2023-2024 Social Studies Teacher (Grades 7-12)

Social Studies Teacher

Position Purpose

• Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' knowledge and understanding of world cultures and cultural evolution; to develop skills in research of social orders; and develop an understanding of the existence and importance of geographical, historical, cultural and political factors that influence the development of world societies, socio-economic systems and political systems, as well as their inter-relationship and interdependence.

• To foster an understanding and appreciation of world cultures, languages, racial, ethnic and religious groups, and political systems.

Essential Functions

• Promotes students' critical analysis of the effect media has on the flow of information and shaping of public discourse, and encourage students to seek out and compare alternative sources of information concerning the key issues of their world.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Fosters an understanding of the continuity and patterns of human behavior through the ages, and an awareness of the complexity and interrelationship of local, state, national and world problems and approaches to their solution(s).
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop unit organization around historical problems, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Develops and administers Social Studies curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Teaches knowledge of social studies, incorporating history, geography, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, and humanities.
• Develops students' research skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to make critical value judgments and contribute to the thoughtful exchange of ideas, through a variety of reading, writing, group discussion and presentation assignments to stimulate self-reliance in problem-solving and drawing conclusions.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Develops students' understanding of various racial, ethnic, religious and political groups and mores, as well as socio-economic status, and the influence of various factors on human rights and freedom.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Demonstrates the manner in which the past provides a comparative basis from which to evaluate the nature of current issues and predict courses of action for the future, with continuous cross reference to contemporary matters of importance.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Knowledge of humanity's major problems and approaches to their solution(s) in the past.
• Knowledge of world history in a variety of sub-topic, including history, geography, sociology, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, anthropology, and humanities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License:

• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education:

• Masters Degree preferred.
• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

Experience:

• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt