Teach - 1st grade/Hernandez

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION

The Elementary Teacher provides high-quality standards-based instruction that promotes the academic, social, emotional, physical, and behavioral development of all students. The teacher creates a safe, inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging learning environment that supports the development of foundational literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, communication, problem-solving, and citizenship skills.

The Elementary Teacher is responsible for implementing New Mexico academic standards, district curriculum, evidence-based instructional practices, the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, and the district's Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS). The teacher collaborates with families, colleagues, specialists, and community partners to ensure equitable learning opportunities and continuous student growth while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, district, and school requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) Elementary Teaching License with appropriate endorsement(s) for assignment.
• Proper licensure for all assigned grade levels and instructional responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Knowledge of New Mexico Content Standards and district curriculum.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies, including Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading.
• Knowledge of elementary mathematics instructional best practices.
• Ability to effectively utilize instructional technology and student information systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual Endorsement when required or preferred by assignment.
• TESOL endorsement preferred for bilingual or multilingual instructional settings.
• Experience implementing MLSS systems.
• Experience using student achievement data to improve instruction.
• Knowledge of culturally and linguistically responsive instructional practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership

• Deliver high-quality instruction aligned with New Mexico Content Standards, district curriculum, pacing guides, and Board-approved instructional materials.
• Implement evidence-based instructional practices that maximize student learning.
• Provide explicit, systematic instruction in reading utilizing Structured Literacy and Science of Reading principles.
• Deliver instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, fine arts, digital citizenship, and other assigned content areas.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, linguistic, behavioral, cultural, and developmental needs of all learners.
• Utilize flexible grouping, small-group instruction, intervention, enrichment, project-based learning, inquiry, and technology integration.
• Develop daily lesson plans aligned with learning objectives, success criteria, and formative assessment practices.
• Promote higher-order thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Student Achievement

• Establish measurable learning goals aligned with district expectations.
• Monitor student learning through ongoing formative and summative assessments.
• Analyze student data to adjust instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Maintain accurate student records, grades, attendance, assessment data, and intervention documentation.
• Administer district benchmark assessments, universal screeners, language proficiency assessments, and New Mexico statewide assessments in accordance with district and state procedures.
• Participate in data meetings to review student progress and instructional effectiveness.

Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS)

• Implement Tier I universal instruction with fidelity.
• Provide Tier II and Tier III interventions as assigned.
• Conduct progress monitoring using district-approved assessment tools.
• Participate in Student Assistance Teams (SAT), MLSS meetings, intervention planning, and problem-solving teams.
• Collaborate with interventionists, special education teachers, counselors, instructional coaches, and administrators.
• Assist in identifying students requiring additional academic, behavioral, attendance, or social-emotional supports.

Literacy and Mathematics

• Implement district literacy and mathematics instructional frameworks.
• Support early literacy development through explicit instruction in:
• Phonemic awareness
• Phonics
• Fluency
• Vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Written expression
• Implement evidence-based mathematics instruction emphasizing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving.
• Utilize intervention strategies for students experiencing learning difficulties.

Instructional Expectations

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) adopted New Mexico Content Standards, New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), applicable federal and state laws, district curriculum, instructional frameworks, pacing guides, and evidence-based instructional practices. Maintains proficiency in all elementary content areas, including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, fine arts, technology, digital citizenship, and social-emotional learning, and applies developmentally appropriate instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of elementary learners.

Provides instruction that is fully aligned with New Mexico Content Standards, NMPED regulations and guidance, district curriculum, Board-approved instructional materials, and district instructional expectations. Ensures all instruction is standards-based, data-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive, and designed to promote academic achievement, critical thinking, student engagement, and college and career readiness while preparing students to successfully transition to subsequent grade levels.

Classroom Environment

• Establish a positive, safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture.
• Maintain effective classroom management consistent with district expectations and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practices.
• Teach, model, and reinforce positive behavior expectations.
• Promote student responsibility, self-regulation, respect, and collaboration.
• Maintain an organized classroom that supports student engagement and learning.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain clear classroom procedures and behavioral expectations.
• Promote a safe, orderly, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Address student behavior consistently using district policies, restorative practices, and appropriate interventions.
• Supervise students during instructional time and assigned duties.
• Maintain accountability for classroom equipment, instructional materials, and technology.

Equity and Student Support

• Foster equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities for every student.
• Incorporate culturally responsive instructional practices reflective of New Mexico's diverse student population.
• Support implementation of the Martinez/Yazzie educational equity initiatives.
• Provide appropriate accommodations and modifications in accordance with IEPs, Section 504 Plans, English Learner plans, and other educational support plans.
• Collaborate in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as required.
• Support English Learners through appropriate language development strategies.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to students experiencing homelessness, foster care placement, military family transitions, or other educational barriers.

Communication and Family Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and family meetings.
• Respond promptly to parent inquiries.
• Encourage meaningful family engagement in the educational process.
• Collaborate with community agencies when appropriate to support student success.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain all required licensure and endorsements.
• Complete all district-required professional development.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), curriculum development, school improvement initiatives, and collaborative planning.
• Participate in staff meetings, committee work, and district training.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and personnel information in accordance with FERPA and district policy.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with the New Mexico Educator Code of Ethical Responsibility.
• Demonstrate professionalism through attendance, punctuality, preparedness, and collaboration.
• Maintain accurate inventories of instructional materials and equipment.
• Supervise students during assigned duties, field trips, recess, lunch, arrival, dismissal, and extracurricular activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or designee.

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elementary Teacher shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and district policies, including but not limited to:

• New Mexico Public Education Department rules and regulations.
• New Mexico Educator Competencies.
• New Mexico Content Standards.
• Science of Reading and Structured Literacy implementation requirements.
• Martinez/Yazzie educational equity initiatives.
• Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS).
• IDEA.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• FERPA.
• Title VI.
• Title IX.
• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
• Indian Education Act and tribal consultation practices, as applicable.
• Mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect.
• District Board Policies and Administrative Regulations.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement, when applicable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry instructional materials and classroom equipment up to 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodation if applicable.
• Bend, reach, kneel, and assist students as necessary.
• Operate computers, instructional technology, and classroom equipment.
• Work indoors and outdoors during varying weather conditions while supervising students.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Term of employment shall be established annually through adoption of the official school calendar and employment contract.

SALARY

Salary shall be established annually through adoption of the district salary schedule.

EVALUATION

Performance shall be evaluated in accordance with Board policy, district procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, the New Mexico Public Education Department educator evaluation framework, and all applicable laws governing licensed instructional personnel.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand the essential duties, responsibilities, and expectations of my position and agree to perform them to the best of my ability. I understand that this job description is not intended to include every duty that may be assigned and that Española Public Schools reserves the right to modify or assign duties as operational needs require. My signature acknowledges receipt and understanding of this job description and does not constitute an employment contract.

Salary : $55,200 - $86,980