What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Kindergarten Classroom Teacher position at Richards School?
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality, engaging instruction to young learners in a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment. This position focuses on promoting academic, social, emotional, and physical growth in students through developmentally appropriate practices aligned with state standards, school-wide goals, and the Pyramid Model Program. The teacher will actively implement and contribute to the ongoing development of the Pyramid Model framework, promoting positive behavior support and social-emotional competence in early childhood education.
Essential Functions
Plan, prepare, and deliver age-appropriate instructional activities that promote literacy, numeracy, social skills, and motor development.
Utilize a variety of teaching strategies, resources, and technologies to support diverse learning needs and styles.
Foster a positive, structured classroom environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and respect among students.
Implement formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting instruction as needed to support growth.
Collaborate with fellow teachers, support staff, and families to ensure consistent communication and partnership in supporting student learning.
Implement the Pyramid Model Program by developing and applying strategies for promoting social-emotional skills, preventing challenging behavior, and providing individualized interventions when necessary.
Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), school-wide initiatives, and ongoing professional development focused on the Pyramid Model framework.
Maintain accurate records of student attendance, performance, progress, and behavioral data in alignment with the Pyramid Model.
Promote social-emotional learning and positive behavioral expectations through approaches such as Responsive Classroom techniques and the Pyramid Model Program.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge:
Comprehensive understanding of child development principles, especially in early childhood education.
Familiarity with New Hampshire Early Learning Standards and Kindergarten curriculum frameworks.
In-depth knowledge of the Pyramid Model Program, including practices for promoting social-emotional competence, preventing challenging behavior, and implementing individualized interventions.
Understanding of Responsive Classroom techniques and their integration with the Pyramid Model framework.
Awareness of evidence-based instructional practices in literacy, numeracy, social skills, and play-based learning.
?Skills:
Ability to plan, organize, and deliver engaging and developmentally appropriate lessons that meet diverse student needs.
Strong classroom management skills that support a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Proficiency in using assessment tools and data-driven decision-making to monitor and support student progress.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with colleagues, administrators, families, and support staff.
Skill in differentiating instruction to address the needs of all learners, including those with special needs or behavioral challenges.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate and detailed student performance and behavioral records.
Abilities:
Ability to develop, implement, and refine strategies aligned with the Pyramid Model Program to promote positive social-emotional outcomes and reduce challenging behaviors.
Capacity to build nurturing, respectful relationships with young learners and their families.
Adaptability and willingness to engage in ongoing professional development related to the Pyramid Model and other relevant frameworks.
Ability to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) within the Pyramid Model structure.
Commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.
Qualifications Profile
Required:
Valid New Hampshire Teaching Certification with endorsement in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices for early childhood education.
Familiarity with state standards and curriculum frameworks for Kindergarten.
Knowledge of the Pyramid Model Program, including practices to support social-emotional competence and positive behavior in early childhood settings.
Preferred:
Experience teaching Kindergarten or early primary grades.
Training or experience with the Pyramid Model Program and Responsive Classroom practices or similar approaches.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Education
Bachelors from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or related discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
Masters Degree in related area preferred.
Experience
Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade levels a plus.
FLSA Status: Exempt