Job Title: 2026 Explore Teacher (Educator Positions)

Department: Academics, Learning & Virtual Learning & Strategic Planning Departments

Pay Grade: $235 (per 2025-2026 Salary Schedule & Educator CBA- Explore 2025 Side Letter)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Explore Administrator or Supervisor

Location: Explore 2026 Sites (Explore Site, Feeder Sites, Tier- Start/End Times): Explore sites will be staffed based on programming needs. Educator positions listed for Explore may not be staffed at every location.

Length of Service: Required to commit to teaching a full Explore session and attend the preparation/training day(s).

Explore Session Days:

Explore (seated): June 1-June 26, 2026
Explore (virtual): June 1-June 26, 2026 (session 1); July 6-31, 2026 (session 2)

Preparation/Training Days:  May 29 (for Explore- seated); TBD (for Explore- virtual)

*All seated teachers and support staff are required to work an additional 30 minutes beyond the instructional day to assist in supervising during arrival/dismissal. The site principal will decide and communicate whether the 30 minutes will be tacked on before or after (or split between) the instructional day.

Disclaimer: This process and information aligns with the Educator Side Letter (2025) and may be subject to change based on the collective bargaining process for the Educator Side Letter (Summer 2026), once completed. If any adjustments affect compensation and/or requirements for staffing, communication of employee impact, will be sent, as appropriate. In addition, student enrollment and needs of the District may also impact staffing needs.

Teachers must remain in the mode of delivery (seated/virtual) of the original offer accepted. No changes will be allowed.

2026 Explore Educator Positions/Assignments:

Artworks Teacher
Early Childhood Classroom Teacher
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Middle School English Teacher
Middle School Science Teacher
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Middle School Math Teacher
PE Teacher
Music Teacher
Library Media Specialist
Special Education Teacher (K-12)
Adaptive PE Teacher
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher
English Language Development (ELD) Specialist- Teacher (K-8)
English Language Development (ELD) Specialist- Teacher (9-12)
Elementary Extended Learning Program (ELP)- Teacher (Reading)
Choice Classroom Teacher
Virtual High School Teacher
Elementary Virtual Academy Teacher
Middle School Virtual Academy Teacher

CURRENT SPS EMPLOYEES (2025-2026 School Year)

Those who are serving in a part time or full time position with SPS R-12 during the 2025-2026 school year, should apply by completing this Explore 2026 Educator form- 2026 Explore Educator Intent/Application to Teach (Seated or Virtual) and do not need to submit the formal application.

Note: Eligible employees, as defined by the  Educator 2025-2026 CBA ,who completed and submited the 2026 Explore Educator Intent to Teach (Seated or Virtual) Form by Feb. 15th do not need to submit again through this form or application. The selection and placement procedures will align with the Explore CBA Side Letters.

APPLICANTS (WHO ARE NOT CURRENT SPS EMPLOYEES FOR 2025-2026)

For those who are not a current SPS R-12 employee (active employee 2025-2026 school year) are required to submit an application through this posting. This includes those who may serve SPS in a temporary or stipend position only. Within the application, please list the specific Explore- Educator CBA positions you would like to be considered for (from Explore Educator Positions list below) under the section: "Employment Opportunity- Interests."

EXPLORE QUESTIONS?

Email: [email protected]

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Explore Elementary Educator - Summer School Program will deliver and provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for developing student success in academics and/or skills; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; collaborating with teachers, professional staff and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress. If selected for a 2026 Explore Educator position, the job description would align to the assignment, within the summer learning programming needs. General job requirements for an educator position during Explore 2026, are listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administers subject specific assignments to teach the course listed in the contract following prescribed curriculum guides for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement.
Participates in a Summer School Orientation meeting (TBA) at assigned Summer School site and weekly building meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform the job’s functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Job related experience, required
Bachelor’s degree in job-related area, preferred.
Background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

DESE Missouri Teaching Certification required
DESE Missouri Teachering Certification to be qualified for the position (must hold DESE cert. in subject/area/grade of the educator position requesting to fill)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices, teaching strategies; working with families; and stages of child development.
Knowledge of algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information; write technical materials; and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
Skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects and programs; overseeing program financial activities; developing effective working relationships; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and administering personnel policies and procedures; and coordinating with other agencies.
Ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate analyze and/or classify data; to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Department and programs.
Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals under a wide variety of circumstances.
Ability to analyze issues, data, create action plans and ensure that success of Department and District strategic objectives.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with detailed information; and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to set high expectations for self and others; set and monitor progress toward goals; and utilize and offer effective feedback to continuously improve.
Ability to work as part of a team; adapt to changing priorities; and apply logical processes and analytical skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 35% walking, and 35% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, grasping, hearing, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motions, speaking and visual acuity and walking