WHS Social Studies Teacher (Beginning 25/26)

WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

AREA: Social Studies Teacher

LOCATION: Whitefish High School

Whitefish School District seeks a High School Social Studies Teacher to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities and become engaged citizens.

The Whitefish School District seeks educators with a track-record of raising student achievement to join the team of educators already dedicated to providing a deeper learning instructional program to all students.  At Whitefish Public Schools, educators are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through the support of our school culture, the development and instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and the use of data to drive their daily practice.

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT:

The teacher will work 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/her rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a citizen; to develop understanding of the ideological, historical, cultural, and political factors which influence the development of world regions; to encourage students to analyze data, formulate sound opinions and be able to articulate claims concerning operation of political and economic systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Whitefish Public Schools seeks candidates with strong character, passion for excellence and a relentless commitment to student achievement. Applicants should also meet the following requirements);

• Valid Montana educator license with Social Studies (Broadfield) Endorsement

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Background experience and ability to teach high school-level social studies courses, including U.S. History, World History and American Government.  
• Strong background using social studies resources and technology in the classroom.
• Understands and embraces 21st century learning skills that promote self-direction, collaboration and critical thinking.
• Ability and willingness to work with students in extracurricular or co-curricular activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

• Demonstrate relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students
• Take holistic accountability for student success- taking ownership of each student’s academic success or failure.
• To live and model the school’s core values with colleagues, students, parents and the larger community
• To reinforce the school’s core values, guiding philosophy, rules and school spirit
• To devote the necessary time and energy required to master the craft of teaching. To be open to innovative approaches to teaching, feedback from colleagues and school administration.
• To actively participate in the school’s professional development programs including data analysis and planning, leading and participating in best practice sessions, peer coaching, and attending conferences.
• May need to teach in any area of endorsement(s)
• Practice teaching as an integration of disciplines - a team approach
• Respects authority and carries out Board Policy and Administrative directive.
• Meets and instructs assigned class(s) in the locations and at times assigned.
• Develops and maintains a classroom environment conducive to effective learning.
• Prepares for classes assigned and prepares and maintains weekly lesson plans articulating the prescribed curriculum.
• Provides differentiated instruction to ensure the success of all learners
• Integrates thinking strategies and study skills throughout all disciplines 
• Designs learning experiences grounded in Rigor, Relevance and Relationships
• Develops, prepares, and delivers district curriculum utilizing the Montana Common Core Standards
• Implements principles of integrated literacy and reading skills.
• Communicates effectively with students, staff, and parents
• Demonstrates a willingness to work with the District and Building Vision in mind—preparing students for College, Career, and Citizenship.
• Prepares and maintains course content sheets.
• Develops and maintains unit plans.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the needs and capabilities of the students.
• Implements through instruction and action, the District's philosophy of instruction and instructional goals and objectives.
• Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, District Policy and Administrative regulations.
• Upholds and enforces school rules, Administrative regulations and Board Policy.
• Communicates student progress to parents.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings.
• Cooperates with Administration and other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, methods and ascertaining student guided activities and self-guided activities.
• Assists in selection of books, equipment and other instructional materials.
• Accepts a share of responsibility for co-curricular activities as assigned.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with others.
• Provides for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of readings, workshops, seminars, conferences and/or advanced coursework at institutions of higher learning.
• Fulfills other responsibilities as assigned.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This type of work involves walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time as required by situations of job position. Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral and written information, the manual dexterity to move related equipment, and the skills necessary to handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job.May be required to lift or move up to 20 pounds. The physical demands & work-environment characteristics described within this job description 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.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity. The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications. The physical demands & work-environment characteristics described within this job description 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. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

School year working days as set by the Board of Trustees.  Salary, benefits and other working conditions as negotiated between the Whitefish School District and Whitefish Education Association and as assigned by the administration.

EVALUATION:

Performance of said duties will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.