Teacher - First

About the role

Polk County Public Schools is looking for adaptable, independent, and detail-oriented educators to join our team. Please browse job opportunities and apply.

Note: Applicants with a bachelor's degree in any area are welcome to apply. Please reach out to a recruiter at jobs@polk-fl.net to learn the steps.

Our Mission

The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high-quality education for all students.

Essential Functions of this Job

• Plans and implements a program of instruction that adheres to the district's philosophy, goals and objectives as outlined in the adopted courses of study.
• Makes purposeful and appropriate lesson plans which provide for effective teaching strategies and maximize time on task.
• Plans and implements a program of study designed to meet individual needs of students.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning by employing a variety of appropriate teaching strategies.
• Encourages student enthusiasm for the learning process and the development of good study habits.
• Prepares substitute folder containing appropriate information as requested by the building principal.
• Plans and prescribes purposeful assignments for paraprofessionals, tutors, and volunteers as needed.
• Recognizes learning problems and makes referrals as appropriate.
• Demonstrates a strong grasp of subject matter.
• Uses effective oral and written expression.

Curriculum Development

• Keeps current in subject matter knowledge and learning theory and is willing to share this knowledge for the continual improvement of the school's curriculum.
• Aids in the on-going curriculum revision process, including the revision of written courses of study.
• Aids in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Becomes acquainted with supplemental services beneficial to students as an extension of regular classroom activities.

Classroom Management

• Develops, in accordance with district and building guidelines, reasonable rules of classroom behavior and appropriate discipline techniques which are consistently applied.
• Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Shares responsibility during the school day for supervision of students in all areas of the school.
• Provides for the supervision of assigned students when circumstances require a brief absence from the assignment.

Public Relations

• Upholds and enforces board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules and regulations; and is supportive of them to the public.
• Maintains appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of conference and planning time.
• Strives to communicate the positive aspects of our school program to the public in word and deed.
• Works cooperatively with parents to strengthen the educational program for their children.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with other staff.

Professional Growth

• Continues professional growth through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced coursework at institutions of higher learning.
• Maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations.
• Cooperates with the administration in planning appropriate in-service training programs on a building or district level.
• Attends staff, department, and committee meetings as required.

Evaluation

• Evaluates accomplishments of students on a regular basis using multiple assessment methods such as teacher-made test, sample of students work, mastery skills check lists, criterion-referenced tests and norm-referenced tests.
• Makes appropriate adjustments in the instructional program based on assessed results.
• Performs duties necessary to maintain the accountability required for the instructional program and as required by the building principal.
• Respects the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state and federal laws.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to work cooperatively with parents, school districts and agencies in providing services to students.
• Ability to develop concepts and ideas and relate both in oral and written form.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Ability to administer testing instruments as required.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with students, teams and groups.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the position.

Education, Experience And/or Certification/License Requirements

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be Certified, Qualified and Highly Qualified as defined by the Course Code(s) assigned.