Buchanan Community Schools is seeking qualified applicants for an Elementary Heartwise Teacher at Moccasin Elementary – half time and Ottawa Elementary School – half time. This unique role serves as a fifth special rotation blending essential library literacy with impactful social-emotional learning (SEL). The successful candidate will design a vibrant, supportive learning environment that empowers students to cultivate a love for reading while developing critical personal, emotional, and social life skills in Grades K-4.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
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Teaches district approved curriculum integrating library media skills and evidence-based social-emotional learning competencies
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Instructs students in citizenship, digital literacy, and character education
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Develops lesson plans and instructional material that explicitly link literature themes to real-world social-emotional applications (“Heartwise”)
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Utilize community resources and develop funding sources to provide experiences outside the school or to bring experiences into the school with regards to integrated arts
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Apply current evidenced-based practices and theory to classroom instruction
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Design lessons that show evidence of differentiated instruction
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Translates lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences
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Excellent written and oral communication skills at both adult and student levels
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Communicates regularly with parents outside normal classroom day by means of newsletters, notes, phone calls, and conferences, etc.
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Is available to students and parents for educational-related purposes outside of the instructional day
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Develop positive relationships with administration, colleagues, parents, students, and a cooperative team player in any group setting
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Teaches students with disabilities through the use of inclusion strategies
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Ability to plan and implement accommodations for ELL, Special Education, 504, and at-risk students
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Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere
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Evaluates students academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports
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Develop and maintain appropriate academic and behavior recordkeeping to inform parents and staff in a timely manner
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Provides multiple assessment opportunities
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Identifies student needs and makes appropriate referrals and develops strategies for individual education plans
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Plans and coordinates the procedures of parapros, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips
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Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays interest centers and exhibits of student’s work
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Provides accurate and timely reports as required by administration
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Serves on the curriculum committees and assumes a leadership role in developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating curriculum in the district
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Serves as a consultant in the selection of instructional materials and equipment; recommends new programs and changes in existing programs
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Keeps informed of the latest developments in all curriculum areas taught in the classroom and conveys relevant information to colleagues
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Pursue professional growth to improve teaching and student learning by taking course work, attending relevant workshops and conferences and reading professional journals
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Arranges and sets up an organized classroom
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Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and creating a climate respectful of all learners
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Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
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Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals established clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, field trips, resource speakers and the like to communicate these objectives to students
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Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
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Facilitates cooperative learning, conflict mediation, and class meeting protocols
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Maintains inventory of equipment, furniture, and materials
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Coordinates schedules with building staff
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Participate in extracurricular activities that are a part of the total educational experience for all children
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Participate and plan in school committees, events, and programs designed to improve/enhance the overall school/district program
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Impeccable character, sense of humor, and compassion for students, families, and district staff
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Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance
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Any other duties or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the administration
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The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment in the District
Supervisory Responsibilities: supervises students in the classroom, paraprofessional, parent volunteers, and student volunteers. Organize and plan strategies for teacher aides to use.
Qualification Requirements: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Education and/or Experience: Bachelor or Masters degree
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Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate, Elementary K-5 All Subjects (ZG), K-8 All Subjects (ZC), or Lower Elementary Education PK-3 (ZO) AND Upper Elementary Education 3-6 (ZP), or General Elementary K-6 (ZE)
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Language Skills: Read and interpret documents such as policies, regulations, and articles; write reports and correspondence; speak effectively before groups of stakeholders; and listen and respond to inquiries
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Mathematical Skills: Calculate figures and amounts; and apply math concepts to practical situations
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Reasoning Skills: Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables; use logic and reasoning to interpret instructions whether written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
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Other Skills: Course work in dance, drama and music. Apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; technologically literate using Chromebook computers and Google applications; knowledge and prior use of State of Michigan Curriculum benchmarks and grade level content expectations for music, dance, and theatre at the elementary level; use of MDE curriculum in guiding planning, teaching and learning activities and strategies for all subject areas as well as formative and summative assessments; able to effectively take direction, as well as, work independently and as a member of a team; ability to handle complex and stressful issues or situations with sound judgment, common sense, and a calm demeanor; punctual and rarely absent work habits; ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies
Physical Demands: the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk and hear. Must have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or the work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.
Work Environment: the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
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The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors. The employee is required to meet deadlines with severe time constraints, interact with stakeholders, and work regular hours.
Position Details:
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Title: Elementary Heartwise Teacher
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Reports to: Ottawa & Moccasin Elementary Principals
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Starting date: 2026-27 School Year, August 24, 2026
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Calendar: Up to 185 Days
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Compensation: According to BEA contract, full benefit package offered
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Posting date: July 6, 2026
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Application deadline: Until Filled
Application and supporting materials should be submitted using
Buchanan Community Schools’ online employment link:
http://www.buchananschools.com/employment/
Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Lacy Payne at:
[email protected]
BUCHANAN BOARD OF EDUCATION
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW
Buchanan Community Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender/sex, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance Officers for Affirmative Action and review of Federal requirements are as follows: Section 504 and ADA; Callie Campbell (Director of Special Education, 695-8442), Title IX and Title VI; Brian Pruett (Buchanan High School Principal, 695-8404) and Shelby Beasley (Buchanan Middle School Principal, 695-8406)
