First Grade Classroom Teacher

About the role

The position serves as an Elementary Kindergarten Classroom Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The role involves facilitating student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district-approved curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Develops and administers school elementary curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction, by using a variety of styles, and inspire mixed culture and ability classes by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all students.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the school system.
• 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.
• 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.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Safeguards the rights and dignity of each student and provides a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate.
• Must meet State of Michigan requirements for Professional Development.
• An understanding of working with standards.
• Experience with Math In Focus curriculum.
• Experience teaching within the Balanced Literacy format.
• A strong reading background.
• Successful classroom management.
• An understanding of a "learning styles" approach to instruction and a respect for students' multiple intelligences.
• A commitment to lifelong learning as demonstrated by attendance at seminars, in-services and training, as appropriate.
• EL certification or experience working with EL students preferred.

Additional Duties

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

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Knowledge of elementary school curriculum and concepts.
• Demonstrated understanding of current research methods and pedagogy as to how children learn and the ability to motivate students to perform at their best.
• Display physical, social, mental and emotional soundness in order to execute the duties of the job.

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.
• The mental functions required by this job include comparing, analyzing, communicating both orally and in writing, copying, coordinating, instructing, computing, synthesizing, evaluating, using interpersonal skills, compiling and negotiating.

ADA Requirements

• The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.
• The mental functions required by this job include comparing, analyzing, communicating both orally and in writing, copying, coordinating, instructing, computing, synthesizing, evaluating, using interpersonal skills, compiling and negotiating.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit an application, individual cover letter and resume through the online applicant center at kentwoodps.employment.org. All application materials must be uploaded and submitted no later than 5:00 PM on the specified posting deadline. Visit the district website for more information: kentwoodps.employment.org.