MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Position: Elementary Teacher

Position Summary: An elementary language arts teacher plays a vital role in developing foundational literacy skills and fostering a love for reading and writing.

Job Type: Full-time

Contract: 200 days

FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Below is a comprehensive list of their essential functions, organized into relevant categories:
Instructional Responsibilities

Reading Instruction
- Teach phonics, decoding, and sight words to build foundational reading skills.
- Develop students' reading comprehension through strategies such as predicting, summarizing, questioning, and making connections.
- Foster fluency by practicing pace, expression, and accuracy.
- Introduce and discuss various genres of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and folktales.
Writing Instruction
- Teach the stages of the writing process: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
- Guide students in writing for different purposes (e.g., narrative, informational, persuasive, and creative writing).
- Provide instruction on sentence structure, paragraph development, and organization.
Grammar and Language Skills
- Teach parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and proper sentence formation.
- Develop students' vocabulary through word study, context clues, and explicit instruction.
- Promote proper spelling and handwriting skills, including cursive where applicable.
Listening and Speaking Skills
- Facilitate discussions, oral storytelling, and presentations to build communication skills.
- Encourage active listening and the ability to follow oral directions.
- Incorporate opportunities for public speaking and collaborative group work.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Teach students to analyze texts for themes, main ideas, and supporting details.
- Introduce basic literary devices (e.g., imagery, similes, metaphors) appropriate for elementary levels.
- Encourage students to express opinions and support their ideas with evidence from texts.

Classroom Management

Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment
- Maintain a classroom library with diverse and age-appropriate books.
- Display student work, anchor charts, and materials that promote a love of reading and writing.
- Create literacy centers for independent and small-group activities.
Behavioral Expectations
- Establish clear rules and routines to foster a structured and respectful learning environment.
- Use positive reinforcement and proactive strategies to encourage appropriate behavior.
Time Management
- Plan and allocate time effectively for whole-group, small-group, and independent literacy activities.
- Integrate literacy instruction into other subject areas where possible.

Assessment and Evaluation

Monitoring Progress
- Use formative assessments such as observation, running records, and quick checks to gauge understanding.
- Conduct summative assessments like reading tests, writing samples, and standardized evaluations.
Data-Driven Instruction
- Analyze assessment data to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners, struggling readers, and students with learning disabilities.
Feedback and Reporting
- Provide constructive feedback on student work to guide improvement.
- Communicate progress to parents through conferences, report cards, and written updates.

Instructional Strategies

Differentiated Instruction
- Implement tiered lessons and activities to address varying ability levels.
- Use scaffolding techniques to build confidence and independence.
Small-Group and One-on-One Support
- Conduct guided reading sessions to target specific literacy skills.
- Offer individualized support for students who need additional help or enrichment.
Interactive and Engaging Activities
- Incorporate games, storytelling, and technology to make learning enjoyable.
- Use visual aids, manipulatives, and multimedia resources to enhance understanding.

Professional Responsibilities

Planning and Preparation
- Develop lesson plans that align with school standards and curriculum frameworks.
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistency across grade levels.
Professional Development
- Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay informed about best practices.
- Reflect on teaching effectiveness and seek opportunities for growth.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work with administrators, special education staff, and other teachers to support student success.
- Build positive relationships with students and their families to foster a supportive learning environment.

Fostering a Love of Literacy

Encouraging Reading for Pleasure
- Promote independent reading and help students select "just right" books.
- Host events like read-alouds, book clubs, or author visits to excite students about reading.
Celebrating Writing
- Provide opportunities for students to share their work, such as publishing class books or hosting writing showcases.
- Celebrate student progress and creativity in writing through recognition and display.
Inspiring Lifelong Learning
- Model enthusiasm for reading and writing in daily interactions.
- Cultivate curiosity and a growth mindset by encouraging students to ask questions and explore new ideas.

Cultural and Ethical Responsibilities

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
- Incorporate diverse authors, cultures, and perspectives into the curriculum.
- Use culturally responsive teaching practices to honor all students' backgrounds.
Creating a Safe and Welcoming Space
- Foster a classroom culture of respect, kindness, and acceptance.
- Encourage collaboration and empathy through group projects and discussions.
Ethical and Professional Conduct
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
- Serve as a role model in communication, behavior, and work ethic.

Physical Requirements: This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires walking and occasionally requires sitting and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, distance vision, depth perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, playground, classroom, light traffic).

Supervision Exercised: Principal

Middlesex County School District

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