Mustang Academy Teacher

Department: Mustang Academy Teacher

Job Description                                                                                                                                                                        

Title: Mustang Academy Teacher       

  Job Summary:

The Mustang Academy Teacher at Midland Christian School is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for Pre-K 3 students. The Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing age-appropriate learning experiences that support the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language, creative, and spiritual development of each child.

The Teacher will provide daily classroom leadership, maintain an organized and engaging learning environment, actively supervise and care for students, establish appropriate classroom routines and expectations, communicate with families, document student development and progress, and work collaboratively with the Mustang Academy Director, classroom aides, and other school personnel.

The Teacher will model Christ-like behavior and intentionally incorporate biblical principles and Christian character development into the daily classroom experience while supporting Midland Christian School's mission to Live for God, Love like Jesus, and Learn for Life.

Lines of Authority:

Reports to the Mustang Academy Director and the Elementary Associate Principal

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Additional coursework or training in early childhood education preferred.

Required Personal Qualities:

• Whole-heartedly agrees with the school’s Statement of Faith and vision to Live for God, Love like Jesus, and Learn for Life
• Consistently demonstrates enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, gratitude, kindness, self-control, perseverance, and punctuality.
• Embodies a Christ-like attitude in all aspects of his/her work.

Required Spiritual Development:

• Is a baptized believer who is a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ.
• Believes that the Bible is God’s Word and standard for faith and daily living.
• Models Christ-likeness in attitude, speech, and actions toward others.
• Is an active member of a local Christ centered community of faith.
• Reflects the vision of the school, which is to Live for God, Love like Jesus, and Learn for Life.
• Maintains a personal appearance that is a Christian role model of cleanliness, modesty, and good taste, and that is in agreement with any applicable school policy.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with young children, preferably in a preschool or early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for three-year-old children.
• Understanding of early childhood development and age-appropriate learning practices.
• Ability to plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with young children, parents, staff, and administrators.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate student records and documentation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a preschool or early childhood teacher.
• Experience developing and implementing preschool curriculum.
• Knowledge of early childhood assessment and developmental milestones.
• Experience communicating with families regarding student progress and developmental needs.
• Familiarity with applicable early childhood health, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Skills:

• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine love for working with young children.
• Ability to establish nurturing and age-appropriate relationships with students.
• Ability to create an engaging, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Ability to differentiate activities based on individual student needs and developmental levels.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to student safety and supervision.
• Ability to provide direction and support to classroom aides.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to use basic technology and school systems as required.

Transportation:

Reliable transportation.                                                                                       

Physical and Mental Effort:

The Mustang Academy Teacher position requires the physical and mental ability to actively teach, supervise, and care for Pre-K 3 students throughout the school day.
The position requires the ability to:

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and move throughout the classroom and school facilities.
• Sit on the floor and participate in activities with young children.
• Lift and carry young children and classroom materials as needed.
• Assist students with personal care and daily routines.
• Maintain active supervision of young children for extended periods.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to student safety concerns and emergencies.
• Maintain patience, focus, and sound judgment in an active early childhood environment.
• Create and maintain a classroom environment that supports learning, safety, and student development.

Classification:

Exempt

Hours:

This is a full-time, self-contained position

Essential Functions
Essential functions of this position include the following.  Employees in this position perform some or all of the following functions.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Classroom Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate daily and weekly learning experiences for Pre-K 3 students.
• Implement the Mustang Academy curriculum and educational objectives as established by the school.
• Provide engaging learning opportunities through play, exploration, movement, music, art, stories, sensory activities, hands-on experiences, and age-appropriate academic instruction.
• Support the development of early literacy, language, mathematics, science, fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional skills, and self-help skills.
• Provide opportunities for students to develop curiosity, creativity, independence, problem-solving skills, and a love of learning.
• Adapt learning experiences to meet the developmental and individual needs of students.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, displays, and instructional resources.
• Evaluate classroom activities and adjust instruction as appropriate.

2. Character Development and Christian Education

• Incorporate age-appropriate Bible stories, Scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian character development into the daily classroom experience.
• Teach and model Christian values such as kindness, patience, respect, forgiveness, compassion, honesty, responsibility, and love.
• Help students understand that they are created, valued, and loved by God.
• Model Christ-like behavior in all interactions with students, families, and staff.

3. Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a positive, nurturing, structured, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Establish clear and consistent classroom routines and expectations.
• Use positive reinforcement, redirection, encouragement, and other age-appropriate behavior management strategies.
• Help students develop social skills, emotional regulation, cooperation, sharing, communication, and independence.
• Address classroom behavior in a manner consistent with school policies and Christian principles.
• Communicate significant behavioral concerns to the Mustang Academy Director.

4. Student Supervision, Safety, and Well-Being

• Maintain active supervision of students at all times.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students in the classroom and during transitions, outdoor play, meals/snacks, restroom routines, and other activities.
• Maintain appropriate student-to-staff ratios and supervision requirements.
• Follow all school health, safety, emergency, and child protection procedures.
• Respond appropriately to student illnesses, injuries, accidents, and emergencies.
• Complete required documentation related to accidents, injuries, incidents, or student concerns.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is clean, safe, organized, and appropriate for three-year-old children.

5. Student Care and Daily Routines

• Assist students with age-appropriate personal care and daily routines.
• Support students with handwashing, restroom routines, meals/snacks, dressing, and other needs as appropriate.
• Encourage children to develop age-appropriate independence and self-help skills.
• Provide comfort, reassurance, and encouragement when students are upset, anxious, or having difficulty adjusting.
• Establish and maintain appropriate routines for rest/quiet time.
• Ensure students are appropriately supervised during all classroom routines and transitions.

6. Student Assessment and Documentation

• Observe students regularly and document developmental and educational progress using established school procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records and classroom documentation.
• Monitor student progress toward established developmental and learning goals.
• Identify developmental, behavioral, academic, or emotional concerns and communicate them to the Mustang Academy Director.
• Participate in parent conferences and student progress discussions as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student records and information.

7. Communication

• Establish positive, professional, and supportive relationships with Mustang Academy families.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding classroom activities, student experiences, and general classroom information.
• Provide appropriate communication regarding student progress, accomplishments, and concerns.
• Respond to parent questions and concerns professionally and in accordance with school procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality when communicating with families.
• Partner with parents to support the growth and development of each child.
• Refer significant concerns or issues to the Mustang Academy Director.

8. Classroom Aide Collaboration

• Provide appropriate direction and guidance to classroom aides.
• Clearly communicate daily classroom expectations, schedules, routines, and responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with aides to maintain appropriate student supervision and classroom operations.
• Model effective classroom practices and professional conduct.
• Communicate staffing or classroom concerns to the Mustang Academy Director.
• Foster a positive and respectful classroom team environment.

9. Classroom Organization and Care

• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and classroom supplies.
• Ensure learning centers and classroom activities are appropriately maintained.
• Clean and sanitize classroom materials and surfaces according to established procedures.
• Monitor classroom supplies and communicate supply needs to the Mustang Academy Director.
• Assist with classroom preparation and cleanup before and after daily activities.
• Ensure classroom materials and equipment are used safely and appropriately.

10. Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and be prepared to fulfill all assigned responsibilities.
• Follow Midland Christian School policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Maintain professional conduct and appropriate boundaries with students, families, and staff.
• Complete all required school, safety, childcare, and professional development training.
• Maintain required certifications and training.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, school events, and other activities as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, staff, and school matters.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist with program needs.
• Support the overall mission and ministry of Midland Christian School.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mustang Academy Director, Elementary Principal, or school administration.

1. Other duties may be assigned as needed.