Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Middle School Social Studies Teacher (6-8)

Position Purpose 

Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Coordinator, will develop students' knowledge of social studies to foster an understanding and appreciation for civics, history, economics, and geography.

Essential Functions

• Develops and administers Social Studies curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives. 
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning. 
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials into learning experiences to develop historical inquiry skills.
• Enable students to analyze the world around them so that they can be constructively participating members of a free society.
• Develops students' research skills through various reading and writing assignments to stimulate self-reliance in problem-solving
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual students's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction using feedback as needed. 
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending workshops or professional meetings
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievements, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents. 
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. 
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in grade level team meetings, department meetings, faculty meetings, and committees. 

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other Central Office Administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard equipment such as personal computers and relevant technology systems. 

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

 Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Knowledge of Inquiry-Based Learning / C3 Framework
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of social studies in various sub-topic areas, including geography, civics, history, and economics
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments. 

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License:

• CT State Certification as a Social Studies Teacher (026) (226) 

Education:

• Bachelor's or master's from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to teaching assignments. 

Experience:

• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred. 

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day.