Job Goal:

The teacher in the Somerville Public Schools maintains the safety, care, and wellbeing of the students that they are charged with. They have an understanding of child and youth development and provide opportunities for learning and social and emotional development following the standards, scope, and sequence of grade level and content areas. The teacher in SPS holds high expectations for every student and strives to know each student’s unique learning strengths and needs. The teacher uses differentiated instruction strategies to ensure equitable and meaningful access to the curriculum and learning for all students.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education teacher licensure in grade and subject area appropriate for the assignment;
• Ability to work with diverse population;
• Knowledge of MA HEPE Curriculum frameworks, curriculum, instruction, and assessment;

Responsibilities:

The teacher is responsible for the classroom and/or specific learning environment including planning, preparation, and organization of materials for delivery of the curriculum. The teacher collaborates with other educators and communicates on an ongoing basis with all adults who share responsibility for their students’ learning. The teacher establishes a relationship with the parents and caregivers of their students and maintains two-way communication about progress in learning and social development. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction;
• Meets and instructs assigned students in the locations and at the time designated;
• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students;

• Provide instruction support to struggling students in classroom settings and in pull out settings
• Plan and provide daily focused, research-based interventions to students using approved instructional materials
• Establishes and maintains culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Collaborates with other educators for the delivery of specialized instruction and/or social and emotional support according to students’ needs.
• Responsible for effective instruction which includes making learning goals clear to the students, using appropriate instructional and questioning techniques;
• Responsible for using innovative approaches and instructional strategies, including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn;
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students;
• Responsible for the promotion of high standards and expectations for student achievement and behavior;
• Implements the district's mission, philosophy of education and instructional standards and objectives;
• Assesses and documents the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required;
• Documents the learning problems of students and seeks the assistance of district specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation;
• Assists administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Makes provision for being available to students, parents and caregivers for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms;
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness;
• Attends staff meetings as required;
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with others;
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Responsible for the promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, for implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and\or second language learners;
• Foster learning environment that is safe and welcoming where all students thrive, providing equal educational opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, marital status, homelessness, religion, national origin, or disability;
• Responsible to support students with disabilities in a general education setting.
• Responsible to support and differentiate learning for students who are second language learners.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as determined by the Principal and/or Supervisor.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job the educator  is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, and crouch.  The educator is frequently required to stand; while talking and listening.  The educator  is occasionally required to sit; walk; lift; or carry.  The educator  is occasionally required to perform heavy lifting and moving of various equipment pieces.

Position Reports to: School Building Principal and K-12 Superisor of Physical Education & Health