Brief description of position

As part of a teaching assignment, teaches one or more classes authorized by the Board of Education in subject areas of professional preparation and/or experience, to students in grades K-12, as appropriate, and assists in other school programs as assigned.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Is aware of, and abides by, responsibilities of the position held through familiarization with State law, Board Policies, the District Teachers' Handbook, the local school handbook, position description and other information which is distributed through official channels (school mail, U.S. mail, faculty/District meetings, etc.).

• Teaches current content, concepts, skills and attitudes pertinent to, and inherent in, subject area of class/course authorized by the Board of Education to students, utilizing the Course of Study adopted by the Board of Education and effective methods and media.

• Instructs students in citizenship, basic communication skills and other general elements of the Course of Study, as specified in State law, Board Policies, Regulations and Procedures of the District and school, in order that students will develop and maintain an appreciation of and respect for one another, the learning opportunities available in the school, and the society.

• Develops and maintains a balanced program of instruction which is based on and is carried out through written behavioral objectives (goals, objectives, evaluation), and a variety of student activities geared for optimum learning and which are compatible with the basic instructional philosophy of the District. So organizes class time and media to provide for the accomplishment of instructions, demonstration, student activities and follow-up activities within the allotted class time and resources.

• Provides individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with varying skills, intellectual abilities, attitudes and cultural backgrounds as well as to accommodate circumstances where a variety of projects are being worked on simultaneously. Provides programs for students achieving at various levels in accordance with past performance/potential.

• Evaluates and keeps each student informed concerning performance, knowledge, grasp of concepts and growth in skills and attitudes in relationship to the course objectives and to the level of the subject being taught and assesses each individual's contribution to a group project or goal. Prepares progress reports as per local School Rules and Regulations.

• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to promote an orderly, productive learning environment suited to the type of class structure including:  regular class sessions, laboratory or studio sessions, individual or group activities, physical activities, student performances, and field trips.

• Develops and maintains a teaching environment (interest centers, models, bulletin boards and displays including books and similar material) which motivates learning of subject material in course taught.

• Evaluates, recommends, requisitions and maintains inventory records of equipment, instructional media and books which are designed to achieve instructional goals which are appropriate to the ability, interest and maturity levels of students.

• Maintains a comfortable learning environment by control of equipment, materials, storage, lighting, heating and ventilation to the extent possible.

• Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service education activities provided by the District and in self-selected professional growth activities. Engages in experiences related to assignment which may lead to more effective teachings, such as:  work experience (other than teaching), professional organization membership, volunteer special assignments, leadership within the departments/school/District, attendance at special events, subscription to professional journals, etc.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Communicates with parents and school counselors about individual student's progress and brings and interprets to the community the program of education through performances, displays, programs, etc.

• Maintains good relationships with the community, parents and staff members.

• Identifies students' needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude and learning problems.

• Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs within the school of assignment and/or on a District level.

• Performs basic attendance accounting and business services as required in connection with the teaching assignment.

• Shares in the sponsorship of co-curricular student activities and participates in faculty/District committees.

• May plan and coordinate the work of aides, teacher assistants, and other paraprofessionals.

• Supervises students in out-of-class activities during the assigned work day.

• Instructs students in proper care and safe use of equipment, instructional media, and books. Provides adequate supervision to insure overall safety of pupils and maintains surveillance over such property in order to prevent loss or abuse. Makes minor adjustments and requests repairs as required.

• Acts as a resource person on an interdepartmental level to relate appropriate aspects of subjects taught to other subject areas.

• May prepare letters of recommendation for scholarships, jobs, etc.

• May guide students entering competition and developing projects related to subject area taught.