Secondary Teacher – Social Studies Brief Description of Position As part of a secondary teaching assignment, teaches one or more classes of social studies to pupils in grades 9-12, and assists in other school programs as assigned. Major Duties and Responsibilities Teaches courses in social studies, history, geography, American government, political science, or humanities to secondary pupils, utilizing course of study adopted by the Board of Education and other appropriate learning activities. Instructs pupils in citizenship, basic communication skills, and other general elements of the course of study common to all teachers, as specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district. 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. Provides individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of pupils with varying intellectual abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds. Develops knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the American governmental and economic system, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Makes material from current magazines, newspaper, television programs, etc., available to pupils; plans and guides discussions of current social, political, and economic problems against background of geographical environment and history of area being studied. Develops an understanding of the contribution of the minority racial, religious, and political groups to American culture, and the role of minorities in our present day world. Develops knowledge of political and economic systems of other nations and their influence on personal freedom, education, and living standards of the people in those nations. Encourages pupils to become aware of the complexity and interrelations of local, state, national, and world problems. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment. Creates, with assistance of pupils, interest centers and displays with material to enhance learning. Evaluates each pupil’s development in course being taught, and prepares progress reports. Participates in in-service education activities provided by the district and continues his professional growth. Other Duties Selects and requisitions books, instructional aids, and instructional supplies and maintains required inventory records; may request resource speakers and field trips. Communicates with parents and school counselors to discuss the individual pupil’s progress. Identifies pupil needs, and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems. Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day. Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs within the school of assignment and/or on a district level. May teach under modular or flexible scheduling plans. Performs basic attendance accounting and business services as required. Shares in the sponsorship of pupils activities such as student government or model United Nations, and participates in faculty committees. May plan and coordinate the work of aides, teacher assistants, or other paraprofessionals. Under the immediate direction of the site administrator and/or his designee. Qualifications • Credential: General Secondary, Standard Secondary (issued on a partial fulfillment basis). • Education: Bachelor’s degree with major in history or the social sciences, including all courses needed to meet credential requirements. • Experience: Practice teaching (6 semester units or 120 clock hours) or two years of full-time teaching experience, at least half in social studies instruction. • Personal Qualities: Appearance, grooming, and personality which establish desirable example for pupils. Ability to meet district standards for physical and mental health. Better than average recommendations from student teaching supervisors and other professions who have observed the personal characteristics, scholastic attainment, and classroom performance of the teacher.