Grade 8 ELA Teacher

Title: Teacher 

Reports To:  Principal 

Job Objective: Plans, implements, and assesses student learning experiences. Helps students make appropriate choices and grow academically. Facilitates parental involvement.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Valid state department of education license/certificate appropriate for the position. Qualifications:
• Meets Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) requirements (for core academic subjects). 
• Meets all mandated health screening requirements. 
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment. 
• Adheres to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies, and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers and function as part of a cohesive team.
• Commitment to keep current with work skills essential to the objectives of the position.

Essential Functions:  The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Prepares the classroom or designated area for instruction.
• Teaches assigned classes.
• Advances the district’s professional image.
• Maintains open/effective communications.
• Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns.
• Refers district policy interpretation inquiries to administrators. 
• Maintains a thorough understanding of subject matter and pedagogy.
• Organizes subject content and learning goals.
• Aligns lesson plans with state standards and district curriculum goals. 
• Evaluates academic needs of students.
• Develops effective educational experiences that engage and stimulate student learning.
• Varies instructional techniques to address student learning styles.
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress.
• Helps parents/students understand program objectives and performance standards. 
• Uses formal and informal assessment strategies to manage student learning and monitor progress. 
• Helps students identify and make use of supplemental instructional/media resources. 
• Promotes cultural awareness, self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and creativity skills.
• Supports community participation in school-sponsored activities that enhance student learning.
• Maintains a positive learning environment.
• Facilitates student learning activities that encourage collaboration and positive peer relationships. 
• Collaborates with other staff. Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.
• Evaluates student achievement/performance. Prepares progress reports.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, E-mail, written notes, meetings, etc.).
• Consults with support personnel and families to address student concerns (e.g., academic difficulties, excessive absences, behavior mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Requests a student evaluation when a disability is suspected.
• Assists with the multi-factored evaluation (MFE) process.
• Meets mandated paperwork time lines.
• Helps the intervention assistance team (IAT) prepare an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for classroom students meeting eligibility requirements. 
• Facilitates opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in an inclusive educational environment.
• Helps implement behavior management plans when required.
• Proctors district testing activities as directed.
• Upholds state mandated security procedures. Helps students with content-area preparation activities.
• Promotes the proper use and care of district property.
• Ensures that all materials are stored properly.
• Works with staff/students to address equipment safety/security.
• Prepares/maintains accurate records.
• Submits required paperwork on time.
• Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Upholds the student conduct code.
• Implements effective pupil management procedures.
• Provides appropriate student supervision.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety.
• Watches for conduct/situations that may indicate a problem.
• Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law. 
• Supervises assigned non-classroom activities.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Pursues educational opportunities to enhance professional performance. 
• Supports workplace initiatives that enhance personal productivity and advance district goals.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others. 
• Helps students understand and embrace ethical conduct and democratic values. 
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position. 
• Provides prompt notification of delays or absences.
• Ensures that student lists and teaching materials are readily available for substitutes. 
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required:  The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Anticipates time constraints.
• Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work/learning environment.
• Uses active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills effectively. 
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Interprets information accurately and initiates effective responses.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Respects diversity. Manages individual and group interactions skillfully.
• Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.

Working Conditions: Safety is essential to job performance. Employees must exercise caution and comply with standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing. 
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interacting with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals. 
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

Performance Evaluation:  Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Graham Local School District Board of Education.

The Graham Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.