TITLE: TRANSITIONAL KINDER TEACHER

Reports: Building Principal 

Union: OEA

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Build a foundation of positive relationships, high expectations, equitable systems, and SEL-informed practices, which will drive daily practices and beliefs when working with students.
• Observe & assess children’s development using tools directed by director, attend training to administer assessment if needed.
• Administer standardized screening tools on every child throughout the school year. Maintain complete confidential records for each child.
• Provide an integrated, child centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.
• Plan and develop a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities.
• Prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with WaKIDS performance standards or other early childhood standards as directed by the director
• Create a classroom environment that promotes exploration and creativity with clearly defined interest centers and work areas that support opportunities to observe student application of knowledge and document student strengths.
• Implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities
• Involve parents by communicating regularly and respectfully with families and involve them in the educational program through parent meetings, family events, and parent teacher conference
• Provide leadership and support to the paraprofessional. Collaborate with the paraprofessional to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials.
• Assist with planning, preparation and serving of snacks and/or meals; participates in and facilitates mealtime service, and joins children at the table for support and conversation.
• Participate in OSD in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, PLCs, and other education opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year.
• Actively support a productive climate of collaboration in a professional learning community whereby the teacher analyzes student data, takes risks, shares successes/failures, and explores new practices in order to improve student learning for all.
• Work in collaboration with preschool staff and administrators to ensure smooth transitions for children and families before and after school and between preschool and kindergarten.
• Keep informed on ongoing changes and updates to programs, standards, and assessments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of Washington State Developmental Guidelines and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.
• Knowledge of SEL practices and approaches
• Knowledge of second language acquisition
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings
• Proactive self-starter, a strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with a variety of students, staff, and community
• Ability to participate collaboratively in teams
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate (Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and/or ELL endorsement preferred).
• Prior teaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with children in an early childhood education setting preferred.

OTHER CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish language preferred
• First aid and CPR (provided by district)
• Food Handlers Permit (provided by district)

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctorate from an accredited university or college.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES: 

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with appropriate endorsements. 
• Must maintain as current any certification or license listed herein and held at hire date.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING: That which is required to be effective in the position and to maintain certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Physically able to occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
2. Physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, crawl, lift, reach, pull and climb as
   required to satisfactory perform required duties.
3. Ability to focus (adjust eye to bring an object into sharp focus), clear vision at twenty (20) inches or less, and clear vision at twenty (20) feet or more.
4. Must be able to work safely varying hot and cold (weather) environments.
5. Frequent standing, walking, lifting and bending.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Starting Date: 2024-2025 School Year (180 total contracted days)
Salary: $60,668 - $114,347 annual salary. Based on education and experience Per OEA CBA - 2024-2025 Salary Schedule 
Retirement: Pension through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems

Benefits: Follow this link which will include all available benefits for this position

CLEARANCES: Criminal Justice fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

BARGAINING UNIT: Othello Education Association (OEA)

Othello School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator: Sandra Villarreal, (509) 488-2659, svillarreal@othelloschools.org; and Section 504 Coordinator: Heidi Wagner, (509) 488-2659, hwagner@othelloschools.org. Address: 1025 South 1st Avenue, Othello, WA 99344.

El Distrito Escolar Othello no discrimina en ningún programa o actividad por motivos de sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, nacionalidad, edad, estado veterano o militar, orientación sexual, expresión o identidad de género, discapacidad o el uso de un guía para perros entrenado o animal de servicio y proporciona acceso igualitario a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos de jóvenes designados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para manejar preguntas y quejas de supuesta discriminación: Coordinadora de Derechos Civiles y Coordinadora del Título IX: Sandra Villarreal, (509) 488-2659, svillarreal@othelloschools.org; y Coordinadora de la Sección 504: Heidi Wagner, (509) 488-2659, hwagner@othelloschools.org. Dirección: 1025 South 1st Avenue, Othello, WA 99344.