Elementary School Teacher

About the Employer

Teacher - Grade 5

Class Description

Under the direction of the principal and/or designee, the teacher shall be the educational leader in the classroom and shall be responsible for the education of the youth placed in their charge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Be the Educational Leader in the Classroom

Be responsible for the improvement and enrichment of instruction in the classroom.
At all times, be a guidance teacher.
Encourage child-parent-teacher communication in order to better promote instruction.

Professional Development

Endeavor to attain the highest professional development possible through a continuing program of teacher education. Conscientiously apply oneself to following the federal guidelines adopted by the department regarding methods of instruction.

Collaboration and Communication

Cooperate with the principal, department head, and fellow teachers in all academic matters, endeavoring at all times to contribute to the solution of the education problem. After identifying individual differences, strive to adjust educational practices to meet these individual differences and resultant needs, and call on a specialist through the principal or department head when help is desired.

Testing Program

It shall be their responsibility to see that mental ability tests, achievement tests, and all other department-authorized tests are administered in a prescribed and standardized manner. Exercise professional discretion regarding the results of said tests and use the results in a continued effort to improve classroom instruction of the pupils tested. Work in a continuous effort to improve the testing program by making personal observations, constructive criticisms, and suggestions for the improvement of said program to their immediate superior.

Meetings and Professional Organizations

Attend all meetings called by the principal and department head and make every effort to contribute to the discussions at these meetings. Be associated with professional organizations related to their specific areas of instruction or interest.

Community Relations

Cooperate with the school in all programs that will contribute to good public relations within the community. Identify as early as possible unusual talents in the classroom and do all that can be done to encourage these talents.

General Educational Practices

Keep abreast of all general educational practices in all grades (K-12) in the school system. Make every effort to cooperate with the school principal in completing inventories, making budgets, library orderings, and any and all other reports peculiar to the particular school.

Health and Safety

Cultivate and promote good health habits – physical, mental, and emotional – for oneself and students. Cooperate with all special teachers in their programs of physical education, art, and music.

Extracurricular Activities

Encourage and participate, when necessary, in extracurricular activities designed to promote and broaden the experiences provided for the students. Have general supervision of the classroom and cooperate with the principal in providing supervision at any other place deemed necessary.

Records and Supervision

Cooperate with the principal in keeping all prescribed school records. Fulfill all fire drill requirements issued by the principal. See that all rules and regulations relating to school functions are enforced. Give daily attention to the safety education of pupils.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent Communication Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Presentation and Facilitation Skills

Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
Working knowledge of blended and personalized learning theory, pedagogy, and practice, including experience delivering professional development.

Organizational and Communication Skills

Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills, along with a willingness to learn and grow.
Ability to perform duties professionally, thoroughly, and in a timely manner, with a respectful and friendly demeanor in both internal and external relationships.

Adaptability and Professionalism

Ability to remain flexible and adapt to a high-energy, fluid environment. Growth mindset reflected in a strong professional belief system. Ability to exercise sound judgment and request assistance when needed. Ability to take initiative, solve problems proactively, and work independently on tasks. Ability to respond ethically, professionally, and respectfully in difficult situations. Ability to manage time effectively and follow through on assigned tasks accurately. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor regardless of internal or external concerns.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience (Required)

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Valid Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) certification in the applicable area of instruction. Right to read proficiency, or the ability to complete required right to read training prior to hire, as applicable to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

3–5 years of teaching experience.
Previous coaching experience, facility with technology, and knowledge of K-12 instructional technology.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described 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 must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including, but not limited to, sitting, standing, stretching, and walking. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands, handle, or feel. The employee must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting and/or moving light objects up to ten (10) pounds, and occasionally lifting items slightly over ten (10) pounds.
The use of a step stool may be required to reach the top drawer of a filing cabinet as necessary. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described 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 duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and are not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.