Distinguished Teacher

Summary

This position supports the mission of Somerset County Public Schools by providing high-quality instruction and serving as an instructional leader and mentor within the school and across the district. The Distinguished Teacher promotes student achievement through exemplary teaching, collaboration, and professional learning that strengthens instructional practice.

This position demonstrates mastery of instructional skill, fosters the growth of colleagues, and contributes to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The teacher in this role holds an active National Board Certification (NBC) and serves as a model educator and instructional leader in alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver exemplary classroom instruction that promotes student achievement and equitable outcomes.

• Model and share best instructional practices to improve teaching and learning across classrooms and schools.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional support for colleagues, including Lead Teachers and National Board candidates.

• Design and facilitate school- and district-level professional development initiatives.

• Collaborate with administrators and instructional teams to support curriculum design, data analysis, and program evaluation.

• Lead or co-lead instructional projects, mentoring cohorts, or content-specific professional learning communities.

• Serve as a district-wide resource for innovative instructional strategies and effective teaching models.

• Maintain professionalism, effective communication, and collaboration with all stakeholders.
  
  

Essential Classroom Functions (40% of Time)

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.

• Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.

• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.

• Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior.

• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.

• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicates these objectives to students.

• Strives to implement by instruction and action the district’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.

• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.

• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.

• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in a fair and just manner.

• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.

• Maintains a professional attitude and appearance.

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Additional Distinguished Teacher Functions

• Actively participates in and leads district- and school-based teams and decision-making bodies.

• Serves as a system-wide model of instructional excellence.

• Provides mentorship and coaching for National Board candidates and Level 4A Lead Teachers.

• Evaluate and provide feedback on the teaching capability of the teacher’s mentees.

• Evaluate the impact of coaching and mentoring, as well as, improvements in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. 

• Designs, implements, and evaluates school- and district-wide professional development.

• Leads curriculum development teams and assists in the selection and piloting of instructional materials.

• Engages in instructional research, data analysis, and program evaluation to improve outcomes.

• Collaborates with district and school administrators to strengthen instructional programs and align with Blueprint goals.

• Provides opportunities for peer observation and professional reflection through model lessons and demonstration classrooms.

• Participates in district-wide needs assessments for professional development opportunities.

• Serves as a liaison between schools and district leadership to promote consistent instructional practices.

• Contributes to district initiatives supporting teacher induction, mentoring, and leadership development.

• Demonstrates ongoing professional learning and maintains NBC in good standing.
  
  

Qualifications

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Master’s degree in education or related field (required)

• Current Maryland teaching certification in the appropriate content area (required)

• Active National Board Certification (NBC), renewed and in good standing (required)

• Minimum of five (5) years of highly effective teaching experience with documented instructional leadership and mentoring impact
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in pedagogy, assessment, curriculum design, and culturally responsive instruction.

• Skill in mentoring, coaching, and facilitating professional learning for adult learners.

• Strong data-analysis, communication, and leadership skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead instructional improvement at the school and district levels.

• Commitment to educational equity and continuous professional growth.
  
  

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, educational research, and instructional materials. Ability to write reports, design professional learning content, and effectively present information to staff, administrators, and the Board of Education. Ability to respond to questions and communicate clearly with all stakeholders.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, proportions, and basic geometric concepts. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to instructional decision-making and program evaluation.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve complex instructional problems and manage multiple priorities. Demonstrates sound judgment, reflective thinking, and the capacity to interpret and apply instructional data to support system-wide improvement.

Technology Skills

Proficiency with internet, spreadsheet, presentation, and word-processing software. Demonstrates advanced skill using instructional technology tools, data systems, and virtual learning platforms. Utilizes technology to enhance instruction, analyze data, and deliver professional learning.

Other Skills and Abilities

Exemplifies leadership qualities, professionalism, and the ability to inspire and support colleagues. Demonstrates deep knowledge of child and adolescent development, differentiated instruction, and research-based teaching strategies. Maintains active engagement in professional organizations and continuous learning to remain current in best practices.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel materials. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard school or professional development environment. The noise level is usually moderate. The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts.

Advancement and Maintenance

The Distinguished Teacher maintains status by upholding National Board Certification (NBC), demonstrating sustained instructional leadership, and contributing to system-wide professional growth initiatives in alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Salary : $52,108 - $96,181