A Teacher performs complex professional work, providing teaching and/or training services to students in general instruction in one or more subject contents; motivates students to develop skills in assigned subject matters; performs related work as required. Teachers work under general supervision from school administrators. Limited supervision may be exercised over assigned paraprofessionals.
The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:
- Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information;
- Meets and instructs the students(s) in assigned locations and at the designated times;
- Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, students, the community, and curriculum goals;
- Plans effective instruction to achieve desired objectives that reflect the Virginia Standards of Learning and division curriculum guidelines;
- Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of lesson preparation upon request of the building administrator(s);
- Diagnoses individual, group, and program needs and plans for the appropriate use of time, materials, and resources to match the ability and needs of all students;
- Evaluates students’ progress; provides students with specific evaluative feedback; maintains appropriate records and prepares progress reports;
- Uses a variety of assessment strategies and instruments to make both short-term and long-range instructional decisions to improve student learning;
- Administers standardized tests in accordance with established procedures;
- Identifies and communicates specific student performance expectations; documents student learning gains using appropriate assessment instruments;
- Demonstrates an understanding of curriculum, subject, and current instructional practices;
- Creates learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for all students;
- Understands that students differ in their learning styles and differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs;
- Uses appropriate materials, technology, and resources in a manner that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills;
- Selects, evaluates, and refines a variety of teaching methods and instructional strategies for the active engagement of students and improvement of student learning;
- Implements a classroom management policy that fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff;
- Ensures the adequate and safe supervision of students;
- Manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time;
- Establishes and maintains positive rapport with students;
- Motivates students to achieve maximum potential;
- Creates a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation;
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
- Reports any pertinent information to the building administrators in case of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse;
- Uses effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster positive interactions in the classroom;
- Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population;
- Takes responsibility for and participates in a meaningful and continuous process of professional development;
- Maintains licensure at the state and/or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date;
- Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, school personnel, and the community to promote and support student learning;
- Provides service to the profession, the division, and the community;
- Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies;
- Maintains proper boundaries with students at all times, assuring respect for the ethical and legal duties in the staff-student relationship and the essential duty to serve as a role model;
- Communicates with students, student counselors and parents through conferences and other means;
- Participates in curriculum development, faculty committees, and student activity sponsorship, as requested;
- Prepares course objectives and outline for course of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements of state and school.
- Lectures, demonstrates, and uses audiovisual teaching aids to present subject matter to class.
- Prepares, administers, and corrects tests, and records results.
- Assigns lessons, corrects papers, and hears oral presentations.
- Counsels pupils when adjustment and academic problems arise.
- Discusses pupils’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents.
- Keeps attendance and grade records as required by school.
- Coordinates class field trips.
- Works cooperatively with the total staff.
- Assumes responsibility for the care of materials, equipment, and facilities.
- Assumes responsibility for a neat, safe environment for students committed to their care.
- Provides a good role model of an educated professional in appearance, demeanor, dress and behavior;
- Assumes responsibilities outside the classroom as they relate to school;
- Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions;
- Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
- Performs related duties as assigned by the building administrator(s) in accordance with the school/division policies and practices.