CATEGORY: Certified
CONTRACT PERIOD: 9.5 month/187 days for the 2026-2027 School Year
QUALIFICATIONS: Please refer to Pre-K Program Guidelines below.
SALARY SCHEDULE: Salary will be paid based on the approved state minimum salary schedule - classroom teachers as approved by the Board. (Current salary schedule can be found on the Sheffield City Schools website.)
DEADLINE: Position open until filled
OTHER INFORMATION: See guidelines below.
Alabama First Class Pre-K Program Guidelines
The Alabama Pre-K Teaching Team
TS 1 Lead Teacher
TS 1.1 Days of Service
All lead teachers are funded for 187 days of service – 180 days of classroom instructional services provided to children and 7 days of pre/post planning and/or staff training. The teacher is expected to work and be compensated based on 7.5 hours of work per day, including 6.5 hours of instruction and 1 hour of joint planning with the auxiliary teacher.
In cases where the governor declares a state of emergency in your county, OSR teachers must be paid for days out of school and can use OSR funds. Additionally, any missed school days due to this circumstance do not have to be made up.
If a First Class Pre-K program provider requires teachers to work more than 187 days, the provider cannot use First Class program funds for this expense. If a First Class Pre-K program teacher is required to work more than 8 hours per day, the teacher must be paid using non-OSR funds.
TS 1.2 Age Requirements
All lead teachers must be at least 21 years of age or older.
TS 1.3 Education Requirements
All lead teachers must possess one of the following degrees:
1. Human Environmental Science degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Development or Child Development.
2. Early Childhood Education degree (B.S., B.A., or M.A./M.S.) or completion of a bachelor’s degree program leading to P-3 certification in Early Childhood Education with a minimum of 18 credit hours in early childhood/ child development coursework.
3. Special Education degree in Early Childhood with a minimum of 18 credit hours in early childhood/child development coursework, or a bachelor’s degree program leading to certification in Early Childhood Special Education with a minimum of 18 credit hours in early childhood/child development coursework.
Note: Teacher certification is only required for teachers employed in public schools.
Official transcripts on all new lead teachers must be submitted to the OSR no later 30 days from hire date. Transcripts must be official and mailed, sealed and unopened, or electronically received by the OSR from the actual institution. All degrees must be earned from an institution that has received regional accreditation.
TS 1.4 Lead Teacher Salary
Lead teacher salaries must be paid according to their Salary Matrix (see Appendix A). This is the base salary and does not include benefits.
Additional Information
REPORTS TO: Principal
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Determines individual and class needs consistent with district and state instructional goals.
- Establishes objectives and plans learning experiences that comply with local and state curriculum guidelines
- Delivers instructional activities in a manner demonstrating a variety of instructional techniques, promoting positive interaction among students, and providing for appropriate practice of activities and skills focusing upon the desired learning outcomes
- Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior that facilitate teaching and learning
- Demonstrates the effective evaluation of student needs and progress by engaging in entry level diagnosis activities, test construction, record keeping, and appropriate referral of students with special needs, preparing students for assessment, effective test administration and post assessment follow-up activities
- Seeks assistance of specialists as needed and makes referrals when appropriate
- Works collaboratively with other members of the school faculty and staff to promote student learning
- Maintains a professional, cooperative working relationship with parents and community
- Participates in school co-curricular programs and district program improvement efforts
- Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and ethics, and works cooperatively with the Board, the Superintendent, other administrators, Board employees, parents, and students
- Implements professional learning plan and maintains proper certification
- Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, board policy and school principal and submits records and reports in a timely manner
- Models appropriate personal characteristics and work habits that are consistent with personal development goals established for students
- Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state and federal rules and regulations
- Implements and follows the Alabama Quality Teaching Standards developed by the Alabama State Department of Education
- Assumes responsibility to perform any other tasks assigned by the principal
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT : As assigned by the Board. This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position.
SALARY: Salary in accordance with Board approved State Salary Schedule
EVALUATION : Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on assessments and evaluations.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Sheffield City Schools Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.
Nondiscrimination Statement: The Sheffield City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, Darryl Washington, Assistant Superintendent or Julie Box, Special Education and 504 Coordinator, 300 West Sixth Street, Sheffield, AL 35660, 256-383-0400
DECLARACIÓN DE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN: El sistema escolar de la ciudad de Sheffield no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, o edad en sus programas y actividades, y ofrece igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos de jóvenes designados. Las siguientes personas han sido designados para recibir consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación: Educación Especial y Coordinador de 504, 300 W. Sixth Street Sheffield, AL 35660 256-383-0400; Coordinador de Programas Federales, 300 W. Sixth Street Sheffield, AL 35660 256-383-0400.
