Teacher, PK

Polk County Public Schools•Lakeland, FL

22h

About The Position

The Teacher, PK position exists to ensure that students learn basic and essential prekindergarten skills. The teacher plans and delivers instruction aligned with district philosophy, goals, and adopted courses of study, adapting instruction to students’ individual needs and creating a classroom environment conducive to learning. The role includes curriculum development, classroom management, student supervision, communication and cooperation with families and staff, professional growth, and regular assessment of student progress. As part of the Head Start program, the teacher complies with federal Head Start regulations, conducts two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per student each school year, and works as a team with a Child Development Teacher (CDAT). The teacher leads the team and shares responsibility for classroom operations, curriculum preparation and implementation, and assessing children’s educational, social, and emotional needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Certification and qualification as Highly Qualified in Early Childhood as defined by the assigned course code(s).
Ability to work cooperatively with parents, school districts, and agencies in providing services to students.
Ability to develop concepts and ideas and communicate them orally and in writing.
Knowledge of child development.
Ability to administer required testing instruments.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with students, teams, and groups.
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferably in Early Childhood education.
Bilingual/biliterate ability.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement instruction aligned with district philosophy, goals, objectives, and adopted courses of study.
Prepare purposeful lesson plans and assignments that support effective teaching, maximize time on task, and address individual student needs.
Create a learning-conducive classroom environment, encourage student enthusiasm and good study habits, and provide required progress and interim reports.
Prepare a substitute folder as requested by the building principal and plan assignments for paraprofessionals, tutors, and volunteers as needed.
Recognize learning problems and make appropriate referrals; demonstrate subject-matter knowledge and communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Keep current in subject matter and learning theory, contribute to curriculum revision, assist with instructional-material selection, and identify beneficial supplemental services.
Establish and consistently apply reasonable classroom behavior rules and discipline techniques in accordance with district and building guidelines.
Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities; supervise students in school areas and arrange supervision of assigned students during brief absences.
Uphold and enforce board policies, administrative procedures, and school rules; maintain regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of planning and conference time.
Communicate positively about the school program and cooperate with parents and staff to strengthen students’ educational programs.
Pursue professional growth through workshops, seminars, conferences, or advanced coursework; maintain appropriate professional memberships; cooperate with in-service planning; and attend required meetings.
Evaluate student accomplishments regularly using multiple assessment methods and adjust instruction based on results.
Maintain instructional-program accountability and protect the confidentiality of student, parent, and teacher records and information.
Comply with federal Head Start regulations and conduct two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per student per school year.
Work as a team with a Child Development Teacher (CDAT), lead the team, and share responsibility for classroom operations, curriculum activities, and assessment of children’s educational, social, and emotional needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.