PALO VERDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Primary Grade Teacher Certificated Personnel DESCRIPTION: Under the immediate supervision of the site Principal, the ultimate supervision of the Superintendent of the district, the Primary Grade Teacher shall endeavor to educate each child academically, socially, physically, emotionally, culturally and in critical thinking. Furthermore, each child shall have the assurance that he/she is loved, wanted, and belongs. A good self image should be developed so that the child will feel important and that they have something worthwhile to contribute to their classroom, community and the world. Within the limits set by law and education code, and within the scope of the district’s adopted philosophy and goals, the Primary Grade Teacher has the responsibility for the basic education and welfare of the students assigned to him/her. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Experience: Must posses a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university; must be able to show proof of passing of the CBEST, required by the California Commission of Teaching Credentials; and completion of an approved teacher preparation program and student teaching preferred. In some cases, waivers or emergency credentials may be granted. Teachers on waivers or emergency credentials will be required to do course work leading to acquiring a preliminary credential in order to maintain employment with the District. Experience working with a diverse socio-economic and multi-ethnic school population preferred. Demonstrated Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Appropriate knowledge of child growth and development and learning theory; understanding and skill to effectively deal with responsibilities; ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of groups and individuals; capable of maintaining a good public image. Willingness to set high standards for self, students and staff. Understanding and appreciation for the various special support programs and the value of each toward the total effort. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Teaches pupils the required skills and knowledge in the respective courses. 2. Instructs students in citizenship, basic communication skills and other general elements of the course of study as specified by State Law, Education Code, Board Policy and the State Frameworks. 3. Develops lesson plans and organizes instruction so that preparation, instruction, practical work, projects and clean up activities can be completed in the allotted amount of time. 4. Demonstrates a variety and proper use of materials, equipment, tools and processes necessary to teach the course of study. 5. Provides opportunity for individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the students. 6. Establishes and maintains proper standards of student conduct needed to provide a safe learning environment necessary to teach the class. 7. Evaluates each pupil’s performance, knowledge, and skills relative to the course being taught in a fair and effective manner. 8. Maintains grades and progress reports on each student. 9. Responsible for selecting and requisitions books, instructional aids and supplies required to teach the course assigned, while following established budget and district office procedures. 10. Participates in curriculum development programs within the school of assignment and/or on a district level whenever the need arises. 11. Maintains professional competence through voluntary participation in conference training and other educational activities necessary to keep current with the teaching profession and his/her field of study. [Primary Grade Teacher – page 2] 12. May represents the school at meetings, conferences and before the public. 13. Responsible for maintaining the condition of school facilities and equipment and reporting any necessary damage. 14. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. 15. Endeavors to instill a sense of self discipline in the action and interaction of each student. 16. Insures a comfortable room environment to the extent possible, to achieve an adequate and functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. 17. Will maintain communication with parents, counselors, administrators and other staff as necessary regarding each individual student’s progress. 18. Responsible to report any uncertain actions or negative welfare noted on behalf of students. 19. Provides information and background preparatory for job entry and/or further schooling. 20. Will supervise students in and out of class activities as necessary. 21. Will participate in school, faculty, and district committees as assigned 22. Will attend all required staff, faculty and other meetings as assigned. 23. Will share in the sponsorship of student activities, clubs and organizations. 24. May plan, direct and coordinate instructional aides and volunteers. 25. Performs other duties as needed, directed or as necessary to assist in a successful school and district operation. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO THE ASSIGNED SUBJECT 1. Responsible for teaching such academic subjects as outlined by course of study with special emphasis on READING and providing learning experiences which lead children to: (a) explore, (b) discover, (c) experiment, (d) construct, (e) manipulate, (f) share and (g) listen. 2. Creates with assistance from pupils a functional and attractive environment for learning through displays, bulletin boards and interest centers. 3. Instructs pupils in citizenship, basic communication skills, and helps each child develop a positive self concept. 4. Evaluates pupils’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, prepares progress reports, and communicates with parents on the individual pupil’s progress. 5. Develops general school readiness by developing sensory motor, perceptual, conceptual, and language and thinking skills. 6. Provides for readiness and experiences in the following areas: Language Arts, Art, Safety, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Music, Mathematics and Health. 7. Identifies pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members, parents, and PTA in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems. 8. Arranges schedule to include planing with students, doing, sharing, evaluation, cleaning up, outside and inside play and storytime. 9. Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service education activities provided by the district and/or self selected professional growth activities. 10. Participates cooperatively with the site principal to mutually develop the system by which he/she will be evaluated in conformance with the district’s uniform guidelines for evaluation and assessment. DEMONSTRATED PHYSICAL ABILITIES: 1. Ability to conduct verbal conversation in English, and other designated language. 2. Ability to hear normal range verbal conversation (approximately 60 decibels). 3. Ability to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend and walk. 4. Ability to climb slopes, stairs, steps and ladders. [Primary Grade Teacher – pg. 3] 5. Able to push and/or pull a variety of tools, equipment and objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 6. Able to lift up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. 7. Able to carry up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. 8. Able to exhibit full range of motion for shoulder external rotation and internal rotation. 9. Able to exhibit full range of motion for shoulder abduction and adduction. 10. Able to exhibit full range of motion for elbow flexion and extension. 11. Able to exhibit full range of motion for shoulder extension and flexion. 12. Able to exhibit full range of motion for back lateral flexion. 13. Able to exhibit full range of motion for hip flexion and extension. 14. Able to exhibit full range of motion for knee flexion 15. Able to exhibit manual dexterity needed to operate office/classroom machines and equipment in a safe and effective manner. 16. Able to work with cleaning solutions, disinfectants and sanitizers in a safe and effective manner, without allergic reaction. 17. Able to obtain and maintain a required driver’s license. 18. Able to drive out of town for meetings, conferences, recruitment, etc..