Preschool Teacher (anticipated)

POSITION PURPOSE: Empower students through engaging, purposeful instruction designed to build knowledge, develop critical skills, and achieve meaningful educational outcomes. Create and sustain an engaging, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Design and deliver standards-aligned instruction, assess and measure student progress, and partner with colleagues, families, and students to foster each learner's full potential.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt; Full-Time

REPORTS TO: Principal and Assistant Principal

EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Board policy GCN: Evaluation of Professional Staff.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with standards-based instruction and assessment, educational technology, and learning management systems is preferred.

CERTIFICATES:

• Valid Missouri Teaching Certificate in the appropriate grade level or subject area.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong content knowledge, classroom management, communication skills, data interpretation, and interpersonal abilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Embrace and work continually in support of the district mission of “Expecting Excellence… Learning for All.”

Instruction and Learning

• Design and deliver engaging lessons and learning experiences that are standards-aligned, tailored to meet the needs of all students, and designed to foster cognitive development, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional competence, creativity, and achievement of educational goals.
• Implement interdisciplinary instructional methods, cooperative learning, technology, and innovative resources to enhance student learning.
• Incorporate diverse social and cultural perspectives on content, including students' own language, culture, family, and community into their learning experiences.
• Promote responsible, inquisitive, self-directed learners.
• Utilize disciplinary research, inquiry methodologies, and theory- and research-based strategies.
• Implement special educational plans, such as 504 plans, individualized educational programs (IEPs), and individualized health plans.
• Prepare lesson plans for use by a substitute teacher.

Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Set and monitor student goals, taking into account their prior experiences, learning strengths, and needs.
• Design and implement formative and summative assessments to measure student learning.
• Analyze data to inform instructional decisions and adjust teaching strategies.
• Monitor the effectiveness of instruction for the whole class and individual learning.
• Maintain accurate student records, including performance, progress, attendance, grades, and discipline.
• Communicate student achievement and growth to students and parents through reports and conferences.
• Promote student-led assessment strategies.

Classroom Management

• Manage time, space, transitions, and activities to establish a respectful, productive learning environment.
• Encourage kindness and social competence among students in the classroom.
• Use effective discipline and behavior management strategies that promote self-control.
• Establish secure teacher-student relationships.
• Demonstrate a commitment to students’ success and well-being.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with families to support student learning and address concerns.
• Participate in a highly collaborative environment with building and grade-level teams, colleagues, support staff, directors, and administrators.
• Collaborate with others to develop curriculum, disaggregate student data, and develop strategies within historical, cultural, political, and social contexts to meet the needs of students.
• Prepare for and contribute to student orientations, parent-teacher conferences, and open houses.
• Participate as a member of an IEP team, 504 team, or other student assistance teams as requested.

Professional Responsibilities

• Stay current with educational research, best practices, and subject-matter developments through individualized and organized professional learning opportunities.
• Participate in collegial activities, such as professional development and staff meetings, to build relationships and encourage growth within the educational community.
• Reflect on teaching practices and seek opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Follow district policies and procedures.
• Complete and submit grades, reports, forms, and other documentation on time.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, discrimination, and harassment as directed by district policy.
• Observe, promote, and support professional rights, responsibilities, and ethical practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administrators.

KEY SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, independently, and collaboratively.
• Possess adequate language, computation, reasoning, and technological skills to perform the duties of the position effectively.
• Demonstrate quality character traits, including commitment, dependability, integrity, and fairness.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Communicate openly, effectively, and professionally in all communication methods.
• Believe in the value of every student and their ability to learn.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Nine-month employee. Some teaching positions may require an extended contract. Salary is dependent on education and experience according to the approved salary schedule. Full-time employees are eligible for a benefit package as established by the board of education.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the position listed under “TITLE” and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or required.

The Houston R-I School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Houston R-I School District is an equal opportunity employer.