8th Grade Social Studies

General Job Function:   

To develop in each pupil an appreciation of American ideals and cultural heritage; to develop proficiency in the use of social studies inquiry skills and concepts; to motivate each pupil to understand and exercise his/her rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a citizen; to develop an understanding of the geographical, historical, cultural, and political factors which influence the development of world regions; to encourage pupils to develop sound opinions based on study of facts concerning operation of political and economic systems.

Education/Training/Experience:  

• Properly certified in all areas of assignment;
• Demonstrate cooperativeness and a willingness to carry out assigned tasks and performance responsibilities;
• Bilingual endorsement is highly preferable
• Other qualifications determined necessary by the Board.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities: 

Candidate must be able to work with all staff. The candidate must be able to follow the curriculum and requirements. Basic computer skills (office/web-based applications) are required. The candidate must be willing to participate in training and professional development with the District Program Director and Site Coordinator. Candidates must have good interpersonal skills with students and be willing to work with families.

Resources Used in Performing the Job Include (but are not limited to):  

Standard educational and office equipment, including computers, phones, copy machines, etc

Physical/Cognitive Requirements: 

Regularly required to walk, talk, and listen. Frequently is required to stand and sit. Required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. Light lifting at times.

Environmental Conditions:  

The work environment noise level is usually moderate.  

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Teach courses in social studies, history, geography, American Government, political
2. science, or humanities to Middle and High School students utilizing the state competencies and curriculum/bilingual curriculum adopted by the Board of Education and other appropriate learning activities.
3. Instruct pupils in citizenship, expected student behavior, and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district.
4. Develop a balanced social studies program that includes factual background material on current events, discussion of time, and other appropriate activities designed to help pupils develop skills and attitudes, draw conclusions, improve interpersonal relationships, and make value judgments based on scientific methods of inquiry.
5. Provide individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of pupils with varying intellectual abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds.
6. Develop knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the American governmental and economic system, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. 
7. Make current material from the mass media available to pupils; plan and guide discussion of current problems against the background of the geographical environment and the history of the area being studied.
8. Develop an understanding of the contributions of racial, religious and political groups to American culture.
9. Develop knowledge of political and economic systems of other nations and their influence on personal freedom, education, and living standards.
10. Encourage pupils to become aware of the complexity and interrelations among local, state, national, and global problems.
11. Maintain standards of pupil behavior to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
12. Demonstrate teaching competencies through instruction and maintain professional competencies through in-service education.
13. Select and requisition books and instructional aids, and maintain required inventory records; may request resource speakers and field trips.
14. Communicate with parents bi-weekly, monthly, or sooner upon need, to discuss student progress and behavior.
15. Identify pupil needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
16. Supervise pupils in out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
17. Participate in curriculum and other developmental programs, implement and integrate a Bilingual Program within the Social Studies component.
18. Gather data to develop strategies for student improvement.
19. Participate in curriculum alignment, benchmarks, performance standards/assessments and revisions, inclusive of bilingual development programs, and implement EPSS.
20. Participate cooperatively with the principal or his/her designee to develop the method by which the teacher will be evaluated in conformance with district guidelines.
21. Administer Group Standardized Tests in accordance with district testing program.
22. Administer the Language Assessment Scale Testing and Scoring in both English and Spanish.
23. Attend board meetings at the request of the Superintendent and/or his authorized designee.
24. Perform other assigned tasks required by the supervisor(s).

Personal Accountability:

1. Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
2. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
3. Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
4. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
5. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special application,
6. Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
7. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

EMPLOYMENT: Upon an offer of employment, pass a pre-employment drug test and comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1968, pass a background check, and provide necessary documentation and qualifications.      

Salary : $55,200 - $75,003