Reports To:  Building Principal    

Position Purpose:           

Topeka Public Schools language arts educators demonstrate a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining organized- student-centered classrooms- by presenting content-rich and standards-based lessons and activities- by meeting individual needs through the use of assessments and data- and by using a variety of instructional strategies that are reflective of current best practices and research.

Qualifications:                 

The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior standards as set by the Kansas Department of Education.  In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of Topeka Public Schools- all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria:

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable level-area endorsements preferred).
• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public Schools standards.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.
• ESOL endorsement is preferred.

Physical/Emotional Requirements:  (The incumbent may be required to use the following skills and abilities during any part of the working day.)

While performing the duties of this job- the employee is frequently required to walk- sit- talk- and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision- distance vision- depth perception- and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.  The employee is responsible for the work output of others.  On occasion- the employee may be required to work extended hours.

Performance Responsibilities: 

• Adapts language arts material and methods that guide and challenge pupils
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
• Develops standards for critical analysis through group discussions
• Evaluates each pupil’s progress in language arts skills (listening- speaking- reading- and writing)
• Works with students and other classroom teachers in such activities as preparing material for the school newspaper or yearbook or coordinating entries in essay contests
• Modifies teaching to meet individual student needs
• Communicates high expectations to all learners
• Seeks- listens- and responds appropriately to suggestions- requests- and concerns
• Incorporates use of appropriate technology
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
• Develops lesson plans by incorporating effective lesson design
• Uses a variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources that support instructional goals and student needs
• Models and facilitates higher-order thinking- problem solving- creativity- and flexibility
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction
• Uses a variety of data in making instructional decisions
• Makes students aware of assessment standards/learner expectations
• Assists students in developing self-assessment skills
• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress
• Creates a positive- inviting- and safe learning environment
• Develops- models- and practices procedures and routines
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior and applies appropriate consequences
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
• Models enthusiasm for learning and teaching
• Treats students- patrons- and colleagues with dignity and respect
• Maintains confidentiality
• Uses monitoring techniques to facilitate learning
• Demonstrates knowledge of how subject matter/disciplines are integrated
• Demonstrates how subject matter is organized
• Communicates effectively and promotes positive interpersonal relationships
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to provide an orderly- productive environment during instructional activities
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day
• Oversees assigned budgets
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner
• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the Superintendent or designee may assign

Terms of Employment:

12 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of professional certified personnel.

Significant associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.

To apply for a position at Topeka Public Schools, please visit www.topekapublicschools.net, select Employment, and then Job Opportunities. Topeka Public Schools` students perform at the highest levels.  Students, staff members, and district leaders are recognized regularly for outstanding accomplishments. We offer a variety of comprehensive programs designed to fit to the needs and interests of all students. Excellence and equity are the standard. We educate all children. TPS schools have received national recognition for excellence in education, with several attaining the Kansas Standards of Excellence in reading and mathematics and many achieving remarkable double-digit gains. As the sixth largest school district in Kansas with an enrollment of about 12,000 students in elementary through high school, Topeka Public Schools is also the largest school district in Shawnee County.  Elementary schools range in size from 200 to 600 students. We have two elementary magnet schools.  One is a science and fine arts magnet school and the other is a computer magnet school. Middle school enrollments range between 400 to 600 students and our three high schools have enrollments of 800 to 1,800 students. Hope Street Academy, a charter high school, draws alternative students from across the district. A proud feature of our district is Hummer Sports Park, a six-sport complex featuring state-of-the-art facilities for football, track, soccer, baseball, softball, and swimming. We are committed to hiring and retaining superior employees to educate and meet the needs of each student. As the third largest employer in Topeka with over 2,400 certified and classified staff members, we provide a competitive salary schedule, district-paid insurance benefits, a generous leave package, and many other great benefits. If you are interested in joining our progressive school district, please check the job listings below and visit our website at www.topekapublicschools.net to learn more about Topeka Public Schools and complete your application.