Social Studies Teacher

Orange Lutheran High School is seeking a Social Studies teacher who possesses a deep understanding of their subject matter, exemplary communication skills, and the ability to inspire and engage students in their learning journey. Responsibilities include developing and implementing curriculum plans, conducting engaging classroom activities, assessing student progress, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. By focusing school activities in a Christ-centered way, the classroom teacher strives to help students internalize the Gospel message of salvation in Christ Jesus and uphold the Orange Lutheran core values of Biblical truth, integrity, innovation, excellence, and relationships.

Reports to: Principal of Academics, Academic Dean, Department Chair

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Instruction and Curriculum Development

• Provide students with a focused, Christ-centered, challenging, and engaging educational experience in a safe and supportive environment
• Integrate Biblical principles, Christian worldview, and prayer throughout the curriculum
• Develop lessons that encourage students to be reflective and growth oriented learners
• Incorporate applied and experiential learning opportunities throughout planned units
• Utilize a variety of methodologies of instruction using educational equipment, books, and learning aids to promote active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Regularly assess and adjust lessons based on student engagement and success
• Prepare well-developed lesson plans according to school policy and course objectives
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet student needs, interests, and abilities
• Prepare, correct, assess, and grade assignments and tests in a timely manner in accordance to department expectations
• Work closely with department chair and colleagues on curriculum development and review
• Work to ensure that curricula are aligned with agreed-upon standards and help create curricula that allow for efficient and effective pacing, sequencing, and lesson planning
• Work to ensure that all learning opportunities meet the needs of the social and global expectations for future success
• Communicate regularly with students and parents/guardians about student progress, assignments, and expectations

Classroom Management

• Establish clear learning outcomes and expectations
• Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment
• Manage student behavior and enforce classroom rules and expectations
• Foster a culture of respect, cooperation, and mutual understanding among students
• Communicate with students, parents, other faculty, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding academic and behavioral issues
• Assure proper supervision of students during all school-related on and off-campus activities
• Carry out safety and emergency procedures per school policy

Student Assessment and Support

• Observe and evaluate student performance, behavior, social development, and physical health
• Maintain accurate and complete student records per school policy
• Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior to provide an effective learning environment
• Provide constructive feedback to students to help them improve their performance
• Recognize and address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students.
• Provide guidance and support to students facing personal or academic challenges
• Collaborate with school counselors, social workers, and other support staff to promote student well-being
• Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and other stakeholders to support student learning and achievement

Professionalism and Development

• Participate in professional development activities to stay current with best practices in teaching and learning
• Maintain appropriate professional interaction with students, parents, administrators, co-workers, and other colleagues
• Attend school functions, faculty meetings, in-service events, conferences, retreats, and workshops
• Receive and implement supportive feedback from supervisors
• Engage in reflective practice and continuously seek opportunities for professional growth and improvement.
• Abide by Orange Lutheran's guiding principles (Christ-centered, Grateful servanthood, Accountability, Compassion, and Collaboration)

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Report for work as scheduled, on time, and prepared; maintains dependable attendance
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment.
• Maintain instructional materials for substitute teachers.
• Supervise Daily Gathering settings
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal, Assistant Principal, Deans, or Department Chair

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications and competencies listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education

BA or BS Degree; twenty-four to thirty-six hours of college work in the subject area taught; completion of an approved teacher training program with successful completion of student teaching at a recognized college or university, or proven successful classroom teaching experience.

Experience

Equivalent directly related job experience, or any satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND CLEARANCES

• Valid Fingerprint
• Valid CPR and First Aid certifications
• TB Risk Assessment
• Ministry Safe Clearance

KEY COMPETENCIES

Knowledge

• The Ministry and purpose of Lutheran Education
• The principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies for curriculum design, teaching, and instruction of secondary-level students
• The academic, social, and behavioral characteristics of secondary-level students
• Behavior management strategies

Skills and Abilities

• Instructing - Clearly and effectively teaches others
• Learning Strategies - Selecting and using appropriate instructional methods and materials
• Active Listening - Gives full attention to what others are saying; takes time to understand; asks appropriate questions
• Technology - Writing and presenting instructional material; creating records and electronic communication using a computer
• Basic to intermediate skills in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and browser software; researching instructional material; advising students on the appropriate use of technology as an instructional resource
• Communication - Clearly and effectively communicate in oral and written form using grammatically correct English; ability to understand, carry out and develop written directions, tests, lesson plans, worksheets, and examples; ability to read, analyze and interpret academic literature, student assignments, technical and procedural books/manuals
• Excellent planning and organization skills
• Plan, organize, develop, and conduct a comprehensive instructional program for secondary-level students Effectively assess the instructional and educational needs of students
• Provide a motivating and stimulating learning environment
• Work accurately, completely, and promptly
• Deal tactfully with students, parents, and co-workers; show genuine respect, concern, and warmth toward others
• Maintain constant awareness of classroom activities; define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret instructions; deal with a wide variety of concrete and abstract variables Work independently and devise new methods for instruction
• Command presence and leadership to run classroom/manage students

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Exhibits the highest level of Christian integrity his/her life reflects Christ-like morals, behavior, attitude, and leadership. Integrates faith and prayer in the performance of job duties
• Foster a Christ-centered environment focused on Grateful Servanthood, Accountability, Compassion, and Collaboration, in alignment with our Guiding Principles
• A life-long learner who models intellectual curiosity, self-reflection, and stewardship of talents

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must have the physical abilities to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above

• Frequently move about the campus, sit for extended periods, talk and hear, use hands to handle, feel, or grasp objects
• Occasionally stand, walk, push, pull, or lift, up to 50 pounds, reach with hands or arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, taste, or smell

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• The majority of work is performed in a climate-controlled school setting, with occasional outside exposure to varying weather conditions.
• The noise level is that of a typical quiet office setting with occasional exposure to moderate to loud noise at school events

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of positions given this title and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments. Specific job-related duties assigned by hiring departments shall be consistent with the representative essential functions listed above and shall not be construed as expanding a particular position's role, scope, and FLSA status, or grade.