Job Description

JOB TITLE:  Teacher, Preschool                                              

REPORTS TO:  Principal and Director of Student Services

 SUMMARY

 Auburn-Washburn educators of preschool students demonstrate a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining organized, child-centered classrooms, by presenting content-rich and standards-based lessons and activities, by meeting individual needs through the use of assessments and data, and by using a variety of instructional strategies that are reflective of current best practices and research. 

The preschool teacher creates and maintains a program that focuses on the physical, social, and emotional development of each child that includes developmentally appropriate student learning activities in the areas of cognition, creative expression, communication, social, physical, and emotional development.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides learning experiences in language arts, physical education, art, music, health, and other subject matter suited to the needs of pupils
• Develops and uses instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of pupils with wide ranges of mental, physical, and emotional maturities
• Develops in each pupil an awareness of personal worth and the role the pupil plays in family and community and encourages pupils to express themselves creatively in art, music, and dramatic play
• Provides individual and small-group instruction designed to meet individual needs of pupils in the areas of communication skills, health habits, physical skills, and development of satisfactory self-concepts
• Plans and coordinates the work of aides, assistants, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips
• Develops activities for parents that promote parent participation and involvement in education activities
• Communicates regularly with parents by means of parent meetings, home visits, and individual parent conferences. 
• Interprets school program to parents to strengthen parental understanding of the individual pupil’s needs and the school’s role in the individual pupil’s life
• Provides appropriate climate to establish and reinforce acceptable pupil behavior, attitudes, and social skills
• Cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems
• Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of pupils’ work
• Selects and requisitions books, instructional aids, and instructional supplies
• Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs
• Complies with district, state, and federal regulations regarding services to special education preschool students
• Participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team in the comprehensive evaluation and staffing of each student referred for special education preschool services
• Modifies teaching to meet individual student needs
• Communicates high expectations to all learners
• Adapts instruction to accommodate student needs
• Collaborates with all stakeholders to accomplish school-wide and district-wide goals
• Uses a variety of verbal, nonverbal, and media techniques
• Seeks, listens, and responds appropriately to suggestions, requests, and concerns
• Demonstrates an accurate, up-to-date, and extensive knowledge of subjects and effectively communicates this understanding to students
• Incorporates use of appropriate technology
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
• Develops lesson plans by incorporating effective lesson design
• Uses a variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources that support instructional goals and student needs
• Models and facilitates higher-order thinking, problem solving, creativity, and flexibility
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction
• Uses a variety of data in making instructional decisions
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior and applies appropriate consequences
• Demonstrates conflict resolutions skills
• Models enthusiasm for learning and teaching
• Treats students, patrons, and colleagues with dignity and respect
• Maintains confidentiality
• Manages routines and transitions in a timely manner
• Uses monitoring techniques to facilitate learning
• Submits reports and other pertinent information to the Director of Student Services
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day
• Oversees assigned budgets
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner
• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the superintendent or designee may assign

 SUPERVISES

Staff members designated by the Board of Education, superintendent, or immediate supervisor

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and work year to be established by the Auburn-Washburn Board of Education.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/ENDORSEMENTS/REGISTRATIONS

• Kansas teaching license required
• Required endorsements

 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general educational reports, professional journals, technical procedures, and regulations.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and individuals.  Ability to write clearly; keep detailed records; effectively produce reports, letters, and memoranda; and to carry out complex tasks.  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of variables.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Employee is required to maintain a high standard of professional conduct.  Breach of said professional conduct includes, but is not limited to:  neglect of duty, dishonesty, engagement in acts that are contrary to district policy, unlawful activities, or any other conduct which is seriously prejudicial to the school system.

 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 frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.  The employee is responsible for the work output of others.  On occasion, the employee may be required to work extended hours.

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 the work environment is usually moderate.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Auburn-Washburn Board of Education policies.

Additional Information

Auburn USD 437 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Auburn-Washburn USD 437 complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437 expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Auburn-Washburn USD 437’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.