JOB GOAL:

To structure the learning environment to study the integrated social studies program outlined by the LRSD Curriculum Guides. To help students learn subject matter and master skills that will contribute to their overall development as mature, able, and responsible learners through establishing, maintaining, and reiteratively communicating clear behavior and learning expectations for all learners. To consistently strive to improve performance in order to aid students in meeting learning targets and goals and to provide frequent and ongoing feedback to learners and stakeholders regarding their progress towards those goals to ensure that every learner experiences success at high levels.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a nine-and-one-fourth (9.25) month contract (190 days), plus a benefits package. NOTE: Precise placement within the salary range will be determined based on experience and LRSD’s salary placement guidelines. FLSA: EXEMPT.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must meet Arkansas certification requirements in Middle School (4-8) or Secondary (7-12) Social Studies.
Demonstrates a willingness to try new teaching and assessment strategies that would benefit all students.
Willingness to participate in ongoing staff development.
Ability to teach to differences and sensitivity to cultural differences.
Commitment to staff development and to applying new techniques in the classroom
Demonstrates the conviction that all children can and will learn.
Evidence of a strong commitment to quality desegregated education.
Ability and willingness to clearly and frequently articulate student progress to students and parents.
Evidence of the ability to design and implement hands-on activities and thematic units in the content areas.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Such alternatives and additions to the above qualifications may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position.

Embrace configuration and best practices with high expectations and promote student success while adopting a student-centered focus that allows students to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Supports Dunbar's vision and mission by collaborating with the administration and ALL staff to create a positive, safe, and learner-centered environment.
Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.
Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or procedures governing student life, conduct, wellness, and academic mastery.
Plans instruction designed to promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth and development of children; formatively assesses student progress and modifies instructional techniques; plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students; and refers children to support services within the school community as needed.
Guides the learning process toward the achievements of curriculum goals by establishing and communicating clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects; integrates skills into units and learning centers in the classroom
Prepares for instruction and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor; employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
Implements innovative, research-based instructional strategies, assessments, techniques, and programs being considered by the building and/or District; collects pertinent data and information; works with the appropriate personnel to prepare a formal narrative and statistical reports related to the effectiveness of the innovation.
Serves as a model classroom for the building and District; allows administrators, teachers, parents, and others to observe in the classroom as requested; provides technical assistance, shares information and resources with other teachers and staff.
Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and developmentally appropriate to the maturity and interest of the students; encourages students to set, monitor, and maintain high standards for classroom behavior; develops reasonable rules and procedures in order to maintain a classroom climate that is equitable, fair, and conducive to learning.
Maintains an inventory all equipment, furniture, and large center items; maintains a clean and orderly classroom.
Monitors individual and/or group activities to prevent accidents and promote social skills; takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, material and facilities.
Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms; works with parents to promote cooperation, understanding of development and participation in the program; allows parents to observe their children in the classroom setting; assumes responsibility for encouraging and involving parents and community in decision making relative to the development and implementation of programs at the building level.
Meets and instructs assigned class in the location and at the times designated; works collaboratively with content and grade-level team members; attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required; makes a commitment to the time necessary for participating in District/school-sponsored staff development.
Structure the classroom for cooperative learning activities.
Structures the learning environment to enable students to engage in the program outlined by the LRSD Curriculum Guides and master the essential standards, actively promoting student discourse and integrating opportunities for interdisciplinary literacy and learning in collaboration with other content areas.
Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students, with preference given to an individualized mastery-based learning approach and implementing differentiated classroom instruction.
Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of the school administration.
Employs a variety of instructional techniques, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
Assesses students' accomplishments regularly, provides progress monitoring and regular feedback to students, and reports as required.
Demonstrates knowledge of lab safety procedures in dealing with situations in which accidents could happen.
Assists in identifying and utilizing community resources, such as field trips.
Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administration regulation.
Assumes primary responsibility for teaching social studies content to assigned students and for coaching and sponsoring engaging competitions such as History Day.
Actively improves professional competence.
Performs other duties as assigned.

NOTE:

INTERESTED APPLICANTS WILL ENGAGE IN A RIGOROUS APPLICATION PROCESS. SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY GUARANTEE AN INTERVIEW.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Mental Functions, Physical Requirements, and Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, go up and down stairs, operate foot and hand controls, use a telephone, and write. Occasionally, the employee must lift and/or move up to twenty (20) or more pounds. This position requires accurate perception of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and/or objects, and providing oral information. Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year. Additional technical skills, knowledge, and abilities may be recommended by the immediate supervisor and approved by the Human Resources Director.