Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Little Rock School District•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Middle School Social Studies Teacher is responsible for structuring the learning environment to study the integrated social studies program outlined by the LRSD Curriculum Guides. The goal is to help students master skills that contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible learners by establishing clear behavior and learning expectations. The teacher will consistently strive to improve performance, provide ongoing feedback on student progress, and ensure all learners experience success. This is a nine-and-one-fourth (9.25) month contract (190 days) position with a benefits package. The precise salary placement will be determined by experience and LRSD’s salary placement guidelines. This is an EXEMPT FLSA position.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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 of 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.