Child Development Instructor - High School

As a child development teacher, you will:

• Prepare students to earn the CDA credential (priority)
• Create and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and curriculum
• Prepare and utilize engaging lesson plans to educate students at their level of proficiency
• Use a range of data points to plan and lead engaging, collaborative, and outcome-driven instruction
• Provide students with meaningful feedback to enhance learning
• Utilize national standards as the base for instruction
• Integrate literacy and school-wide cultural themes into student learning
• Collaborate with colleagues and school leaders and receive and provide feedback to drive growth within your own classroom and the school
• Contribute to the achievement of the school’s Performance Management Framework goals through data-driven instruction and commitment to the school’s Five Guiding Principles
• Communicate regularly and partner with students’ families
• Exhibit competence in classroom management and utilize school arrangements to support discipline procedures
• Provide additional student support as needed
• Prepares students to obtain their CDA credential by supporting them in creating a CDA portfolio and preparing for the CDA exam, in alignment with the Council for Professional Recognition’s standards.
• Provides a minimum of 120 hours of child development education within the high school classroom setting.
• Actively monitors and supports high school students throughout their 480 internship hours.
• Provides students with professionalism and career guidance and counseling.
• Highlights the pathways to working in the child care industry and daily responsibilities in the industry.
• Establishes and maintains positive contact with multiple Early Childhood Education institutions.
• Arranges industry exposure opportunities such as field trips, guest presentations, job shadow experiences, internships, etc.
• Coordinate with Southeast Children’s Fund and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Division of Early Learning (DEL) to order equipment, classroom sites, and align curriculum to the appropriate standards and report progress and outcome data using the data reporting platform and systems for the First Step CDA and CTE program identified by OSSE DEL and Southeast Children’s Fund.
• Sets and reinforces clear expectations and routines that are aligned with the school’s overall vision.

Required Social-Emotional Competencies:

Emotional Intelligence:

• Demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions effectively.
• Exhibits empathy and understanding towards others, fostering positive relationships and a supportive work environment.
• Maintains composure under pressure and handles conflicts or challenging situations with tact and emotional maturity.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders to achieve common goals and foster a sense of unity.
• Actively listens to others, values diverse perspectives, and encourages open dialogue.
• Builds effective teams, delegates tasks appropriately, and promotes a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Demonstrates openness and flexibility in embracing change (or different ideas) and adjusting to new circumstances or initiatives.
• Adapts quickly to evolving situations and demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow from challenges.
• Encourages innovation and supports creative problem-solving approaches.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Analyzes complex issues, identifies root causes, and generates creative solutions.
• Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to make informed decisions.
• Seeks input from relevant stakeholders and considers multiple perspectives before arriving at conclusions.

Ability to Accept and Provide Constructive Feedback:

• Receives feedback with an open mind, demonstrating a growth mindset and a willingness to improve.
• Provides constructive feedback to others in a respectful and supportive manner, focusing on professional growth and development.
• Actively seeks feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to enhance performance and effectiveness.

Effective Communication:

• Communicates clearly, confidently, and respectfully with diverse audiences, including staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Listens attentively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks to understand others' viewpoints.
• Uses appropriate verbal and written communication skills to convey complex ideas and information effectively.

Disagreeing Appropriately:

• Engages in constructive dialogue and debates while maintaining respect and professionalism.
• Expresses dissenting opinions or disagreements tactfully, considering the impact on relationships and the broader goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to find common ground and work towards consensus when faced with differing perspectives.

Relationship Building:

• Builds and maintains positive and trusting relationships with staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Demonstrates approachability, active listening, and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Cultivates a sense of community, fosters collaboration, and promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Resilience and Persistence:

• Exhibits determination and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• Maintains a positive attitude, motivates others, and leads by example during difficult times.
• Demonstrates perseverance in pursuing long-term goals and continuous improvement.

Ethical and Professional Conduct:

• Demonstrates high ethical standards and acts with integrity in all professional interactions.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Upholds professional boundaries and adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development (required)
• Proven experience in child development education (required)
• Experience teaching child development to high school students (preferred)
• Child development associate credential (preferred)