Teacher - 3rd Grade

Job Description

Position: Elementary Teacher

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Term: 9 months

Classification: Certified / Exempt

Location: Jefferson

Reports to: Building Principal

Starting Date: Aug 18, 2026

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Valid Missouri Teaching Certificate

Essential Functions:

• Instruct students by creating learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful and engaging.
• Understand the central concepts, structures, and tools of inquiry of the discipline(s).
• Understand how students learn, develop and differ in their approaches.
• Provide learning opportunities adapted to diverse learners and support intellectual, social and personal development of all students.
• Develop daily lesson plans aligned with state standards and district curriculum maps, informed by student data.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies and resources to encourage critical thinking, problem‑solving and performance skills.
• Create a learning environment that encourages active engagement, positive social interaction and self‑motivation.
• Model effective verbal, non‑verbal and media communication techniques with students, colleagues and families to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction.
• Use formative and summative assessment strategies to assess learner progress and use data to plan instruction.
• Participate in regular, meaningful data conversations through learning communities.
• Monitor student performance and devise instruction to enable academic growth.
• Teach in a respectful, civil manner, valuing diversity and resolving conflicts professionally.
• Seek professional growth opportunities to improve learning outcomes.
• Participate in building, grade‑level and subject area committees.
• Complete required reports and forms in a timely manner.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding progress and concerns.
• Serve on IEP/504/student assistance teams as requested and implement plans.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, discrimination and harassment as directed by Board policy and law.
• Prepare lesson plans for substitute teachers prior to absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

General Expectations:

• Supports the mission and values of Joplin Schools.
• Enforce board policies, regulations, administrative procedures and federal and state laws.
• Properly supervise students at all times where applicable.
• Observe all safety rules.
• Care for, use, and protect school property.
• Maintain courteous, professional relationships with students, parents, colleagues and community.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, staff, district members and community.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Comply with privacy rights and safeguard confidential information.
• React to change productively; accept constructive criticism.
• Participate in professional development.
• Conduct official business in professional and timely manner, using district technology.
• Adhere to scheduled work hours, attending required meetings.
• Maintain accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit.
• Use math functions to solve practical problems.
• Read and interpret documents such as work orders, safety rules, handbooks, and apply them to duties.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is essential.

Physical Demands: Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; speaking and hearing in a noisy classroom; moving around; reading printed material.

Conditions and Environment: Work in a noisy and active school environment; occasional outdoor work during transportation and recess.

Joplin Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not illegally discriminate in its programs, services, activities or facilities.