Elementary Classroom Teacher

Work Year: 10 Months

Objectives of this role

• To provide a class environment which fosters learning and personal growth; to help students develop skills, attitudes and knowledge relevant to their grade level and provide a good foundation for continued education as well as maintain positive relationships with caregivers and staff members.
• To facilitate student success in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of students' providing a safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to students in accordance with the JCGCS’ curriculums.
• Develop lessons and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction to meet the needs of each student.
• Establish objectives in the preparation of lesson plans
• Maintains excellent and clear records of students’ educational progress in class through the use of board approved platforms.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior necessary to achieve a classroom climate conducive to learning
• Consult with members of the child study team regarding each student's educational program, academic program and personal growth. 
• Meets at least once annually with the case manager, caregivers and other professional staff to review and revise the IEP and placement of each assigned student if applicable.
• Communicate with caregivers through conferences, and other means to inform them about the school's program and discuss the students progress
• Participates in school level planning, such as grade level meetings, staff meetings and professional learning communities
• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student's individualized learning plan
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their goals. 
• Adheres to procedural requirements, including due process timelines.
• Establishes and maintains student control and discipline in the classroom, school premises or during school activities by communicating expectations of appropriate behavior. 
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
• If applicable, provides instructional direction to paraprofessional support staff: assigns activities, provides guidance and instructional oversight
• Attends training sessions, conferences, seminars, district and departmental meetings.
• Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, instructional and educational technologies
• Participate and implement core values of the JCGCS MicroSociety model

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Master’s Degree preferred.
• A New Jersey Department of Education Standard Certificate, Certificate of Eligibility (CE), or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) in Elementary Education, K-6.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Knowledge of research based practices, techniques and approaches.
• Knowledge of child development theories and development stages and needs.
• Knowledge of current trends, theories and technologies pertaining to learning and instruction.
• Knowledge of assessment procedures and techniques, test construction and evaluation methods.
• Knowledge of instructional strategies, techniques and interventions related to job assignment.
• Knowledge of instructional technologies and software, equipment, tools and devices used presenting instruction, documenting assessments, student progress or other classroom administrative requirements of the district.
• Skilled in planning and developing lesson plans consistent with approved program curriculum.
• Skilled in presenting complex materials and concepts in an understandable and grade appropriate manner.
• Skilled in developing assessment tools, assessing and evaluating student performance and needs.
• Skilled in leading group processes/discussions, utilizing a variety of instruction aids and technologies.
• Ability to write reports, lesson plans, learning objectives, tests, and assists in writing and reviewing curriculum using and applying professional/technical concepts, principles and terminology.
• Ability to deal effectively and appropriately with parents, students, staff and other educational professionals over instructional needs, concerns or problems of the student and district.
• Dealing with children, staff, parents, administrators and other educational professionals over parenting issues and concerns. Interactions require persuasion, instruction and working with others to gain cooperation and understanding of educational issues/needs.