Grade 6-8 Social Studies / Language Arts Teacher - 1.0 FTE (Temporary) - Vernon K-8

POSITION SUMMARY:

The classroom teacher performs under supervision of a principal or other designated supervisor and has major responsibility for the instruction and supervision of students. Instruction of students shall include individual skill development, expansion of knowledge, and development of ability to reason. Supervision of students shall include guidance, development and safety. The classroom teacher functions in accordance with the established policies, rules, regulations and the performance standards of the District/State and the performance goals established for the teacher.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instruction, providing materials which facilitate active learning; monitor student progress and adapt course content delivery methods in order to meet the needs of individual students; instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials, technologies and equipment to support instruction.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, providing every student with high quality and culturally relevant instruction; support and implement the District’s Educational Racial Equity Policy; create a safe, welcoming classroom environment that reflects and supports the racial and ethnic diversity of the student population and community.
• Understand how learners grow and develop, recognizing variations within and across cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and physical areas, diversity of cultures and communities; implement and insure a developmentally appropriate, challenging and high-standards learning environment.
• Develop and implement instructional practices and strategies that include multiple methods of assessment, support students in meeting rigorous learning goals and engage and encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas.
• Develop and implement effective classroom management strategies, providing a safe, secure and respectful learning environment; communicate student behavior expectations in a positive manner; convey reminders, rules and expectations with consistency and equity, while recognizing the unique qualities and characteristics of the individual.
• Understand central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of curriculum; apply concepts to create meaningful learning experiences designed to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem-solving.
• Progress toward professional goals and contribute to school-wide goals through self-reflection and self-reporting, teamwork, parent/student surveys, meetings, record keeping, portfolios, peer collaboration and other measures and methods.
• Establish standards, growth and learning goals for each student; develop “SMART” (Specific and strategic; Measurable; Action-oriented; Rigorous, realistic and results-focused; Timed and tracked) goals including use of baseline and progression data, identifying strategies, measures and evidence of progress standards; report on student progress throughout the school year.
• Update and maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development as required by school, district, state and federal policies, regulations and laws.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Incumbents must be properly licensed by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for assignment as a Professional Educator.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bilingual/Bi-Cultural Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese applicants are highly desirable.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Academic achievement standards that aligns to district goals and create a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular program.
• Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices.
• Existing and emerging education and instructional technologies and software.

Ability to:

• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public School's Educational Racial Equity policy.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Manage student behavior and maintain discipline in accordance with school, district and state policies, procedures and laws.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, projects, tests and assignments.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Prepare classroom for class activities.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Provide appropriate feedback on work.
• Encourage parent and community involvement.
• Provide student information to authorized individuals in a timely manner.
• Participate in appropriate professional growth and extracurricular activities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Utilize relevant technologies to support and differentiate instruction.
• Welcome and empower students and families, including underrepresented families of color and those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in student education.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
• Update records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.
• Prepare required reports on students and activities.
• Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and caregivers regarding student progress and student needs.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development.

ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENT: Social Studies & Language Arts

COMPENSATION: $57,206 - $111,314 (Annual salary based on 1.0 FTE)

WORK YEAR: 193 days

FTE: 1.0

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.