Classroom Teacher - Primary (Grades 2nd - 3rd)

Job Description Checklist

First listed: March 11, 2008

School Mission

St. Madeleine Sophie School is dedicated to providing an outstanding educational program in an environment of Catholic faith and moral values.    We seek to develop Christian leadership by promoting active service in the wider community.    Our graduates will be equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of further education in a diverse and complex world.

JOB DESCRIPTION: This employee is responsible for the design and daily operation of a program that enables students to acquire a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge needed for continued school success.    The incumbent is knowledgeable in creating a program where students are valued as individuals and where their need for attention, approval and affection are supported.

A Primary Grade teaching position ensures a program design that keeps the developmental needs of the emergent learner in mind.    Careful attention will be given to providing a flexible, innovative environment that reflects our school's mission to inspire learning for the future in a welcoming and responsive way.   At the same time, the incumbent will act as team member within a newly created department that will design our model for a new school for a new century.

Duties of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Programming

• Meeting and instructing assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated in collaboration with other staff.
• Developing and maintaining a classroom environment conducive to effective learning.
• Employing a variety of developmentally appropriate instructional techniques and instructional media to meet the needs and capabilities of the individual or student groups involved.
• Establishing and maintaining high standards of student behavior consistent with school and diocesan policies.
• Striving to implement by instruction and action the school's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, materials, equipment and facilities.
• Evaluating student progress on a regular basis and providing appropriate feedback to students and parents.
• Assisting in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and school policy.
• Assisting in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Providing guidance to pupils that will promote their welfare and their proper educational development.

2. Planning

• Preparing for students and classes assigned and showing written evidence of preparation upon request of the principal.
• Cooperating with other members of the staff in planning and use of instructional materials and facilities.
• Providing for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced course work at institutions of higher learning.

3. Public Relations

• Making provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested.
• Attending and participating in faculty meetings, school programs, open houses and commissionings as required.
• Working to establish and maintain strong and regular means of communication with students and their parents concerning the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, physiological and maturational growth of the child.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with other employees and parish staff.

4. Reporting

• Maintaining and promptly submitting accurate, complete, and correct records as required.
• Other responsibilities as directed by the principal.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Current professional certification in elementary level education.

All appropriate health verifications and background records checks.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Practicing, knowledgable Catholic.

Background / training as Reading, Math and/or Special Needs specialist.  

Successful experience working with Primary level students, especially in a Catholic or independent school setting.

Working familiarity with the WA State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and rubrics-based performance assessments.

Training in administering and analyzing early learning developmental assessments as well as both norm-referenced and performanced-based tests

Experience in age appropriate faith formation practices.

Experience working with bilingual populations.

Both training and experience working with children with a wide range of educational abilities.

Understanding of, and proficiency with, educational technology related to emergent learners.

Strong communication and writing skills.

Highly flexible.

Team player.

Sense of humor.

Patience, tact, and strong sense of loyalty.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Benefits as per diocesan policy.

Days per year: 180 (September through June) plus contracted planning and professional development days as required by the principal.