Teacher (Head Start)
Location: Site Level School	Reports To: Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: Per WBR Salary Schedule	Terms of Employment: 9 Months
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Head Start teacher shall be responsible for the effective management of the class/classes, or program(s) to which he or she has been assigned. The teacher shall implement an educational program responsive to student needs according to Head Start Performance Standards, state and local policy, including the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Domain I: Planning: Plans effectively for instruction Develops and Specifies learner outcomes in clear, concise objectives Identifies and plans for individual differences Identifies materials needed for lessons States methods of evaluation to measure learner outcomes Develops, when necessary, Individual Education Plans- IEP, ITP, and/or IFSP Develops, when necessary, a reading and/or mathematics program that places each target child at his/her proper level and seeks improvement (Title I) Plans instructional program with other faculty as appropriate Refers students to appropriate services/resources when needed Domain II: Management: Maintains an environment conducive to learning Organizes available space, materials, and/or equipment to facilitate learning Takes appropriate precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities Manages routines and transitions in a timely manner Performs duty assignments Manages and/or adjusts allotted time for activities planned Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records Establishes expectations for learner behavior Manages learner behavior to provide productive learning opportunities Uses monitoring techniques to facilitate learning Implements all 504 and IDEA modifications as required Domain III: Instruction: Delivers instruction effectively Uses techniques which develop lesson objectives Employs a variety of methods and techniques Sequences lessons to promote learning Uses available teaching materials and resources to achieve lesson objectives Adjusts lessons when appropriate Integrates technology into instruction Presents content at a developmentally appropriate level Presents accurate subject matter Utilizes knowledge of subject matter and child growth and development Provides opportunities for student involvement in the learning process Re-teaches when necessary Gives positive feedback Assesses student progress Evaluates strengths and weaknesses of individual students Measures student growth using established goals and objectives Uses a variety of evaluation tools Informs students and/or parents of student progress Produces evidence of student academic growth under his/her instruction Domain IV: Professional Development: The experienced teacher plans for professional development The new or beginning teacher plans for professional self-development Maintains certification, highly qualified status, and other needed qualifications, and performs other duties as assigned. Domain V: School Improvement: Takes an active role in building-level decision making Participates in grade-level/subject area curriculum planning and evaluations Serves on professional learning communities, task forces and decision-making committees, when appropriate Implements school improvement plan Creates partnerships with parents/caregivers, and colleagues regarding classroom expectations, student progress, and provides clear and timely information relative to ways they can assist learning Encourages parents/caregivers to become active partners in their children’s education and to become involved in school and classroom activities Seeks community involvement in the instructional program Becomes knowledgeable of and implements the Head Start Performance Standards Conducts home visits Assists and attends Parent Committee meetings Supports and assists parents in obtaining needed resources to effectuate a positive change in the learning environment for children when necessary PERSONAL TRAITS: Exhibits competency in the following areas: Poise and self-confidence Enthusiasm and optimism Punctuality Dependability Flexibility Willingness to implement recommendations Acceptable speech and grammar Effective communication with students Discreet handling of confidential information Unbiased attitude regarding race, sex, creed, religion or disability Effective communication with colleagues and other adults
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS: (i) a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or (ii) a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; or (iii) an associate degree in early childhood education; or (iv) an associate degree in a related field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; or (v) a baccalaureate degree and has been admitted into the Teach For America program, passed a rigorous early childhood content exam, such as the Praxis II, participated in a Teach For America summer training institute that includes teaching preschool children, and is receiving ongoing professional development and support from Teach For America's professional staff. ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES: Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate SALARY: Certified Head Start Teacher as designated on the Teacher Salary Schedule Degreed/Non-certified Head Start Teacher as designated on the Degreed/Non-certified Teacher Salary Schedule Non-certified /Non-degreed Head Start Teacher as designated on the Non-degreed/Non-certified Teacher Salary Schedule
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The Head Start Teacher will work in a climate-controlled environment adhering to the School Board energy policy. Workday consists of regular school hours. The length of the workday consists of teacher hours at the assigned school and may vary as the result of meetings, evening activities or emergencies. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The Head Start Teacher must be able to effectively communicate in English both orally and in writing. Must have the ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system and must be able to communicate successfully with students, teachers, parents, school personnel, and the community. EQUIPMENT USED The Head Start Teacher must be able to use a telephone, cell phone, fax machine, scanner, audio-visual equipment, PC, PC software, hardware, copy machine, laminator, calculator, and other appropriate machines. PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT: The Head Start Teacher should be able to perform these physical activities: standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting 40 pounds (sometimes required). MENTAL INVOLVEMENT: The Head Start Teacher must be able to plan and implement appropriate educational programs for staff. Must be able to understand and interpret written and verbal instructions. Must keep accurate, up-to-date records. Must be able to comply with Head Start Performance Standards, state and parish regulations. HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT: The Head Start Teacher must be able to work cooperatively with district personnel and the community. Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept commendations and recommendations. Must demonstrate sensitivity/understanding in interpersonal relations with persons of diverse cultures/backgrounds. EVALUATION: This position shall be evaluated in accordance with the West Baton Rouge Parish School System Personnel Accountability Plan.
NOTE:
Job descriptions are designed and intended only to summarize the essential duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the purpose of clarifying the general nature and scope of a position’s role as part of the overall organization. Job descriptions do not list all tasks an employee might be expected to perform – even if seemingly unrelated to the basic job, Every employee has a duty to perform all assigned tasks. An employee who is assigned a duty or task believed to be unlawful should report the assignment to the Director of Human Resources/Staff Development. It should also be noted the order of duties/responsibilities as listed in the job description is not designed nor intended to rank the duties in any order of importance relative to each other.