FLSA:EXEMPT

TITLE: HEAD START TEACHER

QUALIFICATIONS: A baccalaureate or advanced degree in child development or early childhood; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool age children.
REPORTS TO: Site Based Administrator or Principal
SUPERVISES: Paraprofessional; Students
JOB GOAL: To plan, direct and evaluate the learning experiences of each pupil through appropriate instruction.
TERM: Nine (9) Months
SALARY: Head Start Salary Schedule
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
I. Instructional Responsibilities
A. To establish learning objectives, immediate and long range with written minimum, daily, weekly or unit lesson plan which shall be available in the classroom. Planning shall provide for systematic growth in fundamental knowledge, skills, appreciation and attitudes.
B. To teach effectively:
1. Create a room with centers which will stimulate student intellectual, academic, social and psycho motor development.
2. Provide opportunities for the children to engage in large motor activities outside.
3. Provide both large and small group activities.
4. Use a variety of developmentally appropriate techniques and materials to stimulate learning.
5. Differentiate activities to meet individual needs and stages of development.
6. modeling appropriate behavior.
7. Record frequent anecdotal observations and collecting work samples to include in the child’s portfolio.
8. Use the information in the child’s portfolio to document growth or identify problems.
9. Conduct parent conferences a minimum of three times during the year.
10. Complete online child assessment three times annually.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of child growth and development, showing respect for the individuality of every child.
12. Exhibit substantial knowledge of subject matter and the curriculum objectives.
13. Maintain control, promote self-discipline, character and respect for others through use of positive control techniques in keeping with Head Start policy and Rapides Parish School Board regulations.
14. Provide for individual differences by using effective grouping, procedures or individualizing instruction, utilizing a variety of materials to the child’s level.
15. Maintain an atmosphere in the class conducive to learning.

II. Administrative Responsibilities
A. To follow the rules and regulations of Head Start ad the Rapides Parish School Board.
B. To follow a times and/or duty schedule authorized by the site based administrator for the school day.
C. To sign in and out of school on appropriate forms and attendance system.
D. To be in the assigned classroom or other area of responsibility when the class period begins. Students shall never be left unattended or unsupervised.
E. To remain at school during the school day unless permission is obtained from the Site Based Administrator or Principal.
F. To be responsible for attending any administrative and/or professional meetings called by the Site Based Administrator, Principal or program.
G. To notify the Site Based Administrator or Principal in case of absence in sufficient time to secure a substitute; to notify the Site Based Administrator or Principal of advance plans to return to school.
H. To follow guidelines as set forth by the program and Rapides Parish School Board.
I. To maintain an attractive and clean classroom.
J. To account for and be responsible for the care of all curriculum, furniture, equipment and other instructional materials which are assigned to the teacher’s classroom.
K. To be neat and accurate in completing required records and reports, turning these in promptly.
L. To be responsible for field trips:
1. Obtain permission of the Site Administrator or Principal;
2. Get parents written consent;
3. Make certain the trip has educational value related to current classroom
instruction;
4. Properly prepare pupils for the field trip experiences and to follow up on
return;
5. Assure that trips are adequately chaperoned and that pupils are properly
supervised by teacher ad chaperones.
6. Assure that all children are picked up, upon return, by parents, guardian
or authorized person, before the teacher leaves. No child shall ever be left
unattended.

III. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. To exhibit enthusiasm and self-confidence, assuming a positive attitude about the possibility for growth and development of all children.
B. To maintain good public relations, making positive contributions to parents’ understanding of child’s progress.
C. To be ethical in contacts with parents and other layman, fellow professionals and children.
D. To participate in faculty and system wide in-service programs, keeping current by taking credit or non-credit college courses applicable to the area of responsibility for teaching, taking part in appropriate workshops and conferences and reading current professional literature.
E. To be loyal to the administration of the Rapides Parish School Board.
F. To establish and execute a professional growth and self-evaluation plan in accordance with the Rapides Parish School Board Personnel Evaluation Plan.

IV. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. To observe standards of conduct, demonstrating integrity and dependability.
B. To follow the provisions of the dress code adopted by the Board.
C. To use language which is void of vulgarity, lewdness, coarseness or profanity.
D. To maintain self-control and poise.
E. To maintain good general health with the physical vitality to perform duties of an effective teacher.
F. To enunciate clearly in a pleasant, controlled voice, expressing ideas clearly, employing good English usage.
G. To demonstrate the ability to adjust to new situations, showing control and effectiveness under pressure.
H. To accept responsibility commensurate with assigned tasks, meeting obligations on time.
I. To be in attendance at work, except for personal illness or emergency as defined by Head Start polity.

Teachers shall be expected to perform the following duties, along with the completion of corresponding documents, forms, and reports:
1. Instructional Components

•  Fulfill duties traditionally expected of those in teaching profession
• Lesson Plans
• Instruction
• Collaborate with colleagues and departments
• Grade Papers
• Take and record attendance
• Enter/Average Grades
• Maintain positive and timely interaction with parents relative to the performance or conduct of students assigned to the teacher
• School committees or task forces to contribute to school improvement initiatives
• Educational or coaching best practices and techniques

2. Supervision

• Supervision of Students when students are on or off campus at a school related/sponsored event
• Supervision of Students prior to school and/or drop-off, when assigned
• Supervision of Students in the classroom
• Supervision of students between classes, during recess/intermission, during lunch, assemblies
• Supervision of Students after school and/or pick-up, when assigned

3. Non-instructional Components

• Attend meetings generally associated with the instruction of students
• Attend faculty, staff, and department meetings
• Attend training sessions
• Attend IEP meetings
• Attend parent-teacher conferences
• Attend back-to-school and open-house events
• Attend graduation
• Attend PGP, PIP, Evaluation, Observation, IAP, and student discipline meetings/hearings
• Attend school board/committee meetings, upon request

4. Extracurricular Activities

• Attend all meetings and functions of those activities, clubs, or groups of which the employee is a sponsor