Classroom Teacher Job Description & Performance Expectations

Arkansas Public School District

Position Title: Classroom Teacher
Reports To: Building Principal / Assistant Principal
Contract Length: As assigned per district contract

Position Summary

The Classroom Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing high-quality instruction aligned to the Arkansas Academic Standards while fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. The teacher promotes academic growth, social-emotional development, and positive behavior in all students. Performance expectations are aligned with the Arkansas Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS) and all applicable state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan, prepare, and deliver effective, engaging, and developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to Arkansas Academic Standards.
• Implement research-based instructional strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Differentiate instruction using multiple teaching strategies and resources to support varied learning styles and abilities.
• Integrate technology effectively into instruction to enhance student engagement and achievement.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that reflect clearly defined objectives, instructional strategies, and assessments.
• Provide intervention and enrichment opportunities based on formative and summative assessment data.
• Maintain pacing guides and curriculum maps as required by district and state guidelines.

Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction

• Develop, administer, and analyze formative and summative assessments.
• Use student performance data to guide instructional planning, intervention, and remediation.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student progress.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and parents.
• Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) to analyze student data and adjust instructional practices.

Classroom Management & Learning Environment

• Establish and maintain a safe, orderly, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Implement positive behavior supports and consistent classroom management practices.
• Build positive relationships with students that foster trust, respect, and high expectations.
• Maintain appropriate student supervision and safety at all times.
• Implement district discipline policies in a fair, consistent, and professional manner.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain current Arkansas teaching licensure and comply with all Arkansas Department of Education requirements.
• Adhere to district policies, state regulations, and federal laws including FERPA, IDEA, Section 504, and Title IX.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and required training.
• Collaborate effectively with administrators, colleagues, instructional coaches, counselors, and support staff.
• Maintain professional ethics, confidentiality, and integrity in all professional relationships.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Student Support & Parent Communication

• Maintain open, respectful, and professional communication with parents and guardians.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences as scheduled or requested.
• Provide ongoing communication regarding student progress, academic concerns, and behavior.
• Work collaboratively with families, counselors, special education staff, and intervention teams to support student success.
• Participate in Response to Intervention (RTI), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and IEP/504 meetings when required.

Professional Growth & Development

• Participate in ongoing professional learning aligned to district goals and personal improvement areas.
• Reflect on instructional practice and implement feedback provided through evaluations and observations.
• Actively engage in coaching, mentoring, and professional collaboration.
• Seek opportunities to enhance content knowledge and instructional effectiveness.

Performance Expectations – TESS-Aligned Domains

This position will be evaluated using the Arkansas Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS) framework.

Domain 1: Planning and Preparation

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of content and Arkansas Academic Standards.
• Plans coherent, standards-based lessons with measurable objectives.
• Designs instruction based on student needs and data.
• Selects instructional materials and assessments aligned to learning goals.

Domain 2: Classroom Environment

• Creates a respectful, inclusive, and supportive classroom culture.
• Maintains effective classroom procedures and routines.
• Manages student behavior effectively and consistently.
• Organizes classroom space to promote learning and engagement.

Domain 3: Instruction

• Communicates learning objectives clearly.
• Uses questioning and discussion techniques to promote higher-order thinking.
• Engages students actively in learning.
• Provides timely feedback and adjusts instruction based on student understanding.
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness during instruction.

Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

• Reflects on teaching practices to improve effectiveness.
• Maintains accurate records and communication.
• Participates actively in professional development and school improvement efforts.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid Arkansas teaching license in appropriate content and grade level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Arkansas Academic Standards.
• Ability to effectively manage classroom behavior and student engagement.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field.
• Experience with data-driven instruction and intervention strategies.
• Experience working in high-poverty, diverse, or rural school settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning strategies.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom and campus for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to maintain emotional control and respond appropriately in stressful situations.
• Ability to perform duties with frequent interruptions.

Terms of Employment

• Salary and work year established by district salary schedule and board policy.
• Performance evaluated annually in accordance with Arkansas TESS requirements.