Kindergarten Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the Kindergarten Teacher facilitates student success and growth in academic, social, emotional, and interpersonal development by implementing district-approved curriculum, utilizing effective instructional practices, assessing student progress, and creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. The teacher provides ongoing communication and feedback to students, parents, and administrators regarding student achievement, expectations, and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan, prepare, and deliver instruction aligned with district curriculum, state standards, and school improvement goals.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that maximize learning opportunities and effectively utilize instructional time.
• Create and maintain a classroom environment that is safe, positive, equitable, and conducive to learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests of students, including students with special needs.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, technologies, and resources to support student achievement and engagement.
• Provide individual, small-group, and whole-class instruction as appropriate.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and responsible citizenship skills.

Assessment and Student Progress

• Assess student learning through formal and informal methods and use data to guide instructional decisions.
• Monitor student academic, behavioral, and social-emotional progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of student achievement, attendance, and other required documentation in accordance with district procedures and applicable laws.
• Administer district and state assessments in accordance with established testing procedures.

Classroom Management and Student Support

• Establish and maintain clear expectations for student behavior that promote a productive learning environment.
• Implement school and district discipline policies consistently and fairly.
• Encourage student responsibility, respect, and positive social interactions.
• Support the social, emotional, and developmental needs of students.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain regular and effective communication with parents, guardians, students, and staff regarding student progress and classroom activities.
• Encourage and support family engagement in student learning.
• Collaborate with grade-level teams, special education staff, instructional coaches, counselors, and administrators to support student success.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional learning communities, committees, and other school-related activities.

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with educational research, instructional practices, and state requirements.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and adherence to district policies and procedures.
• Select and maintain appropriate instructional materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Supervise students during classroom and school-related activities, including arrival and dismissal, lunch, recess, field trips, and transportation-related activities as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or designee.

The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

EQUIPMENT

• Personal computer and related software applications
• Interactive classroom technology
• Printer, copier, scanner, and telephone
• Other instructional and educational technology equipment

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel between district buildings and to professional development activities, conferences, and meetings as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Current instructional strategies, educational practices, and child development principles.
• Elementary curriculum, state academic standards, and assessment practices.
• Data analysis and data-driven instructional decision-making.
• Applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and district policies related to education.
• Educational technology and learning management systems.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and implement instruction.
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
• Ability to analyze student performance data and develop appropriate interventions.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a professional learning community.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and self-reflection.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in a classroom and school setting.
• Requires standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and lifting instructional materials and supplies.
• May require supervising students in various indoor and outdoor environments.
• Must be able to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Refer to the Districts Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements for additional information.

QUALIFICATIONS

Certification/Licensure

• Valid Indiana Teaching License with appropriate Elementary Education endorsement.
• Additional endorsements or certifications as required by assignment.

Education

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related field required.
• Masters degree preferred.

Experience

• Successful teaching experience at the elementary level preferred.
• Student teaching or comparable educational experience required.