TEACHER EC BLENDED - FULL DAY

Function / Position Summary

The Early Childhood Teacher of a blended class will plan for, provide and assess the instruction of preschool-age students who are at risk of future academic failure and/or students with mild to moderate special education needs. Additionally, the teacher will build a working relationship with the family of the preschool child to support them in educating their child. Travel within the district and surrounding communities may be required.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Displays a thorough knowledge of early childhood development, preschool curriculum, authentic assessment, and second language instructional practices for early learners.
• Plans cohesive instruction following the district, Early Learners and Multilingual and Multicultural Education departments, guidelines that meet the individual needs, interests and abilities of students.
• Plans for and guides the learning process toward the mastery of curriculum goals, and establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects that are clearly communicated to students.
• Implements researched-based, developmentally appropriate teaching strategies that engage all students, acknowledging a range of abilities of students, as well as, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Creates a classroom environment that facilitates learning and motivates students.
• Effectively communicates with students, colleagues and parents.
• Sets high expectations for student achievement and self-regulation; motivates students to work to their highest potential.
• Implements assessments of student progress defined by program guidelines, maintains individual student portfolios, and communicates progress to students and parents.
• Implements school improvement plans and strategies.
• Collaborates with colleagues and parents on a regular basis, and as requested by the administration.
• Assists in the referral of students with learning difficulties, seeking assistance from other school personnel as needed.
• Works cooperatively with building administration and/or department staff in assessing his/her teaching strengths and weaknesses, and planning and implementing a program to improve his/her teaching competencies.
• Participates in required district or state professional development activities.
• Participates on curriculum, personnel, policy or professional development committees related to the educational program.
• Maintains complete and correct records as required by law, district, and program policy.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education from accredited university.
• Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Early Childhood endorsement or Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for alternative provisional education (ELS-APE) with an Early Childhood Education endorsement or Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for visiting international educator (ELS-VIT) with an Early Childhood Education endorsement.
• ESL endorsement required.
• Early Childhood Special Education approval preferred. 

Experience / Knowledge

• Early childhood teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS).
• Knowledge of the WIDA Early Language Development Standards for English and Spanish.
• Understanding of second language acquisition.
• Knowledge of strategies to differentiate instruction and provide accommodations.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push objects or materials up to 30 lbs. with proper technique.
• Stooping, bending, reaching and working at a child's level is necessary.
• Frequently outdoors on the playground or occasional walking field trips.

Terms of Employment

• This is a ten-month position (184 work days). Salary and benefits as established by the Board of Education.
• The starting salary for this role is $60,689.