K-6 Teacher - Creative Minds (2025-2026 School Year)

Description

Job Title: K-6 Teacher - Creative Minds Vertical Classroom

Position Function: Creative Minds is seeking an innovative and passionate K-6 teacher for our unique vertical classroom environment. The ideal candidate will excel in project-based learning (PBL) methodologies, have a strong understanding of standards-referenced grading, and thrive in a modern one-room schoolhouse setting that caters to students from kindergarten through 6th grade.

Employee Punctuality And Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position
  
  

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Physical And Mental Demands

• Work in standard office environments
• Occasional overtime
• Attendance at required meetings
• Additional demands upon request of supervisor
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to design and implement engaging PBL units for diverse age groups, aligned with specific learning standards
• Strong classroom management skills in a multi-grade setting
• Proficiency in differentiating instruction to meet individual student needs while maintaining focus on standards mastery
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with families and colleagues
• Expertise in implementing standards-referenced grading systems and communicating student progress effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for fostering student-driven learning and creativity
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and growth
  
  

Interrelations

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service
  
  

Qualifications

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development and Implementation
• Design and implement engaging, cross-curricular PBL units that align with state standards and Creative Minds' philosophy
• Create personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse age groups and learning styles within the vertical classroom structure
• Develop weekly lesson plans that balance independent and teacher-directed activities, fostering student choice and exploration
• Incorporate standards-referenced grading principles into curriculum design and implementation
• Project-Based Learning Facilitation
• Guide students through the PBL process, from essential questions to final presentations
• Facilitate hands-on, exploratory learning experiences that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Implement effective time management strategies for multi-week projects, including setting benchmarks and teaching students to schedule tasks
• Align project outcomes with specific learning standards and communicate these connections to students and families
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Utilize diverse assessment methods to evaluate student progress across multiple grade levels using standards-referenced grading practices
• Conduct regular observations and maintain detailed records of student growth in relation to specific learning standards
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive progress reports to families, highlighting individual achievements and areas for improvement based on standards-referenced criteria
• Develop and use rubrics that clearly articulate performance levels for each learning standard
• Classroom Management
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that supports students of varying ages and abilities
• Implement effective strategies for managing a multi-grade classroom, promoting peer collaboration and mentorship
• Organize the physical space to maximize independence and facilitate effective use of materials and resources
• Foster a growth mindset culture where students understand and track their progress towards mastery of learning standards
  

Qualification Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field; Master's degree preferred
• Valid teaching certification for elementary education
• Proven experience in project-based learning methodologies and standards-referenced grading practices
• Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and multi-age classroom management
• Proficiency in using technology to enhance learning experiences and track student progress
• Experience in or enthusiasm for vertical classroom environments
• Familiarity with innovative educational approaches such as Design Thinking or Maker Education
• Experience with data analysis to inform instruction and track student progress towards standards mastery
  
  

FLSA Status: Exempt