Secondary English Language Arts Teacher, Middle School

Position

Purpose:

Topeka Public Schools language arts educators demonstrate a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining organized, student-centered classrooms, presenting content-rich and standards-based lessons and activities, meeting individual needs through assessments and data, and using a variety of instructional strategies reflective of current best practices and research.

Reports To: Building Principal

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable level-area endorsements preferred).
• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public Schools standards.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of willingness and ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.
• ESOL endorsement is preferred.

While performing duties, the employee frequently walks, sits, talks, and hears; stands and reaches with hands and arms; occasionally lifts or moves up to 25 pounds; requires close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; interacts with staff and meets demands from several people; is responsible for the work output of others; may work extended hours.

• Adapts language arts material and methods that guide and challenge pupils.
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum.
• Develops standards for critical analysis through group discussions.
• Evaluates each pupil’s progress in language arts skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
• Works with students and other teachers in activities such as preparing material for the school newspaper or yearbook or coordinating entries in essay contests.
• Modifies teaching to meet individual student needs.
• Communicates high expectations to all learners.
• Seeks, listens, and responds appropriately to suggestions, requests, and concerns.
• Incorporates use of appropriate technology.
• Develops lesson plans by incorporating effective lesson design.
• Uses a variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources that support instructional goals and student needs.
• Models and facilitates higher-order thinking, problem solving, creativity, and flexibility.
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction.
• Uses data in making instructional decisions.
• Makes students aware of assessment standards/learner expectations.
• Assists students in developing self-assessment skills.
• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress.
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment.
• Develops, models, and practices procedures and routines.
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior and applies appropriate consequences.
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills.
• Models enthusiasm for learning and teaching.
• Treats students, patrons, and colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Uses monitoring techniques to facilitate learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how subject matter/disciplines are integrated.
• Demonstrates how subject matter is organized.
• Communicates effectively and promotes positive interpersonal relationships.
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during instructional activities.
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Oversees assigned budgets.
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner.
• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the Superintendent or designee may assign.

12 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of professional certified personnel.

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.