PK Headstart Teacher

PK Headstart Teacher (2025-2026)

SUMMARY:  To create a flexible instructional program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth; to establish effective rapport with students assigned to the classroom; to motivate pupils to develop attitudes and knowledge needed to ensure that effective learning occurs for each child every day.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  Other duties may be assigned.

Instructional Skills:

• Teaches District approved curriculum.
• Prepares for classroom instruction.
• Plans individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills and the development of self-concepts.
• Develops and uses instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of pupils with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturates.
• Encourages pupils to express themselves creatively in art, music, and dramatic play.
• Creates an environment that is developmentally appropriate to the maturity of the student and conducive to learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits pupil’s work.
• Implements a variety of effective teaching techniques.
• Provides for individual differences.
• Implements instructional objectives effectively.
• Uses a variety of materials.
• Uses instructional time effectively.
• Motivates students to learn.
• Communicates effectively with students.
• Provides evaluative feedback to students. 

Classroom Management:

• Organizes classroom to promote learning.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Manages student behavior constructively.

Interpersonal Relations:

• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with students.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with staff.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with parents and patrons.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Participates in professional development activities.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm toward the teaching profession.
• Communicates regularly with parents by means of newsletters, notes, emails, and conferences.
• Promotes parent participation and involvement in education activities provided for their child.
• Follows the policies and procedures of the school district.
• Is available to parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
• Maintains regular attendance.
• Prepares necessary materials for substitutes.
• Maintains confidentiality and unquestionable integrity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises classroom and students, volunteers, paraprofessionals, or student interns, as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in the area of major study.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Missouri Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals consistent with the position.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, and the general public.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret educational assessments

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply that knowledge to scoring and interpretation of assessments.

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret a large amount of information. 

TECHNOLOGY:

• Competent with computer skills, including web browsing, email, word processing, Google platform, and the student information system.  
• Must have the ability to learn and utilize new software programs as systems are upgraded.
• Utilize smart boards, projectors, copy machines, faxes, and other technology provided by the district.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement model lessons and teacher professional development based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.  
• Knowledge of subject matter content.
• Knowledge of standards-based curriculum models.
• Knowledge of child/adolescent development.
• Demonstrates patience, respect, and understanding of students and parents.
• Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
• Ability to perform all duties in full compliance with all district requirements and Board policies.

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 the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.  The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in this environment is usually moderate to loud, depending on the activities of the day.  Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned.