Job Title:    Elementary Educator, Title 1 Reading - .5 Mann Elementary and .5 Holland Elementary

Department: Federal Programs

Pay Grade:  Teacher's Salary Schedule

Reports to:  Principal

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Purpose Statement

The Springfield, Missouri Public School District is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Elementary Educator Title 1 - Reading.

The Springfield School District is Missouri’s largest public school district and has built a reputation of academic excellence based on the outstanding performance of our students and schools. About 25,000 students attend 36 elementary schools, an intermediate school, 9 middle schools, 5 high schools and a variety of alternative education and choice programs.

The Elementary Educator will be primarily responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for facilitating learning within an elementary classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; supervising students; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

Essential Functions

• Administers mandated test programs and/or subjects specific assignments for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Analyzes test data for the purpose of enhancing student achievement.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements. 
• Directs student teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students. Facilitates student learning (e.g. creating a learning environment, integrating technology, arranging field trips, organizing age appropriate activities, etc.) for the purpose of achieving success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through defined lesson plans. Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academics and/or skills through a defined course of study.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic files and records (e.g. grades, test scores, etc.) for the purpose of providing up to date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment. Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, field trips, dances, sporting events, school grounds, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment. Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. Professional Development, department meetings, Whole Faculty Study Groups, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, lesson plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Reports health and safety issues to administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.

Job Requirements (Minimum Qualifications)

Knowledge is required to plan age appropriate lessons with clear objectives and relevant measurable outcomes facilitate group rehearsals and instruction; incorporate appropriate technology; communicate high standards and expectations for each lesson; create an environment conducive to learning; provide relevant feedback to students; manage classroom routines and behavior.

Skills are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining organized records, preparing and maintaining accurate records; applying assessment instruments; and operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications.

Ability is required to schedule rehearsals, activities, meetings and/or events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: developing and maintaining positive relationships; setting high expectations for self and others; setting and monitoring progress toward goals; utilizing and offering effective feedback to continuously improve; collaborating and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders; applying critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

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 Springfield School District and is appropriate for their position.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as full-time exempt certified position.  The terms of employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Missouri public school and Board of Education policy, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract.  If your position is represented by Collective Bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between SPS and that Collective Bargaining representative.

Experience

Job related experience, required

Education

Bachelor’s degree in job-related area, required

Miscellaneous Requirements

Background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required

Certificates and Licenses

• Missouri Elementary Education 1-6 Teaching Certification
• Special Reading K-12
• Ability to gain and maintain “Highly Qualified” status as defined by Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, required

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 5% walking and 75% standing.

The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.