Kindergarten Teacher

Teacher

Dept/Div: Teaching and Learning                                                    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs difficult professional work providing teaching and/or training services to students in general instruction or in a specialized subject or assigned group of subjects, motivating students to develop skills in assigned subject matters, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Principal. Continuous supervision is exercised over Paraprofessional and students.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials; develops individual education plans and evaluation reports for special needs and regular students.
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences; integrates subject area content and technology.
• Adapts teaching materials and methods to develop relevant sequential assignments that guide and challenge students. 
• Instructs students in specialization and subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and district procedures.
• Assigns, directs, rewards, trains, and reviews the work of paraprofessionals; develops staff schedules/provides hiring recommendations.
• Assesses and evaluates student needs; provides instruction in individual or group sessions; acts as a mentor to students.
• Establishes and maintains behavior standards; formulates and implements behavior modification programs for students.
• Integrates subject area content and technology.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with established procedures.
• Encourages students to think independently along with developing and expressing original ideas. 
• Evaluates students' progress; maintains records; prepares progress reports and quality feedback. 
• Communicates with students, counselors and parents through conferences and other means.
• Maintains professional licensing/familiarity through in-service education and self-selected professional books instructional materials.
• Selects and requisitions books and instructional materials; organizes classroom and educational field trips; distributes materials.
• Participates in curriculum development programs, faculty committees and student activity sponsorship as required.
• Meets state and federal mandated timelines and procedures for completing special education due process paperwork. 
• Prepares for substitute teacher(s) as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught; thorough knowledge of elementary, secondary or special education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of effective teaching principles and methodology; thorough knowledge of district rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to work with and teach students whose primary language is not English; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students and parents.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in teaching, education, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing and speaking or hearing, frequently requires using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a very quiet location (e.g. park trail, storage or file room).

Special Requirements

• Iowa State Teaching License.