Social Studies Teacher - Middle School

Job Title: Social Studies Teacher

Department: Instruction

Reports to: Building Principal

Classification: Certified / Exempt

Summary

To develop in each student an appreciation of American ideals and cultural heritage; to develop proficiency in the use of social studies inquiry skills and concepts; to motivate each student to understand and exercise his rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a citizen; to develop understanding of the geographical, historical, cultural, and political factors which influence the development of world regions; to encourage pupils to develop sound opinions based on study of facts concerning operation of political and economic systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Teaches courses in social studies, history, geography, American government, political science, or humanities to secondary pupils, utilizing course of study adopted by the Board of Education and other appropriate learning activities.
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district.
• Develops a balanced social studies program involving factual background material, the material on current events, discussion time, and other appropriate activities designed to encourage students to develop skills and attitudes, draw conclusions, achieve improved interpersonal relationships, and make value judgments based on scientific methods of inquiry.
• Provides individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the student with varying intellectual abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds.
• Develops knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the American governmental and economic system, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.
• Makes current material from the mass media available to students; plans and guides discussions of current problems against the background of geographical environment and history of the area being studied.
• Develops an understanding of the contributions of racial, religious, and political groups to American culture.
• Develops knowledge of political and economic systems of other nations and their influence on personal freedom, education, and living standards.
• Encourages students to become aware of the complexity and interrelations of local, state, national, and world problems.
• Maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service education.
• Selects and requisitions books and instructional aids, and maintains required inventory records; may request resource speakers and field trips.
• Communicates with parents and school counselors to discuss student progress.
• Identifies student needs, and cooperates with other professional staff members in helping students in out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
• Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs.
• Participates in faculty committees and sponsorship of student activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the administrator.

Supervisory Duties

Supervises students at all times.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Certificates

Bachelors Degree and valid Missouri teaching certificate required; or such alternative to these qualifications that the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Skills and Abilities

Language

Must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, board policy, administrative procedures/forms, and government regulations and guidelines. Must be able to complete forms, write reports, and engage in written correspondence with parents. Must have the ability to write clearly and complete lesson plans.

Computation

The individual must have the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference; and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students.

Technology

The individual must understand basic computer functions such as word processing and internet use. Will be using district software for recording grades and finding student information.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The individual who holds this position must have the ability to speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; must be able to move around the classroom; must be able to read handwritten and printed materials.

Attendance

Consistent and regular attendance is an essential job function of this position.

Conditions and Environment

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an individual will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform tasks, such as loading and unloading buses.

Terms of Employment

183 days. Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board

Policy on Evaluation of Certified Staff.