions to individual educational planning, and in the adapting of curriculum offerings to meet individual educational needs.
• Participate in curriculum development programs as required.
• Participate in faculty meetings, team meetings, departmental meetings, committees and the sponsorship of student co-curricular activities as assigned.
• Implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Accept responsibility for appropriate utilization of and the care of equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations.
• Assist in enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policies.
• Cooperate and correlate with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Promotes good public relations with parents and other members of the community-at-large.
• Assign tasks for which students have a high probability of success and expects all students to make reasonable progress.
• Plan, create, and maintain an effective learning environment through the utilization of functional and aesthetically attractive displays, exhibits, bulletin boards, interest, learning, and activity centers.
• Perform non-instructional duties, including curriculum and instruction development, student supervision, and advisory and consultation activities.
• Select and requisition appropriate educational supplies, materials, books, equipment, and learning aids; maintain required inventory records.
• Provide guidance to promote their student and educational development.
• Implement authentic instruction and continuous formative assessment.
• Promote, demonstrate, implement KERA learning goals and academic expectations.
• Demonstrate effective positive interpersonal and communication skills, with students, parents and staff.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position assigned as may be requested by the Principal or Superintendent.
• Adhere to professional Codes of Ethics adopted by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to teaching and instruction of primary grade pupils;
• Child growth and development and behavior characteristics of the primary grade child
• Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and the educational trends and research findings pertaining to early childhood educational programming;
• Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods, and conflict resolution procedures;
• Socio-economic and cultural background differences of the general school population.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform as a leader such that student achievement is maximized.
• Plan, organize, develop, and conduct a comprehensive teaching and instruction program for pupils in grades or a combination of;
• Provide effective learning experiences for pupils from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and with varying mental, social, and emotional levels;
• Effectively assess the educational needs of pupils, and design, develop, and implement sound individualized educational plans;
• Provide an attractive, inviting and stimulating learning environment;
• Perform research and development activities pertaining to grade curriculum and instruction programs, pilot projects, and innovative programs designed to enhance pupil educational opportunities and experiences.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:
Experience:
Successful completion of student teaching at a recognized college or university or regular full time classroom teaching experience, preferably including one year in a primary grade setting.
Education:
Possession of a Baccalaureate or higher degree with emphasis in elementary education, instructional technology, a subject matter field commonly taught in the elementary grades, or closely related field areas.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Possession of certification as required by Kentucky law.