JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary

The Middle Years Social Studies (Individuals & Societies) Teacher plans, organizes and implements an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential in accordance with Pan American Academy programs and initiatives.

Essential Functions

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Has fluency in target language required (both written and spoken).
• Communicates and plans with the classroom teacher on a regular, ongoing basis (before school, during school hours, with the children, after school)
• Utilizes a common approach to behavior management, time management, classroom organization and appearance, planning, teaching, and monitoring learning
• Remains open and honest with classroom teacher, speaking out when issues arise
• Sees the classroom as a shared space
• Teaches academic content in target language and integrates the teaching of content area. 
• Collaborates in the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a specific language and culture elementary program. 
• Understands the core purposes of the dual language program and research behind the program’s effectiveness. 
• Is familiar with or is willing to acquire knowledge of dual language models and curriculum. 
• Develop and implement effective, inquiry-based lesson plans, homework assignments and assessments that align with state standards and the instructional standards of Pan American Academy Charter School.
• Effectively and consistently implement school-wide classroom management procedures.
• Collaborate with other faculty to plan units and lessons, analyze student work, share best practices, and ensure student success for all Pan American students.
• Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs including students with specific learning needs (special education, English language learners)
• Assign, grade and provide feedback to students and parents for classwork, homework, tests and assignments
• Maintain accurate and complete records including but not limited to attendance, grades, discipline, home contact, lesson and unit plans using various online resources and systems 

• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student needs
• Communicate regularly with administration about instructional needs, student needs, and school wide programs
• Works cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially and linguistically diverse. 
• Establish close relationships with families, including home visits, phone calls and conferences in order to maintain the important home/school connection.

Additional Functions 

• Keeps current in subject matter knowledge and learning theory and is willing to share this knowledge for continual improvement of the school's curriculum.
• Keeps current with PA state standards and testing requirements
• Participates in curriculum development and long-range planning
• Respects the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state federal laws.

• 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.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other staff members.
• Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service education activities provided by the School and/or self-selected professional growth activities. 
• Attends staff and committee meetings as required.
• Participate in extracurricular school activities such as Home Visits, Family Nights, Exhibitions, Parent Workshops, Open Houses, Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, etc. 
• Upholds and enforces board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules and regulations, and is supportive of them to the public.
• Other Duties as Assigned 

Education, Experience & Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree required
• Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Certification in Appropriate Content Area
• Be a team player: participate in meetings, flexibility with the number of meetings required to keep everyone on the same page, complete and follow up on all tasks necessary to keep collaboration healthy.
• Strong commitment to an inclusion model of education with an understanding of the urban learning environment. 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Pan American Academy Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or disability

Physical Demands

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or equipment; reach with hands and arms; and balance.  The employee will climb stairs frequently.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3. Operate related office equipment and use necessary tools.
4. Specific vision abilities required by the job include frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. Although work is primarily indoors, you will be required to travel outside to client and community locations.
3. Position may require occasional travel in and out-of-state to attend conferences, seminars, and meetings.
4. Certain visits or work-related appointments might be scheduled outside of traditional work hours as necessary.