Social Studies Teacher

About the District

Danbury Public Schools is a diverse community located in western Connecticut, serving more than 12,500 students across the City of Danbury. We are committed to cultivating equity and excellence for all students, closing opportunity gaps, and preparing students for post-secondary success. Our mission is to provide transformational learning experiences designed to nurture thoughtful and prepared graduates. Our schools include 13 unique elementary schools (including an interdistrict magnet school for International Studies), three middle schools (including an intradistrict magnet school focused on STEM and World Studies), and the flagship Danbury Career Academies, which deliver education through a wide range of interests taught by faculty with real-world and academic experiences.

About the Role

Instruct students in Social Studies, helping them learn subject matter and skills that broaden their learning experiences and contribute to their development. Create a student-centered, problem-based learning environment and collaborate in a small-setting with a diverse population. This role involves communicating with parents, maintaining a classroom conducive to learning, and participating in professional learning.

Responsibilities

• Follow the scope and sequence of the instructional program as defined and approved by the Danbury Board of Education.
• Set and reinforce clear expectations and routines.
• Manage classroom and individual student behavior to maintain an advantageous learning environment.
• Prepare lesson plans that achieve clear objectives, use appropriate techniques, and serve the needs of all learners.
• Demonstrate strong content knowledge of Social Studies.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required.
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences.
• Assess student learning on a continual basis and identify areas of intervention if needed.
• Keep parents up-to-date on student progress through interim reports, report cards, and/or conferences.
• Design instruction to meet the needs of all students through both individual and small group settings.
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress and use assessments to refine curriculum and instructional practices.
• Maintain a positive learning environment that encourages open communication between teacher and learner.
• Maintain a positive school community image that encourages ethical student behavior.
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents.
• Assist in the selection of textbooks, equipment, and other educational materials.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Participate in professional learning by attending seminars and workshops to improve instructional practice and positively affect student achievement.
• Demonstrate knowledge of teaching methods, materials, and educational practices for secondary school teaching of Social Studies.

Requirements

• Active 026 CDE Social Studies Certification as required by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or in Social Studies.
• Demonstrated and successful experience in a multicultural setting.
• Demonstrated ability to teach high school classes, including experience with team teaching.
• Urban teaching experience preferred.
• Human relations skills to work effectively with students, parents, school administrators, and staff.
• Knowledge of teaching methods, materials, and education practices applicable to secondary school teaching.
• Ability to prepare effective lesson plans.

Skills

• Experience in Social Studies instruction.
• Experience working with adolescent students in a diverse school setting.
• Experience with team teaching in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Effective, active listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Prior teaching experience preferred.

Pay

Salary and wages are paid in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between NEA Danbury and the Danbury Board of Education. Details can be found on the district’s website.