2026-2027 Social Studies Teacher

About the role

Position is responsible for creating a classroom environment that develops in each student an appreciation of American ideals and cultural heritage; that develops proficiency in the use of social studies inquiry skills and concepts; that motivates each pupil to understand and exercise the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Teaches courses in social studies, history, geography, American government, political science or humanities to students utilizing curriculum designated by Newport News Public Schools.
• Develops lesson plans and supplementary materials compatible with the division’s basic instructional philosophy and congruent with course / SOL standards; provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student and subgroups of students.
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of Newport News Public Schools.
• Develops a balanced social studies program to encourage students to develop skills and attitudes, draw conclusions and make judgments based on scientific methods of inquiry.
• Evaluates academic and social growth of students, prepares report cards, and keeps appropriate records to include attendance reports, checklists, census forms, and other recordkeeping activities as necessary.
• Makes current material from the mass media available to students; plans and guides discussions of current events against background of geographical environment and history of area being studied.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior for a productive learning environment during class sessions and field trips.
• Evaluates each student’s growth in knowledge and skills.
• Communicates with parents and school counselors on student progress.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities.
• Administers testing in accordance with division testing practices.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings and other professional activities.
• Participates in various student and parent activities, which occur in school including PTA, student clubs and after-school activities.
• Creates an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education or a related field and meet the Virginia Department of Education licensure eligibility requirements to teach Social Studies.
• Must be eligible for, or in possession of, an appropriate Virginia teaching license.
• Must possess ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.

Working Conditions

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
• Hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone.
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone.
• Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; and to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.