What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Studies Teacher - SRMS position at Liberal USD 480?
2026 - 2027 School Year
Social Studies Teacher
Now Offering Up to a $5,000 Sign-On Bonus for Eligible Candidates!
Position Summary:
Liberal Public Schools is seeking a passionate, collaborative, and student-centered Social Studies Teacher to join our team. We are looking for an educator who inspires students to become informed citizens, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners by helping them understand history, geography, government, economics, and the diverse cultures that shape our world.
The successful candidate will provide high-quality, standards-based instruction aligned with the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards while creating a safe, inclusive, and collaborative classroom where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. The Social Studies Teacher will foster civic responsibility, historical inquiry, and analytical thinking while preparing students to become engaged members of their communities.
Why Liberal Public Schools?
At Liberal Public Schools, we know great teachers make all the difference. We are committed to supporting our educators through collaborative leadership, meaningful professional learning, and access to instructional support at both the building and district levels. We provide opportunities to grow and lead early in your career while offering a lower cost of living that allows your competitive salary to go further for your family.
As a diverse, bilingual, Title I district, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who believe every student deserves access to high-quality instruction and meaningful opportunities for success.
When you join Liberal Public Schools, you'll enjoy:
- Up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates
- Additional coaching and sponsorship stipends may be available
- Competitive salary based on education and experience
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
- Participation in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)
- Paid personal and sick leave
- Instructional coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development
- Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Opportunities for leadership and career advancement
- A welcoming, diverse school community dedicated to student achievement
Essential Responsibilities:
- Plan and deliver engaging, standards-based Social Studies instruction aligned with district curriculum and Kansas College and Career Ready Standards.
- Teach history, geography, civics, economics, and related social sciences using research-based instructional practices.
- Foster students' critical thinking, historical inquiry, civic engagement, and problem-solving skills through meaningful learning experiences.
- Create a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, collaboration, and academic growth.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of all learners.
- Utilize instructional technology and innovative teaching strategies to enhance student learning.
- Monitor student progress through formal and informal assessments and use data to guide instructional decisions.
- Maintain accurate student records, grades, attendance, and required documentation.
- Communicate regularly with students, parents, and guardians regarding academic progress and classroom expectations.
- Collaborate with grade-level teams, instructional coaches, interventionists, special education staff, and administrators to support student success.
- Foster positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues while promoting respect, responsibility, and civic-mindedness.
- Supervise students during instructional and non-instructional times.
- Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), faculty meetings, district professional development, and school improvement initiatives.
- Support the district's educational mission while implementing Board policies and maintaining confidentiality.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Superintendent.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Valid Kansas Teaching License with the appropriate Social Studies endorsement or eligibility to obtain Kansas licensure.
- Knowledge of effective instructional practices, classroom management, and adolescent development.
- Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to providing equitable, inclusive, and student-centered educational opportunities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous middle school or high school Social Studies teaching experience.
- Experience using student assessment data to drive instructional decisions.
- Familiarity with instructional technology and digital learning platforms.
- Training or experience in MTSS, differentiated instruction, and inquiry-based learning.
- ESOL endorsement preferred (Kansas ESOL-licensed employees are eligible for a $500 annual stipend).
- Experience serving as a coach or sponsor of extracurricular activities is desirable.
Physical Requirements:
The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, lift instructional materials, and actively supervise students throughout the school day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Terms of Employment:
Salary, benefits, and work calendar are established in accordance with the negotiated Professional Agreement and approved by the USD 480 Board of Education.
Evaluation:
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the USD 480 Board of Education.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Liberal Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or Kansas law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned other duties as needed.
Salary : $51,788 - $85,927