1st Grade or Kindergarten Teacher - 1.0 FTE at John F Kennedy Elementary

We want YOU here!

This position is for the 2026-2027 school year.

At JFK Elementary, we are committed to helping every student grow in knowledge, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential. Our staff believes strong partnerships with families are essential to student success, and we work together to create a supportive and welcoming environment where all students can thrive. We look forward to getting to know each child and celebrating their growth along the way as proud JFK Eagles.

Learn more about what it means to be a JFK Eagle:

Requirements

EDUCATION LEVEL

Bachelor's degree and endorsements in the

areas of teaching assignment. Certification, alternative certification or licensure: current, valid South Dakota teaching certificate.

Experience Desired

Successful student teaching

Physical Requirements

Hand-eye, mind-eye coordination. Constant hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking and writing. Frequent carrying, keyboarding, and other repetitive motions.

Other Requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skills in human relations, leadership and conflict management. Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students. Demonstrated skills in the use of technology to enhance student learning.

CERTIFICATION

This position requires a valid South Dakota teaching certification

Please note, endorsement requirements may vary based on specific course assignments.

Questions about SD teaching certification:South Dakota Department of Education

Interested in becoming a contract teacher but don't hold a traditional teaching degree?

The South Dakota Department of Education offers an Alternative Certification program! Individuals will take 15-credits plus praxis exams while they perform their duties as a contract teacher for a South Dakota school district. Alternative Certification is available for most positions 5th grade through high school. Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree, unless pursuing a CTE Instructor position.

If you are interested in pursuing a teaching position under Alternative Certification, you MUST obtain your Alternative Preliminary Certificate BEFORE applying for teaching position. You can apply for the preliminary certificate by completing the "Initial Educator Application" here: SD Educator Portal

Learn more about Alternative Certification: SD DOE Alternative Certification

YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING

South Dakota Codified Law 13-42-71 requires certified educators to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Compliance is verified through district accreditation reviews. You will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.

Visit to view the list of approved trainings and detailed instructions for completion. These trainings listed are the only accepted trainings per SDCL 13-42-71. Please carefully review the options before selecting a training as unapproved trainings will require you to retake an approved course.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Ability to Plan and Prepare Instructional Tasks
• Plan instructional tasks that are meaningful and related to learning goals
• Provide Instruction to Students
• Implement District curriculum
• Maintain a strong instructional focus utilizing the elements of effective instruction
• Communicate a high level of expectation
• Communicate clear learning goals to students
• Adapt instruction to meet the needs of all students
• Address various learning styles
• Sequence content at an appropriate pace
• Use appropriate level of questioning to promote understanding
• Relate lesson content to prior and future learning
• Require students to summarize information in written and/or verbal form
• Appropriately recognize and reinforce individual student effort
• Represent knowledge/information non-linguistically through a variety of methods
• Organize students in cooperative or ability groups when appropriate
• Require students to analyze and apply knowledge
• Display enjoyment, humor, and enthusiasm for teaching and expect students to enjoy learning
• Conduct ongoing assessments for learning
• Provide Effective Classroom Environment
• Establish appropriate classroom rules and procedures that are clearly understood by all students
• Effectively and consistently enforce rules and follow procedures
• Redirect students naturally and immediately without disrupting others
• Be well-organized and have all materials, equipment, etc., ready for immediate use
• Carry out smooth and effective transitions (e.g., from one activity to another, as students enter and leave the room)
• Maximize time on purposeful instructional tasks
• Begin and end class period with focus on learning
• Establish a positive learning environment
• Participate in Professional Growth Opportunities and Demonstrate Professionalism
• Participate in ongoing professional growth
• Participate in school/professional and/or community organizations or events
• Complete routine assigned tasks and comply with District requirements
• Promote the education profession
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, parents and students
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences in accordance with District policy
• Follow District and building policies and procedures
• Support of District goals
• Report student progress to parents and students
• Perform other duties as assigned

View the complete job description here: Classroom Teacher - General Education

PAY INFORMATION

Starting at $53,981 to $60,793 per year, based on experience.

View the complete salary schedule here: 2026-2027 Teacher Salary Schedule

Pay Day: Last working day of each month.

HOURS & FTE

Monday through Friday, 7:15 am to 3:45 pm

1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months

CALENDAR

2026-2027 New SFEA Staff Calendar

BENEFIT INFORMATION

Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)

CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.

Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required

Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number

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