Social Studies

Social Studies (2025-2026 School Year)

Job Title: Social Studies-Sr High

Position Function: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Develops and administers school high school curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
• Teaches all required subject matters as assigned to the grade level, which may including reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, health, physical education, and music to pupils in a classroom, utilizing course of study adopted by the Board of Education, and other appropriate learning activities
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual small group instruction as needed
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the Thomaston Public Schools
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom
• Coordinates with other high school professional staff members, especially within grade level and specific subjects, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs

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:

• Works in standard office and school building environments
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities
• Additional demands upon request of Principal, Superintendent
• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles
• Knowledge of high school curriculum and concepts, including all subject matters taught
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed
• Ability to organize and coordinate work
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

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

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

Qualification Profile:

• Valid Kansas teaching license required
• Endorsement for Social Studies 6-12 required
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred
• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt