Teacher; Fifth

Position: Teacher (Fifth)

Teacher (Fifth) – Polk County School Board

About the District

Polk County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the nation, encompassing more than 120 schools and serving over 117,000 students. With a reputation for educational excellence, the district offers nationally accredited workforce academies, Florida Arts Model Schools, and a growing number of Advanced Placement and Cambridge International programs.

Position Overview

Polk County Public Schools is looking for adaptable, independent, and detail‑oriented educators to join our team. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in any area are welcome to apply. Please contact to learn the steps.

Essential Functions

• Plan and implement a program of instruction that aligns with the district’s philosophy, goals, and adopted courses of study.
• Create purposeful lesson plans that provide effective teaching strategies and maximize time on task.
• Design a program of study to meet individual student needs.
• Develop a classroom environment conducive to learning using a variety of appropriate teaching strategies.
• Encourage student enthusiasm and the development of good study habits.
• Provide progress and interim reports as required.
• Prepare substitute folders containing appropriate information as requested by the building principal.
• Prescribe purposeful assignments for paraprofessionals, tutors, and volunteers as needed.
• Recognize learning problems and make referrals as appropriate.
• Demonstrate a strong grasp of subject matter and use effective oral and written expression.

Curriculum Development

• Maintain current subject‑matter knowledge and learning theory; share knowledge to improve the school’s curriculum.
• Assist in the ongoing curriculum revision process, including writing courses of study.
• Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Become acquainted with supplemental services beneficial to students.

Classroom Management

• Develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and consistent discipline techniques in accordance with district and building guidelines.
• Take necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Share responsibility during the school day for supervision of students in all areas of the school.
• Provide supervision for assigned students when brief absence occurs.

Public Relations

• Uphold and enforce board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules, and communicate their support to the public.
• Maintain appropriate work habits, including punctual attendance and effective use of planning time.
• Communicate the positive aspects of the school program to the public.
• Collaborate with parents to strengthen the educational program for their children.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with other staff.

Professional Growth

• Continue professional growth through workshops, seminars, conferences, and advanced coursework.
• Maintain membership in appropriate professional organizations.
• Cooperate with the administration in planning in‑service training programs.
• Attend staff, department, and committee meetings as required.

Student Evaluation

• Evaluate student accomplishments regularly using multiple assessment methods.
• Adjust instructional programs based on assessment results.
• Maintain accountability required for the instructional program.
• Respect confidentiality of student, parent, and teacher records according to professional ethics and law.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Work cooperatively with parents, school districts, and agencies in providing services to students.
• Develop concepts and ideas and communicate them in oral and written form.
• Know child development and administer testing instruments as required.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and collaborate with students, teams, and groups.
• Work a flexible schedule to meet position needs.
• Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Education, Experience & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certified, qualified, and highly qualified as defined by the Course Code(s) assigned.

Work Context & Physical Environment

• Requires sitting, standing, walking, and moving to coordinate work.
• Uses electronic mail, telephones, and computers for communication.
• Coordinates work tasks to establish priorities, set goals, and meet deadlines.
• Engages in face‑to‑face discussions with individuals and teams.
• Interacts with students, internal and external contacts, and the public.
• Works indoors in controlled conditions; may work outdoors with exposure to weather, foliage, insects, etc.
• Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly and occasionally more.

Seniority Level /

Employment Type

• Entry level
• Full‑time

Location & Compensation

Lake Lakeland, FL – $53,820.00–$64,473.00

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