Gifft Hill School Teacher Job Description 

The teacher’s job is to assure that all students learn the basic and essential skills as defined in the Gifft Hill School curriculum for each grade level. 

A. Instructional Process

1. Adheres to the school mission statement and the core curriculum of the teacher’s assignment.
2. Uses effective instructional strategies that incorporate technology, higher level thinking skills, and best practices. 
3. Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all students.  Remediates, re-teaches and extends teaching to help students reach their maximum potential.
4. Instructs thorough a variety of methods (lecture, discussion, demonstration, hands-on experiences, etc.) and materials to meet the variety of learning style needs.
5. Provides an engaging curriculum that maximizes student achievement.
6. Communicates clearly in writing and speaking.
7. Prepares appropriate substitute plans and files a set of emergency lesson plans with the office at the beginning of each year.

 B.  Classroom Management

The teacher creates a safe, caring, positive environment that maximizes student learning for all.

1. Develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior using appropriate consequences that are consistently applied.  These expectations and consequences are clearly posted in the classroom as well as shared, in writing, with parents and students.
2. Enforces administration policies and rules.
3. Establishes classroom procedures that maintain a high level of student’s time-on-task and ensures smooth transitions from one activity to another.
4. Prepares students to be life long learners by encouraging self-regulation, increasing student responsibility of own learning, and perseverance of challenging tasks.
5. Ensures that students are always supervised.

 C. Curriculum Development

The teacher will have a strong understanding of the Gifft Hill Curriculum and the knowledge base needed for the courses assigned to teach.

1. Keeps current in subject matter knowledge and learning theory/practices.
2. Seeks out and collaborates with colleagues to improve delivery of instruction and to meet the needs of all students.
3. Assists in ongoing curriculum revision process, constantly monitoring effectiveness of courses studied.
4. Assists in thoughtful and fiscally responsible selection of materials, books, equipment, etc.
5. Becomes acquainted with and utilizes supplemental resources to enhance curriculum.

  D.  Student Evaluation

These duties appraise and measure student performance.

1. Evaluates accomplishments of students on a regular basis using multiple assessment methods (formal and informal) such as: teacher-made tests; portfolio samples of student work; writing folders; check lists; standardized tests; text book exams; anecdotal records; etc.
2. Maintains accurate and efficient student records.  Online grading programs (such as Ed-line) will be updated on a weekly basis.
3. Uses student assessments to set goals for students as well as to guide instruction.
4. Communicates student progress effectively to students, parents, guardians and involved school personnel through progress reports, report cards, conferences, etc. in a timely fashion.
5. Uses individual and group data appropriately; maintains confidentiality concerning student data and achievement.

 E.  Professional Responsibilities

Teachers will perform additional duties beyond classroom instruction to foster school climate, promote public goodwill, and enhance professional growth.

1. Demonstrates knowledge of and exhibits accountability for all policies and procedures indicated in student and faculty handbooks.
2. Makes use of community resources and organizations for field trips, speakers, grants, academic contests, etc.
3. Accepts responsibility for sponsoring, supervising and attending extra-curricular activities.
4. Supervises and utilizes teacher associates and volunteers appropriately.
5. Supervises homeroom, cafeteria, bus loading, assemblies, etc. as directed.
6. Displays student work and promotes student successes inside and outside of the classroom.
7. Maintains regular and punctual attendance as well as using planning and conference time to their fullest.  Attends staff, department and committee meetings as required.
8. Communicates and works cooperatively with colleagues, parents and community to promote and strengthen Gifft Hill School (PTO, weekly newsletters, contributions to newspapers, fundraising needs, etc.).
9. Promotes professional growth through attendance of workshops, seminars, conferences, coursework, membership in professional organizations, and other school professional development opportunities.  Shares information gained through these experiences with colleagues, parents and community.
10.  Respects individual abilities, talents, experiences and differences.  Celebrates and embraces the diversity of our school population.