CES-Preschool Teacher

START DATE: 2025-2026 School Year

HOURS OF WORK:  Full-Time Certified Exempt; 185 Days (5 Teacher Induction Days First Year in District) 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open until filled

STARTING SALARY: At Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, new teachers can earn up to $51,750 with base salary and 301/Pay for Performance incentives. We also value experienced educators, offering placement with up to 20 years of credit for your dedication and expertise. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, join a district that invests in its teachers and students!

CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Arizona State Teaching Credential with appropriate subject matter endorsement. Meeting the definition of “Appropriately Certified” under the Every Student Succeeds Act or alternate teaching certification pathways available with a bachelor’s degree.

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & supplemental coverages. PTO accrual of one day a month. District matched contributions with ARIZONA STATE RETIREMENT (ASRS).

LEARN MORE ABOUT COCSD & THE VERDE VALLEY:

CLICK HERE COCSD OVERVIEW

CLICK HERE VISIT COTTONWOOD

CLASS TITLE:  TEACHER-PRESCHOOL

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION:

Plan, organize and implement approved developmentally appropriate curriculum for the development of children enrolled in the Preschool program; provide a safe and nurturing environment conducive to the growth and development of children.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plan, organize and implement approved curriculum for the development of children enrolled in the Preschool program; develop goals and objectives consistent with student needs.

• Involve parents and families in student activities; participate in parent conferences; provide information concerning children’s progress.

• Observe children during classroom activities; document and record individual and group observations; maintain child observation records according to established guidelines. 

• Develop lesson plans in accordance with established policies; set up and prepare materials; plan and organize functional and attractive classroom displays that directly relate to established curriculum.

• Monitor children during group learning lessons; read appropriate stories for preschool age children.

• Maintain a clean, safe, attractive and positive learning environment; provide an appropriate climate which assists children in making a satisfactory transition from home to preschool and reinforces positive attitudes and social skills.

• Attend meetings and participate in training workshops, conferences, courses and a variety of professional growth activities as required; provide parent education and advisement concerning child development.

• Monitor and observe children during outdoor playground activities.

• Monitor the health of preschool students and administer basic first aid, take temperatures and perform other health and safety related functions; notify appropriate personnel of health related issues as necessary.

• Operate a variety of audio-visual, office and instructional equipment.

• Provide training and work direction to assistants; participate in evaluations as requested.

• Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Concepts of child growth, development and behavior characteristics of preschool age children.
• Early childhood curriculum areas and appropriate methods for implementation and assessment.
• Methods of instruction.
• Methods of observing, evaluating and recording child behavior.
• Safe practices in classroom activities.
• Requirements of maintaining a children's center in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Cross-cultural issues.
• Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Principles and practices of training and providing work direction to others.
• Operation of a variety of audio-visual, office and instructional equipment.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize and implement approved curriculum for the development of children enrolled in the District Preschool program.
• Develop daily lesson plans in accordance with established policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, attractive and positive learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with children and adults both orally and in writing.
• Observe and evaluate student learning.
• Demonstrate patience, respect and understanding of others.
• Demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity and respect.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Plan and organize work.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Train and provide work direction to others.
• Operate a variety of audio-visual, office and instructional equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  bachelor's degree, including courses needed to meet credential requirements and student teaching classroom experience.  Other factors for effective performance including the following: Clear credential as required by State law.  Master's degree with academic subject matter major.  Depth of training in one or more areas of the elementary school curriculum.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Arizona Teaching Credential

Early Childhood Endorsement                                               

Meet the definition of appropriately certified under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Valid First Aid and CPR certificates issued by an authorized agency.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and playground environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities.

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor children.

Standing, sitting or walking for extended periods of time.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist children.

Lifting and carrying moderately heavy objects or children.                                                                       

EVALUATION

Job performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Staff Personnel.

Salary : $51,750