Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Job Description
Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' knowledge and understanding of world cultures and cultural evolution; to develop skills in research of social orders; and develop an understanding of the existence and importance of geographical, historical, cultural and political factors that influence the development of world societies, socio‑economic systems and political systems, as well as their inter‑relationship and interdependence.

To foster an understanding and appreciation of world cultures, languages, racial, ethnic and religious groups, and political systems.

• Develop and administer Social Studies curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and translate lesson plans into learning experiences to develop unit organization around historical problems, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Teach knowledge of social studies, incorporating history, geography, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, and humanities.
• Develop students' understanding of various racial, ethnic, religious and political groups and mores, as well as socio‑economic status, and the influence of various factors on human rights and freedom.
• Foster an understanding of the continuity and patterns of human behavior through the ages, and an awareness of the complexity and interrelationship of local, state, national and world problems and approaches to their solutions.
• Demonstrate the manner in which the past provides a comparative basis from which to evaluate the nature of current issues and predict courses of action for the future, with continuous cross reference to contemporary matters of importance.
• Develop students' research skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to make critical value judgments and contribute to the thoughtful exchange of ideas, through a variety of reading, writing, group discussion and presentation assignments to stimulate self‑reliance in problem‑solving and drawing conclusions.
• Promote students' critical analysis of the effect media has on the flow of information and shaping of public discourse, and encourage students to seek out and compare alternative sources of information concerning key issues of their world.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modify instructional methods to fit individual students' needs, including students with special needs; conduct individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record‑keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensure that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinate with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participate in faculty meetings and committees.
• Select and requisition appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintain inventory records.

• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of world history in a variety of sub‑topics, including history, geography, sociology, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, anthropology, and humanities.
• Knowledge of humanity's major problems and approaches to their solutions in the past.