Master Teacher

About the Role

Responsible for working directly in the classroom with a focus on children 18 months to 5 years of age. Collaborates with site staff to ensure the successful operation of a school readiness classroom with 15-20 children. Works with the team to implement content areas and partners with family members to deliver the curriculum, achieving outcomes for children of all abilities within the Head Start Program.

Responsibilities

• Substitute in various classrooms at various locations.
• Understand and implement all Center-based Curriculums.
• Provide a safe environment and teach children safe practices to prevent and reduce injuries.
• Teach children about good nutrition and practices that promote health and wellness.
• Organize and use positive interactions, physical space, materials, daily schedule, and routines to create a secure, interesting, and enjoyable environment that promotes engagement, play, exploration, and learning for all children, including those with disabilities and special needs.
• Implement curriculum using developmentally appropriate materials, learning experiences, and teaching strategies to promote curiosity, reasoning, problem-solving, physical development, and other cognitive skills.
• Promote children's learning of language, literacy, mathematics, science, technology, social studies, and the arts.
• Implement Emotional Support Curriculum and strategies to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings, regulate emotions and behaviors, establish positive relationships, and participate cooperatively with peers.
• Support dual-language learners in making progress in understanding and speaking both English and their home language.
• Demonstrate a warm, positive, supportive, and responsive approach with each child, helping them learn about and take pride in their individual and cultural identity.
• Communicate and collaborate with staff, parents, and community members from culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
• Use observation, documentation, and planning to support children's development and learning, ensuring individualization in planning and effective classroom operation.
• Make decisions based on research-based early childhood practices, promote high-quality school readiness services, and seek opportunities to improve knowledge and competence.
• Use reflective practice and additional strategies to promote positive outcomes for teaching staff and children.
• Proficiently use Child Ongoing Assessment for Preschool and Early Head Start.
• Utilize various virtual platforms to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.
• Travel as needed throughout the PGCCS Head Start service area.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or Associate degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major in ECE, plus experience teaching preschool-age children. Baccalaureate degree preferred.
• All education must be from an accredited institution.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Two years of preschool (ages 18 months–5 years) classroom teaching experience preferred. Two years of Head Start teaching experience preferred.
• Arizona Driver’s License, proof of insurance, fingerprint card, Social Security card, CPR and First Aid certification, and food handler’s card (if required). Must provide a vehicle for program business.
• Travel throughout Pinal and Gila counties on a daily basis using a personal vehicle as needed. Mileage reimbursed per Agency policy.
• Health Questionnaire required at hire and updated every 3 years.
• Meet all agency, state, and federal required immunizations or have an approved exemption on file.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including internet and email.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
• Food Handler’s Card or Certificate within 30 calendar days of hire.

Skills

• Frequent significant decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies or crisis situations.
• Ability to supervise preschool children in a safe environment and apply early childhood development theory in daily activities.
• Understanding of DCS reporting system, signs, and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) and implementation per position.

Physical Requirements

• Critical sensory requirements include general vision, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Able to hear or listen in the normal range (corrected) and speak clearly.
• Able to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 40 lbs.
• Able to run 50 feet and demonstrate exercises such as jumping jacks and leg lifts.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a classroom/office setting with minimal exposure to injury. Hours generally align with regular business hours, averaging at least 40 hours per week, with variations due to special projects, deadlines, or other concerns. Possible exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials through collateral duties such as rendering first aid. Seldom exposure to vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, mold, and poor ventilation.