WEST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT #208
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, Master’s Degree preferred
2. Valid Washington State Teacher Certificate with proper endorsements
3. Must fulfill requirements for “Highly Qualified” status under NCLB
4. Kindergarten teaching experience preferred, but not required
5. ESL Endorsement Preferred
6. Bilingual and bi-literate skills in English/Spanish preferred, but not required
Essential Functions:
- Instruct students in accordance with WVSD curriculum guidelines and Common Core Standards
- Create and maintain a safe, positive, productive learning environment for all students
- Establish high standards of student behavior to achieve a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning
- Design an attractive and effective learning environment through functional displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers
- Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and colleagues
- Consistently use a variety of research proven instructional strategies to keep students actively engaged in relevant, rigorous learning activities
- Provide individualized and small group instruction in order to meet unique needs of each student
- Assist students in development of citizenship, social skills, and moral character
- Regularly assess students’ academic and social growth, and use the data to inform instruction
- Communicate regularly and proactively with parents to keep them apprised of their child’s progress and behavior
- Identify students at risk (academic, medical, emotional, etc.), and cooperate with other professional staff members to evaluate problems and plan appropriate interventions
- Supervise students both in and out of the classroom throughout the school day
- Maintain accurate records as required (student attendance, academic progress, lesson plans, etc.)
- Select and requisition books and instructional aides, and maintain required inventory records
- Actively participate in staff meetings, faculty committees, PTA events, and the sponsorship of student activities
- Participate cooperatively in the teacher evaluation process by setting goals for professional growth, gathering evidence of instructional effectiveness, and using feedback to improve practices
- Maintain professional competence by reading professional publications and participating in workshops, conferences, and district in-service activities
- Perform other tasks as assigned
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to interact easily, effectively, and positively with students, staff, and parents
- Must be enthusiastic, flexible, and committed to students’ success
- Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive, productive learning atmosphere
- Proven ability to motivate and support students with diverse academic and behavioral needs
- Knowledge of and ability to use positive, productive techniques for improving student behavior
- Ability to build strong relationships with parents and involve them as active partners in their children’s education
- Sensitivity to cultural and language differences and ability to make all feel respected and valued
- Proven ability to serve as a reliable, responsible, contributing member of a team
- Knowledge of Washington State Grade Level Expectations and the Common Core Standards
- Ability and willingness to follow recommendations from district administrators and specialists
- Ability to use a variety of computer software programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and internet browsers
- Positive attitude and sense of humor!
- Bilingual Preferred
Working Relationships
Work in partnership with both large and small groups of teachers and other professional staff. Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, and teaching staff. Team up with grade level colleagues to plan lessons, analyze student data, and maintain a focus on continuous improvement. Cooperate with building administrator in the observation and evaluation process. When working with instructional paraprofessionals, provide appropriate lesson plans and activity supervision. May deal with a wide range of student abilities and behaviors; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students.
Working Conditions
The daily work is performed in a classroom setting. The job incumbent is often required to stand or sit for prolonged periods, be exposed to computer display terminal for prolonged periods, and meet externally imposed and inflexible deadlines. May be required to work outdoors in inclement weather; lift, move, and position students and equipment; supervise students, bus loading/unloading; attend to students’ personal hygiene; may be required to deal with distraught, angry, or hostile individuals; may need to take precautions to avoid exposure to student bodily fluids and cleaning or disinfecting compounds; required to work in non-routine positions for extended periods.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting (able to lift 50 pounds and assisting in lifting over 50 pounds), carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job related is performed under a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere.
