Reports To:  Building Principal

Position Purpose: 

Assumes professional responsibility for providing learning experiences in the Family and Consumer Sciences discipline and supervision of students in a supportive and positive climate that develops in each student the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards, using approved curricula, materials, and directives of the school.  Achieving academic excellence may require that the Family and Consumer Science teacher work collaboratively with other members of the school staff and with parents.

Qualifications:

The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavioral standards, as set by the Kansas Department of Education.  In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of Topeka Public Schools, all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria:

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable area-level endorsements preferred).
• ESOL Endorsement preferred.
• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public School standards.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Physical/Emotional Requirements:  (The incumbent may be required to use the skills and abilities outlined below during any part of the working day.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.  The employee is responsible for the work output of others.  On occasion, the employee may be required to work extended hours.

Knowledge/Ability/Skills:

• Knowledge of child development, especially the characteristics of students in the age group assigned.
• Knowledge of the prescribed curriculum.
• Knowledge of current educational research.
• Basic understanding and knowledge of current technology.
• Knowledge of learning styles and skill in using varied teaching methods to address student learning styles.
• Skills in oral and written communication with students, parents and others.
• Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness.
• Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results, and prescribe actions for improvement.
• Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn.
• Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators, and others.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Teaches concepts and skills in foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, home management, family relationships, and consumer education.
• Organizes class activities so that preparation, instruction, and clean-up activities can be accomplished within the allotted class time.
• Demonstrates techniques in Family and Consumer Science and prepares appropriate instructional aids and display materials to enhance learning.
• Instructs pupils in use, care, and safe operation of equipment and appliances.
• Encourages pupils to demonstrate learned techniques at home.
• Maintains current information on professional careers.
• Modifies teaching to meet individual student needs.
• Communicates high expectations to all learners.
• Seeks, listens, and responds appropriately to suggestions, requests, and concerns.
• Incorporates use of appropriate technology.
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum.
• Develops lesson plans by incorporating effective lesson design.
• Uses a variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources that support instructional goals and student needs.
• Models and facilitates higher-order thinking, problem solving, creativity, and flexibility.
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction.
• Uses a variety of informal and formal assessment data in making instructional decisions.
• Makes students aware of assessment standards/learner expectations.
• Assists students in developing self-assessment skills.
• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress.
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment.
• Develops, models, and practices procedures and routines.
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior and applies appropriate consequences.
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills.
• Models enthusiasm for learning and teaching.
• Treats students, patrons, and colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Uses monitoring techniques to facilitate learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how subject matter/disciplines are integrated.
• Demonstrates how subject matter is organized.
• Communicates effectively and promotes positive interpersonal relationships.
• Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers.
• Administers group standardized tests in accordance with district testing program.
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve effective participation in activities and learning experiences.
• Plans and delivers a program that includes demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.
• Selects and requests instructional materials.
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Oversees assigned budgets.
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner.
• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the superintendent or designee may assign.

Terms of Employment:

9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of certified professional employees.