Social Studies Teacher

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools•Kansas City, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Social Studies Teacher The Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools serve 1600 students from PreK-12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school. Over 96% of our students are Latinx. Our school system consists of Guadalupe Centers High School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers Elementary School. Our system grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programming. Guadalupe Centers is the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US since 1919. Our roots in our community run deep. There are many benefits to working at GCCS, with some of them being: Student and Families: GCCS teachers strive to form strong relationships with our students and their families. Our organization grew out of Guadalupe Centers, the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US. These community ties are integral to who we are. Staff Autonomy: Teachers at GCCS appreciate having the autonomy to try proven and new approaches in their classroom and are encouraged to innovate. The experience of teachers is valued and they are given space to collaborate and share their best practice with each other. Coaching and Development: Staff at GCCS collaborate with their leaders on their growth and development. GCCS teachers set a professional development goal in collaboration with their coaches, colleagues, and in district initiatives. All staff are aligned on working on their development over the course of the year. Additional benefits include, but are not limited to: Competitive compensation and benefits, a qualifying relocation stipend upon hire, a bilingual (Spanish) stipend upon hire, and tuition reimbursement. GCCS has also expanded our benefits around well-being and mental health. Summary: A Social Studies Teacher works to develop an appreciation of American ideals and cultural heritage; to develop proficiency in the use of social studies inquiry skills and concepts; to motivate students to understand and exercise their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens; to develop understanding of the geographical, historical, cultural, and political factors that influence the development of world regions.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.
Committed to working with under-served students.
Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education.
Missouri State Certification in Secondary Education.
Two to four years of experience working in a classroom setting.
English required

Nice To Haves

Experience in an urban school setting is preferred.
Bilingual ability, Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Create a safe and positive classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
Implement instructional activities that contribute to a positive climate where students are actively engaged in the learning process.
Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative procedures of the school district.
Develops a balanced social studies program involving factual background material, material on current events, discussion time, and other appropriate activities designed to encourage students to develop skills and attitudes, conclude, achieve improved interpersonal relationships, and be able to make value judgments based on scientific methods of inquiry.
Develops knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the American governmental and economic system, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.
Develops an understanding of the contributions of racial, religious, and political groups to American culture.
Develops knowledge of political and economic systems of other nations and their influence on personal freedom, education, and living standards.
Makes current material from the mass media available to students; plans and guides discussions of current problems against the background of the geographical environment and the history of the area that is being studied.
Encourages students to become aware of the complexity and interrelations of local, state, national, and world problems.
Implement ESL strategies and scaffolding for student understanding (Listening & Reading), student interaction, and student production (Speaking & Writing) across all WIDA levels to increase the achievement of English Language Learners (ELLs) across all content area standards.
Identify instructional resources and strategies to address the needs of individual students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
Maintain effective and efficient record-keeping procedures for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
Collaborate with colleagues to enhance the implementation of the established curriculum.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
Serve as a positive role model for the purpose of demonstrating professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
Assess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or standards for the purpose of determining gains in student performance and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration.
Participate in professional growth opportunities.
Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits and other related duties for the purpose of ensuring an effective work environment.
Attend all meetings with parents and give input concerning the creation of an Individual Education Plan or a 504 Plan
Ensure implementation of all modifications and accommodations for students with Special Needs (IEP/504)
Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement of professional practice, cultural competence, and ability to meet the specific instructional needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Manage student behavior with the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Respond to emergencies to resolve immediate safety concerns
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor for the purpose of serving students' and staff needs.