Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6-8)

Social Studies Teacher

Under general supervision, serves as classroom teacher in grades 6 through 12, or a combination thereof, and creates a flexible program and environment favorable to learning and personal growth in accordance with each student's ability.

Teaches courses in social studies, history, geography, American government, political science, or humanities to secondary pupils, utilizing the course of study prescribed by the district approved curriculum. Develops a balanced social studies program involving factual background material, material on current events, discussion time, and other appropriate activities designed to encourage pupils to develop skills and attitudes, draw conclusions, achieve improved interpersonal relationships, and make value judgments based on scientific methods of inquiry.

Develops knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the American governmental and economic system, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Makes current material from the mass media available to pupils; plans and guides discussions of current problems against background of geographical environment and history of area being studied. Develops an understanding of the contributions of racial, religious, and political groups to American culture. Develops knowledge of political and economic systems of other nations and their influence on personal freedom, education, and living standards. Encourages pupils to become aware of the complexity and interrelations of local, state, national, and world problems. Develops and uses contemporary instructional materials suitable for verbal and/or visual instruction of students with wide range of mental, physical and emotional maturity. Provides individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs and motivate students. Establishes and maintains standards of student control required to achieve effective participation in all activities. Provides appropriate instruction and activities for students to meet school/district policies, goals and objectives. Communicates with parents through a variety of means. Holds parent conferences to discuss the individual student's progress and interpret the school program. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude and learning problems. Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays such as bulletin boards, interest centers, etc. Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district and/or professional growth activities and university courses. Selects and requisitions instructional materials; maintains inventory records. Cooperates in school-wide supervision of students during out-of-classroom activities Participates in faculty and/or district committees and/or the sponsorship of student activities as appropriate. Maintains cooperative working relationships within the workplace. Observes and performs in accordance with policies of the district and by all applicable laws and regulations. Is punctual for work, classes, and meetings. Supervises and assists students during arrival, dismissal, and lunch. Maintains confidentiality. Other duties in the scope of this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Initial passage of a physical is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Credential - Valid Illinois license and endorsement authorizing service in grade levels and areas assigned. Education - Bachelor's degree including all courses to meet credential requirements. Experience - Student teaching, Internship, or full-time teaching experience.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.