Grammar School Teacher - 4th Grade Math and Science

Grammar School Teacher 4th Grade - Math & Science Classification : Exempt Reports to: Grammar School Headmaster Purpose The purpose of this position is to educate elementary-aged children (Kindergarten Prep through 5th grade) in the foundations of learning using classical methods and a biblical worldview to prepare students with excellence to pursue God’s truth, knowledge and wisdom, and to do so with diligence and perseverance. Summary The Grammar School (GS) teacher provides instruction in an educational environment where students develop a love for God’s created order as they discover the truth, goodness and beauty of His world through methods consistent with the first stage of the classical approach to learning known as the trivium. This includes teaching the fundamental elements of each subject area to build a framework of knowledge which will serve as the foundation for skills learned in Logic School (the second stage of the trivium), and Rhetoric School (the third phase of the trivium). The GS teacher will lead, instruct, disciple and mentor students in a manner consistent with the School’s Statement of Faith and the Portrait of a Geneva Teacher. The teacher will purposefully partner with parents in the education and spiritual development of their children. The GS teacher will partner collegially with other School employees and will actively pursue professional development. Supervision Received and Exercised The GS teacher receives direction from the GS Headmaster, GS administrative team and occasionally from the grade team leader. The GS teacher must exercise judgment that is in keeping with the School’s philosophy of education, beliefs and values, and with the approved curriculum. The GS Headmaster or designee will offer instruction, advice, direction and mentoring. The work is reviewed regularly and consistently. The GS teacher exercises functional supervision over students and classroom environment. Work Schedule This is a full-time, academic year position. In general, the workday is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., five days a week for ten months. However, as an exempt employee, the employee is expected to work beyond the workday to perform duties outlined in the job description and as assigned. There is a mandatory faculty meeting once a week from 3:50 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is also a mandatory retreat each year during in-service. Essential Job Functions Spiritual Leadership Study the Bible, God’s only written Word Skillfully articulate the personal/ethical implications of a lifelong faith commitment Measure knowledge against the standard of God’s revealed truth in Scripture Actively participate in the explicitly religious components of the student and community programs Demonstrate an overt commitment to the life of a church and its core traditions Respect the School’s Christian mission and values, and aid students in Christian formation by exemplifying Christian living, both in and out of the classroom Be a positive role model for students by supporting Geneva’s Beliefs including the School’s Statement of Faith and Statement on Identity, Sexuality and Gender and exemplifying the Portrait of a Geneva Teacher Perform duties as a minister and steward of the Christian faith Lesson Planning, Preparation and Presentation Demonstrate understanding of pedagogical knowledge, skills and objectives in a classical, Christian school Establish a classroom environment that follows the classical methodology with a biblical worldview Implement the approved curricular program Develop, maintain and implement lesson plans, learning activities, schedules, etc. that fulfill the requirements of the School’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation, as required Review and revise lesson plans based on student diagnostic and assessment results with GS Headmaster approval Establish clearly articulated standards for student academic performance Work with grade-level team to ensure instructional and cultural consistency across the grade level Produce lesson plans to provide evidence of appropriate instruction, learning strategies and activities and when necessary have available for use by substitute teachers Student Learning Convey information to students using a variety of modalities, e.g., auditory, visual, demonstrations, discovery, etc. Use clear language and appropriate vocabulary, integrating new vocabulary within existing shared framework using the basic tools outlined in the 7 Laws of Learning Deliberately articulate how all subjects are interrelated, as parts of God’s integrated universe Provide just, reliable, understandable grade/reward structures Schedule and assign instructional activities, providing timely feedback on the results Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through informal and formal grade level approved testing (i.e. Heggerty and Dibels) to assess students’ learning and monitor academic progress Explain to students the grades received and ensure understanding of how improvement might be possible Provide private and public positive reinforcement for individual and group successes Maintain student learning results by providing instructional feedback, reviews, coaching, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, etc. Maintain records of students' educational progress by documenting accomplishments, attendance and behavior using FACTS in a timely manner Classroom Management Understand, embrace, interpret and apply Geneva School policies, procedures and regulations affecting School operations and programs in accordance with the Grammar School culture Establish, articulate and maintain standards of student behavior to achieve a classroom climate conducive to learning and respect Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of students Maintain a safe, organized, clean and stimulating environment in the classroom Manage student behavior in accordance with Grammar School Handbook and culture Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities Prioritize tasks, including non-urgent, but important matters Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other documents, as required Know and understand safety procedures including training in first aid and CPR; to be maintained every two years Communication Establish meaningful emotional/psychological engagement with students, find creative and appropriate ways to be involved in students’ outside-the-class lives without compromising privacy Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues and community Maintain godly relationships with parents, other staff members and the community Communicate professionally and timely through email, notes, phone conversations and conferences with parents in accordance with the GSB Employee Handbook protocol Support parents by providing academic information, suggesting available educational and social resources, addressing concerns, and answering questions and requests with GS Headmaster input and support Establish and post before/after school “office hours” for faculty to meet with students and/or parents Professionalism Demonstrate commitment and loyalty to the School and the teaching profession through speech, punctuality, dress, attitude and attention to duties Present a consistent, predictable and reliable demeanor to students Collaborate with staff, co-workers and administration in a cooperative, professional atmosphere Accept constructive feedback to affect personal and professional growth Develop and maintain professional competence and continuous improvement through active participation in professional development activities and/or pro