Title:     Social Studies Teacher  - Middle/High School

Reports To:   Building Principal                   

Position Purpose:           

Topeka Public Schools Social Studies educators demonstrate a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining organized, student-centered classrooms, by presenting content-rich and standards-based lessons and activities, by meeting individual needs through the use of assessments and data, and by using a variety of instructional strategies that are reflective of current best practices and research.

Qualifications:                 

The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior 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:

• ESOL endorsement preferred.
• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable level-area endorsements 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 below requirements 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.

Performance Responsibilities: 

• Plans and delivers a social studies program that includes demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities
• Effectively implements the district-adopted social studies curriculum
• Develops and delivers a balanced social studies program
• Assists students in developing and understanding the contributions of racial, religious, and political groups
• Assists students in developing knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the American government and its economic system and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship
• Assists students in developing knowledge of political and economic systems of other nations and their influence on personal freedom, education, and living standards
• 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 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
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during classroom activities
• 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 assume other responsibilities as the superintendent or designee may assign

Terms of Employment:

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  Personnel

Significant associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor