Lower Elementary Teaching Position (Various Buildings)
Kentwood Public Schools · Grand Rapids, MI · 3 days ago
EducationFull-time
Effective 2026-2027 school year.
About the role
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district-approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress, activities, and outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students; and creating a flexible, safe, and optimal learning environment. Provides feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.
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 to best utilize available time for instruction.
- Differentiates instruction using a variety of styles to 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 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.
- Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
- Coordinates with other elementary professional staff members, especially within grade level, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies and equipment, and maintains inventory records.
- 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.
- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators.
Requirements
- Valid Michigan teaching certificate.
- Must meet State of Michigan requirements for Professional Development.
- An understanding of working with standards.
- Experience with current school math curriculum.
- Experience teaching within the Balanced Literacy format.
- Strong reading background.
- Successful classroom management.
- An understanding of a "learning styles" approach to instruction and a respect for students' multiple intelligences.
- Able to work as part of a collaborative team.
- EL certification or experience working with EL students preferred.
Skills
- Ability to work in an economically, culturally, and racially diverse environment.
- Knowledge of elementary school curriculum and concepts.
- Demonstrated understanding of current research methods and pedagogy regarding how children learn and the ability to motivate students to perform at their best.
- Display physical, social, mental, and emotional soundness to execute the duties of the job.
- 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 systems 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 regarding performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands
- 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.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.
- Mental functions include comparing, analyzing, communicating both orally and in writing, copying, coordinating, instructing, computing, synthesizing, evaluating, using interpersonal skills, compiling, and negotiating.