FPDS Upper School Teacher (2nd - 6th grade)

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL

A Ministry of First Presbyterian Church (PCA), Jackson, Mississippi

“Planting seeds of Christlikeness in the hearts of children”

Job Description for FPDS Upper School Teacher (2nd - 6th Grade)

OVERVIEW AND MISSION OF FPDS

First Presbyterian Day School is a private Christian school serving over 600 students from early childhood through Grade 6. Accredited by the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, FPDS offers academic, fine arts, and sports programs. We are located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, MS. Believing that children are a heritage of the Lord, the mission of FPDS is:

• Planting seeds of Christlikeness in the hearts of children
• Pursuing excellence in academics
• Preparing students for future service In God’s kingdom in their homes, churches, and professions

If you are interested in teaching in a challenging, professional, Christian environment where you can teach from a Biblical perspective; where you are treated as a Christian professional; where the school environment is enjoyable, disciplined, and conducive to teaching and learning; and where the pursuit of academic excellence for God's glory is a hallmark of the school, FPDS may be the school for you. Visit our website at www.fpds.org/mission-beliefs for more information on FPDS.

JOB SUMMARY

FPDS is seeking dedicated, passionate teachers to join our educational team. The ideal candidates will have proven skills and experience in teaching elementary grades in the classroom as well as in nurturing students' academic, spiritual, and emotional growth in a Bible-based, Christ-centered environment. This job requires a teacher who is committed to fostering a positive and engaging learning experience while promoting, upholding, and exemplifying Christian values and principles.

JOB TYPE, SUPERVISION AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

This job is for employment in a normal two-semester school year. The teaching job in 2nd - 6th grades is a full time position and reports to the Upper School Principal.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Focus: Reflect the overarching purpose of the school, which is to honor Christ, in every class and activity.
• Teaching and preparation: Teach classes as assigned following the prescribed scope and sequence as scheduled by the administrator. Integrate biblical principles and the Christian philosophy of education throughout all curriculum and activities. Prepare and submit weekly lesson plans. Utilize a variety of instructional techniques, aids, and methods to enhance learning.
• Assessment, reporting, and rapport: Assess the learning of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports and report cards as required. Maintain regular and accurate attendance and grade records. Keep parents, students, and administration informed of students’ progress or deficiencies. Develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, and staff both inside and outside the classroom. Recognize the need for good public relations.
• Supervision, discipline, and safety: Supervise students at all times, including during extracurricular activities and field trips. Keep proper discipline in the classroom and on all school premises. Follow the Matthew 18 principle in dealing with conflict. Maintain a clean, attractive, well-ordered classroom. Know the procedures for dealing with emergency situations.
• Other non-teaching responsibilities: Attend and participate in scheduled FPDS devotional, in-service, committee, faculty, and parent meetings. Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the administration. Cooperate with FPDS Board and administration in implementing all policies, procedures, and directives governing the operation of the school. Utilize professional educational opportunities for professional growth.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The Upper School Principal will schedule a one-on-one observation of the teacher’s classroom at least once each semester and will provide an assessment of the performance of the responsibilities and conformity with the personal qualities of the job, both as stated above. The assessment will identify areas of excellence, areas needing improvement, and progress on previously identified areas needing improvement. The results of the Principal’s assessment will be shared with the teacher as well as filed in the teacher’s performance file. The teacher will receive additional guidance and assistance from their Grade Leader. 

CONTRACT TERMS

Successful candidates will be offered a one-year contract for the position. Contracts are extended by the end of May of the current school year, and they are in effect from August through May of the upcoming school year. A sample contract will be available once a candidate begins to proceed in the interview process.

Teachers with children in school through Grade 6 are required to enroll them in FPDS. Exceptions are made for children enrolled in public school or being cared for by family members. FPDS offers a substantial tuition discount for each child.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Teachers are offered an annual salary, payable in 12 equal monthly installments on the last day of each month, beginning in August and ending the following July. The length of the school term includes thirty-seven (37) work weeks (i.e., 185 days), beginning August 1 of the upcoming school year and ending the following May 31. Teachers are required to teach school until May 31 (or earlier if all year-end work has been completed).

FPDS provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports their well-being and financial security. Benefits available to eligible full-time staff members include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Tuition remission 
• Paid time off 
• Opportunities for professional development

A summary of all available benefits will be available once a candidate begins to proceed in the interview process.

REQUIRED PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Christian faith and daily walk: Have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, is a professing Christian, and is living out their faith on a daily basis. Believe and practice the Bible as God’s Word and standard for faith and daily living. Be in whole-hearted agreement with FPDS’s “Statement of Faith and Christian Philosophy of Education”. Be a member in good standing at a local, evangelical church.
• Christian character: Have the spiritual maturity, academic ability, and personal leadership qualities to “train up a child in the way he should go”. Demonstrate the character qualities of enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, humility, gratitude, kindness, gentleness, self-control, teachability, perseverance, and punctuality.
• Christian behavior: Use acceptable English in written and oral communication. Avoid offensive language. Maintain a personal appearance that is a Christian role model and conforms with the school dress code policy for employees. 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Required: 
  • Bachelor’s degree (preferred in Education or related field).
• Preferred:
  • Experience teaching elementary school students.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Basic computer and related proficiency. 
  • Teaching certification (MDE or MAIS)
  • Knowledge of Google Classroom, Google Docs, and FACTS is helpful.