Elementary Classroom Teacher

Elementary School Teacher (Kindergarten)

Full-Time City & State: Harrisburg, PA School: St. Margaret Mary School Payroll Grade: 14 FLSA Status: EXEMPT Basic Job Description: Teach pupils at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other formative skills in keeping with the school's Catholic character and Gospel values.

Tasks/Responsibilities for: "Elementary School Teacher"

• Establish and enforce rules and procedures to maintain order among the students for whom they are responsible.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Assign and grade classwork and homework.
• Read books to entire classes or small groups.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and determine their priorities and resource needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, diocesan policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment and/or academic problems, or special academic interests.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the state, diocese, and school.
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons that promote learning and follow approved curricula.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
• Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators to develop, evaluate, and revise elementary school programs.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by the administration.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence for Act 48.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, guest speaker visits, and other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from them.
• Organize and label materials, and display students' work.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret the results to determine students' strengths and areas of need.
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Involve parent volunteers and older students in children's activities to facilitate their participation in focused, complex play.
• Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, monitoring halls and cafeterias, and loading and unloading buses.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
• Prepare and supervise students for Mass and other sacramental preparation.

Abilities Needed for: "Elementary School Teacher"

• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Fluency of Ideas
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Originality
• Near Vision
• Selective Attention
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to meet all technological requirements for classroom management.
• Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and in an outdoor environment.
• Must be able to speak in an audible tone so others can understand clearly in both a normal classroom environment and an outdoor setting.
• Must have the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.

Work Environment

• Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment.
• Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Required)

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in education or a related field.
• An active teaching certification is preferred.
• Otherwise, be willing to work towards obtaining one.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Must comply with PA State clearance requirements.
• Must be a Catholic in good standing if teaching religion.
• Otherwise, must be willing to respect the Catholic Church and follow our basic morality guidelines.