About the position
The pre-kindergarten blended teacher is responsible for delivering engaging and differentiated instruction using project-based lessons from The Creative Curriculum and providing instructional services to children with disabilities according to the child's Individual Education Program (IEP). The teacher is responsible for developing objectives and timelines that are appropriate to the student's needs as indicated in their IEP. The teacher works collaboratively with therapists and classroom paraprofessionals to integrate student supports related to the learning in the classroom. The teacher administers the pre-school screening tool and uses the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment system to collect student achievement data and monitor growth. The teacher establishes a culture for learning within the classroom, ensuring that students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The teacher maintains regular communication with parent(s)/guardian(s) with regard to the instructional program and student progress.
Responsibilities
- Develops and implements age-appropriate lesson plans that align with the curriculum standards.
- Prepares lesson plans that incorporate best practice instructional strategies in the area of child development.
- Develops, implements, and monitors IEPs that are tailored to each student's academic and social/emotional needs.
- Provides appropriate materials and experiences that address the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development needs of each student.
- Develops learning outcomes that are aligned with curriculum standards, but modified to meet the needs and abilities of each student.
- Promotes positive and supportive relationships with students.
- Fosters a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages social interaction, exploration, and creativity.
- Prepares for IEP meetings by updating relevant sections of the IEP in accordance with deadlines set forth by the Special Education Coordinator.
Requirements
- Current and valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an early childhood endorsement as well as the early childhood special education (ECT) approval or current and valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an early childhood special education (ECS3) endorsement.
- Individual must be flexible, creative and child centered.
- Individual must be able to create a warm and nurturing environment in which children can explore and begin to develop socially and academically.
- Candidate shall have knowledge of best instructional practices for teaching developmental learning skills.
- Ability to assess the learning of students and modify or enhance instruction as needed.
- Ability to analyze various forms of data and use the information to make instructional decisions.
- Experience using Teaching Strategies GOLD and Creative Curriculum desired.
Benefits
- Starting salary of $49,029.
- Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
- Qualified candidates may be granted up to twenty years of verified full-time teaching experience for credit on the salary schedule.
- We offer a mentoring program for teachers who are new to the District.
- The District offers a competitive benefits package, which includes health (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental (Guardian), vision (VSP) and life insurance plans.
- Reimbursement of up to $100 for goods and activities that promote wellness as part of the District's Employee Wellness Program.
- Employee assistance program offered to employees and their immediate family members.
