Notice of Vacancy

POSITION:

Young 5s K-Knights Teacher

LOCATION: Central Elementary

START DATE/CALENDAR: 2026–27 School Year / Per KHEA Master Agreement

SALARY/BENEFITS: As outlined in the KHEA Master Agreement

SUMMARY

Kenowa Hills Public Schools is seeking a highly collaborative, nurturing, and student-centered educator to serve as a Young 5s K-Knights Teacher at Central Elementary. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of early childhood development and foundational literacy instruction while creating a safe, engaging, and relationship-centered classroom environment that supports the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs of young learners.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to developmentally appropriate practices, small group instruction, strong family partnerships, and responsive teaching that supports all students in building confidence and readiness for kindergarten and beyond.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold a valid State of Michigan elementary teaching certificate
• ZA endorsement preferred
• Experience with or willingness to implement:
  • LETRS-informed literacy practices
  • Bookworms Reading and Writing curriculum
  • Bridges Mathematics
  • i-Ready instructional and diagnostic tools
  • Small group and differentiated instruction
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Experience with Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) or relationship-centered classroom practices preferred
• Strong understanding of:
  • Early childhood development
  • Foundational literacy instruction
  • Developmentally appropriate instructional practices
  • Social-emotional learning and self-regulation
• Willingness to participate in district-provided training opportunities, including CPI, UKERU, CPR/First Aid, LETRS, and other district instructional initiatives
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood, Reading, Literacy, Curriculum, or related field preferred
• Required knowledge of skills and abilities related to diversity, equity, and cultural competence
• Knowledge of one’s own competence in the area of diversity and equity, how this influences behavior, and a desire to learn about others’ identities and experiences

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to district and state standards
• Implement high-quality literacy instruction aligned to district curriculum and LETRS-informed practices
• Utilize Bookworms, Bridges, i-Ready, and other district instructional resources with fidelity
• Provide differentiated instruction through whole group, small group, play-based, and individualized learning opportunities
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), including analyzing student data through the lens of the four PLC questions
• Use formative and summative assessment data to monitor progress and guide instructional decisions
• Establish and maintain classroom routines, expectations, and procedures consistent with district and building practices, including Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH)
• Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes student growth, independence, collaboration, and belonging
• Utilize a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to support students academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally
• Support students with varying academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and regulatory needs, including students who may demonstrate disruptive, dysregulated, unsafe, or escalated behaviors
• Implement classroom management, de-escalation, and student support strategies aligned with district practices and training
• Respond calmly, safely, and appropriately to student behavioral escalation or crisis situations
• Collaborate regularly with grade-level teams, interventionists, special education staff, and families to support student success across academic and behavioral areas
• Prepare instructional materials and maintain accurate attendance and academic records as required by the district
• Participate in professional learning and continuous improvement aligned with district initiatives and instructional practices

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom and school environment for extended periods of time
• Sit on the floor, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, and work at student level frequently throughout the day
• Lift, carry, or move instructional materials, classroom equipment, and/or young students as needed (up to 50 pounds)
• Use hands and arms to operate instructional technology, classroom materials, sensory tools, and assessment resources
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families

The work environment may include:

• Frequent movement, transitions, active play, and moderate to occasionally high noise levels
• Supporting students during classroom instruction, recess, arrival/dismissal, and other school activities
• Supporting students with varying academic, behavioral, social-emotional, sensory, and developmental needs

This role also requires:

• The ability to maintain a safe, structured, nurturing, and engaging learning environment
• The ability to respond calmly and appropriately to student needs and classroom situations in real time
• The ability to implement instructional strategies, interventions, and behavior supports with consistency and fidelity
• Collaboration with colleagues and support staff in a fast-paced educational environment

WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT

This position is an in-person role requiring regular, on-site attendance. The essential functions of this position cannot be performed remotely.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants may apply online at:
Kenowa Hills SchoolSpring Employment Page

Please include all transcripts, certifications, resume, and letters of reference.

Questions may be directed to:

Chris Bernard
Central Elementary Assistant Principal
cbernard@khps.org

Abby Wiseman
Central Elementary Principal
awiseman@khps.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Until Filled

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment through Livescan fingerprinting. The candidate is responsible for the fingerprinting background check fee.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
2325 Four Mile Road NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Phone: 616-784-2511

Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.