Elementary Teacher

Members of the teaching staff provide learning experiences that enable every student to reach their highest potential and fulfill duties assigned by the Head of School. These expectations apply to all teaching roles in addition to any role-specific duties that follow.

Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with the school curriculum.

Deliver engaging, differentiated instruction that meets the diverse needs of learners.

Demonstrate genuine interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.

Communicate course objectives, grading procedures, deadlines, expectations, and the classroom plan clearly to students and families.

Communicate regularly with students, families, and colleagues about growth and achievement.

Document family communication regarding behavioral or academic concerns in the student information system.

Collaborate with the counselor and administration on referral procedures.

Maintain confidentiality and model professionalism in preparedness, communication, fairness, punctuality, attendance, language, and appearance.

Foster an environment in which all students and colleagues are respected and able to thrive.

Demonstrate mutual respect for students, families, and colleagues, and serve as a role model.

Create and maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful classroom that builds students' confidence to learn.

Support school-wide activities, procedures, and expectations, using preventive practices and active supervision.

Pursue ongoing professional growth and development.

Build warm, supportive relationships in which every student feels known, safe, and valued.

Actively supervise students and intervene promptly to prevent or stop verbal or physical harm between students.

Respond to students' emotional and physical needs with patience, empathy, and attentiveness.

Notice and follow up on changes in a student's mood, behavior, or well-being, involving families and colleagues as appropriate.

Guide students toward kindness, respect, and self-regulation, modeling these qualities in every interaction.

Come prepared to carry out all assigned responsibilities.

Know, follow, and fairly and consistently apply school policies and procedures.

Help maintain a safe, healthy, and respectful environment for students, faculty, and staff—free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, substance abuse, violence, bias, and discrimination.

Intervene promptly in any conduct that negatively affects students, in a manner that protects confidentiality and the dignity of each person.

Treat colleagues with respect, kindness, and professional courtesy, even under pressure.

Communicate honestly and constructively, assuming good intent and addressing concerns directly and privately.

Offer and accept help generously, contributing to a collaborative and supportive team.

Honor commitments to colleagues and follow through reliably.

Demonstrate emotional self-regulation, staying calm and constructive in difficult moments.

Model the kindness, gratitude, and compassion at the heart of the HMS community, supporting the Buddhist values that guide life at Hongwanji Mission School.

• Demonstrated student growth and achievement across the year on classroom and school-wide assessments.
• Lessons aligned to curriculum and standards, with consistent, effective differentiation.
• Timely, constructive communication with families and accurate records in the student information system.
• A positive, well-managed classroom climate with proactive behavior support.
• Active participation in professional development, collaboration, and school life.
• Modeling of HMS Buddhist values in daily interactions with students and colleagues.