3rd Grade Elementary School Teacher

Revised: March 2025

SY25-26

Department:

Core Instruction

FLSA Status: 

Non-exempt

Reports to:

Core Instruction Administration

Primary Reporting Location:

Whittier Elementary School

Level:

Elementary- Grade 3

Compensation:

 In accordance with Oak Park Teachers Association Collective 

Date Available: 

SY25-26

Bargaining Unit & Classification:

 OPTA & Certified

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None

Benefits:

Insurance - medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available

Leaves - paid sick and personal days provided

Retirement - pre-tax retirement plans (e.g. 403b available)

Portrait of a District 97 Leader:

• Champions the vision of the school district

• Models a forward-thinking and innovative mindset

• Stewards public funds with a high sense of responsibility

• Leads with an unrelenting commitment to universal student success 

• Demonstrates the ability to organize teams to achieve common goals

• Leads with an awareness of the cross-functional nature of district work

• Generates a culture of care for, learning with, and service to the community

• Aspires to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

• Demonstrates a passion for working with a culturally, racially linguistically diverse district team of administrators, educators, and staff in all roles

• Actively seeks feedback, including critical feedback intended for professional growth

• Understands the intersection of public school leadership, student learning, and equity

• Courageously addresses adult behavior that does not meet professional expectations

About This Role

The job of the Teacher is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as an instructional leader with the specific responsibility of supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom dynamics; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress in support of the district’s equity commitments as expressed in   Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.   

Essential Role Responsibilities:

PLANNING AND PREPARATION 

• Applying Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy 

• Knowing and Valuing Students 

• Setting Instructional Outcomes 

• Using Resources Efficiently 

• Planning Coherent Instruction  

• Knowing and Valuing Students 

• Designing and Analyzing Assessments

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 

• Cultivating Respectful and Affirming Environments 

• Fostering a Culture for Learning 

• Maintaining Purposeful Environments 

• Supporting Positive Behavior 

• Organizing Spaces for Learning 

LEARNING EXPERIENCES 

• Communicating About Purpose and Content 

• Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques

• Engaging Students in Learning 

• Using Assessment for Learning

•  Responding Flexibly to Student Needs 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Engaging in Reflective Practice 

• Documenting Student Progress  

• Engaging Families and Communities

• Contributing to School Community and Culture 

• Growing and Developing Professionally

• Acting in Service of Students   

Content Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: 

1. Knowledge of research-based instructional strategies and curriculum alignment with standards.

2. Familiarity with district policies and procedures related to curriculum coordination and instructional support.

3. Dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.

4. Effective oral and written communication skills.

5. Strong interpersonal skills, utilizing tact, patience, and courtesy.

6. Competent in operating standard office and classroom equipment, including computers and assigned software.

7. Capability to understand and relate to students with special needs.

8. Adherence to District organization, operations, policies, and objectives, as well as department and program goals.

9. Skillful interpretation, application, and explanation of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

10. Effective communication, cooperation, and maintenance of cooperative working relationships with others.

11. Accurate analysis of situations and adoption of effective courses of action.

12. Ability to prioritize and schedule work efficiently.

13. Proficient in maintaining records and preparing reports.

14. Consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.

EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS and EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's Degree or higher

• Professional Educator License with applicable elementary endorsement

• English as a second language endorsement preferred

• Previous experience preferred

Physical Requirements: 

This position requires the performance of light work—which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking and standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere.