2026-2027 SY: Teacher - PreK

Santa Fe Public Schools•Santa Fe, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-K Teacher creates a flexible, developmentally appropriate learning program using the New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines to promote learning and personal growth. The teacher builds positive relationships with students and parents and communicates regularly with families to foster children’s growth and development in pre-K education. The teacher plans and delivers instruction that addresses students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities; supports academic, social, and behavioral development; and complies with state standards and district goals. The role includes assessing and documenting student progress, maintaining an effective classroom environment, coordinating with instructional assistants and other classroom participants, and collaborating with colleagues and Pre-K staff. The position is based at Kearny Elementary School, reports to the Principal, and has a nine-month contract.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Current New Mexico B-3, B-PreK, or PreK-3 teaching license.
Demonstrated general knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in instructing students and managing behavior.
Willingness to participate in professional growth and stay current with developments in the profession.
Ability to work with diverse ethnic groups.
Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with district requirements and Board of Education policies.
Knowledge of age-appropriate instruction for Pre-K students.
Knowledge of district policies on immunization, medication, first aid, emergencies, and child abuse and neglect.
Ability to maintain classroom and outdoor environments according to state requirements and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS).
Must complete a post-offer/pre-employment background check.
Regular attendance, punctuality, and ability to complete work within allotted time.
Ability to use equipment appropriately and apply proper body mechanics to help prevent muscle strain or injury.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish.
Early Childhood Special Education license may be required for specific positions.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a program of study that addresses students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities and complies with state standards and district goals.
Prepare developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans based on the New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines, including individualized and small-group instruction.
Deliver curriculum using adopted textbooks and translate lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Communicate regularly with parents through newsletters, notes, phone calls, conferences, and other means about students’ academic, social, and behavioral progress.
Establish and maintain standards of student behavior and a classroom environment conducive to learning.
Evaluate students’ academic and social growth, maintain records, and prepare progress reports.
Identify student needs, make appropriate referrals, develop strategies for IEPs, and initiate Child Find referrals when developmental or social-behavioral concerns arise.
Be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
Plan and coordinate the work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips.
Create a learning environment with functional displays, interest centers, and exhibits of student work.
Collaborate with peers to enhance instruction and develop common assessments.
Model professional and ethical standards in interactions with students, parents, peers, and the community.
Implement observational assessments using Embedded Essential Indicators and complete required portfolios, reports, and State database submissions by deadlines.
Provide opportunities for parent involvement and parenting education.
Prepare lesson plans and materials for substitute teachers.
Work as a co-teacher with the instructional assistant when implementing observational assessments and developmentally appropriate activities.
Communicate with Pre-K staff, attend bi-monthly PLC meetings, and work closely with the Pre-K consultant.
Avoid taking on additional school-site duties that could conflict with pupil-teacher ratios during Pre-K instructional time.
Perform other related Pre-K duties as assigned.
Follow established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, and facility and computer security policies and procedures.