Description
About the Position:
Keonepoko Elementary School seeks an enthusiastic and nurturing Grade 2 teacher to join our collaborative team.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum Delivery
Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that align with grade-level standards and objectives.
Utilize various instructional strategies, including hands-on activities, games, and group work, to meet the diverse needs of students.
Incorporate literacy, math, science, social studies, and other subjects into daily instruction.
Assessment and Evaluation
Administer formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional planning.
Use assessment data to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support to students who may be struggling.
Provide regular feedback to students and parents/guardians on academic performance and areas for growth.
Classroom Management
Establish clear expectations for behavior and classroom routines, and reinforce positive behavior through praise and incentives.
Create a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported.
Implement effective classroom management strategies to address behavior issues and maintain a productive learning environment.
Individualized Support
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students, including English language learners, students with disabilities, and advanced learners.
Provide additional support and enrichment activities as needed to ensure all students reach their full potential.
Collaborate with special education teachers, counselors, and other support staff to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodations.
Parent and Community Engagement
Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates on student progress, upcoming events, and classroom activities.
Foster positive relationships with parents/guardians through open communication, parent-teacher conferences, and involvement in school events.
Collaborate with families and community members to support student learning and address any concerns or challenges that may arise.
Professional Development
Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills, stay current on best practices in education, and meet licensure requirements.
Engage in collaborative planning and professional learning communities with colleagues to share ideas, resources, and strategies for improving instruction and student achievement.
Reflect on teaching practices and seek feedback from colleagues, administrators, and mentors to grow as an educator continually.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
Valid teaching license/certification for elementary education.
Previous experience teaching at the elementary level, preferably in Grade 2.
Strong understanding of child development, early literacy, and numeracy skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Dedication to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for young learners.
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 (https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/).
Supplemental Information
Please visit www.teachinhawaii.org 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 www.hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org.
For more information about this school, please visit their website at: https://keonepokoelementary.org/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. Salaries, Benefits, and Support - Teach in Hawaii
• 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 Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund | Home 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 Island Flex (nbsbenefits.com) 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 ERS (ehawaii.gov)
• 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 HSTA.

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.