Job Description
JOB TITLE:Teacher UPDATED:April 17, 2025
POSITION OBJECTIVE(S): To help all students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to meeting the Canaan School District’s mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
PLANNING & PREPARATION
•Effectively integrates solid content knowledge into the curricula, makes connections between the content and other parts of the student discipline(s), and develops relationships among topics and concepts in teaching plans and practices. •Integrates current best practices, research, and education laws into the teaching plans and practices, to assure the most effective educational program for our students. •Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of students including: intellectual, social, and emotional characteristics of age group; students' varied approaches to learning; student skills and knowledge; student interests and cultural heritage; student economic influences; and student family, school and community context. •Selects and integrates instructional goals that are valuable, clearly stated, measurable, suitable for diverse students, and that create opportunities for different types of learning. •Seeks and effectively utilizes all available school and district teaching and student resources to enhance instruction and learning. •Designs coherent instruction (including learning activities, instructional materials and resources, instructional groups, lesson and unit structure and the like) that reflects current best practices in the field and support the instructional goals. •Accurately and thoroughly assesses student learning using instructional goals; clearly communicates assessment criteria and standards to students; and effectively utilizes assessment results to plan for individuals and groups of students. •Uses student assessment information to collaborate with other professional staff in developing responsive intervention strategies (IEP, EST, ELL) for diverse learners.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
•Creates and maintains an environment of respect and rapport. •Establishes a culture for learning that incorporates the importance of the content, student pride in high quality work, and high expectations for student achievement. •Effectively and efficiently manages classroom procedures including instructional groups, transitions, materials and supplies handling, and the performance of non-instructional duties. •Assures productive, effective, and efficient use of para-educators and volunteers in the classroom. •Effectively manages student behavior by clearly communicating expectations, monitoring student behavior at all times, and successfully and respectfully responds to student behavior and misbehavior. Develops and implements effective student behavior support plan as needed. •Effectively organizes classroom furniture and other physical resources to promote learning, safety and accessibility. •Provides a safe learning environment for all students. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
INSTRUCTION •Communicates directions and procedures clearly, accurately and effectively both in spoken and written language. •Effectively utilizes questioning and discussion techniques in the classroom to promote student participation and to successfully engage students in the discussion. •Effectively and appropriately engages students in learning to maximize student comprehension of the lesson through representation of content, activities and assignments, instructional groupings, instructional materials and resources, structure and pacing, and the like. •Provides accurate, substantive, constructive, specific and timely feedback on student progress and performance to students, parents, and other professionals as needed or required. •Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to student needs by effectively making minor adjustments to the lesson, persistently seeking thoughtful alternative approaches/strategies/resources, and successfully accommodating students’ questions or interests to enhance student learning.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
•Accurately and thoroughly assesses a lesson’s effectiveness and the extent to which it achieved its goals and effectively modifies the lesson plan for future use to enhance student learning. •Assists the Administration in planning and evaluating curriculum effectiveness and identifying program needs. •Develops and implements an effective system to maintain accurate, complete and confidential student records including student completion of assignments, student progress in learning, and other non-instructional records. •Prepares and submits accurate, complete, timely and effective reports as required by law, district policy, and/or administrative regulations. •Communicates/collaborates effectively with parents to keep families informed of the instructional programs and individual student progress and effectively responds to parent concerns and engages families to help meet the educational needs of the student. Means of communication may include annual open house, observation sessions for parents, conferences, sessions for program discussion, and other individual meetings as necessary. •Works effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, and other professionals and outside agencies. •Participates in EST functions including (but not limited to) meetings, developing referral processes, screening referred students, providing supplemental support, and consulting services as requested. •Actively participates in school events, workshops, in-service meetings, teacher trainings, building level staff meetings, district meetings, and other school and district committees/projects, making substantial contributions. •Seeks out and actively participates in opportunities for professional development to enhance content knowledge and teaching skills, to support district goals and school action/strategic plans, and/or as may be directed by the Administration. •Keeps abreast of current best practices, research findings, and other developments in the field. •Actively participates in assisting and supporting other educators and administrators in the school and/or district. •Shows professionalism and considers "What's best for students" in serving and advocating for students, and in decision making. •Follows and assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations and procedures, policies of the Canaan School District, and corresponding school district policies.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports to and receives general administrative direction from the Administration Leadership Team. Evaluated by the School Principal and/or his/her administrator designee. May receive some technical direction from the Central Office Leadership Team.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assists in training, planning, and directing the activities of assigned para-educators; plays an advisory role in evaluation, hiring, and continued employment.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following: •Education and Experience. Bachelor’s degree and working knowledge of Canaan School District and Vermont adopted standards required. •Certifications and Licenses. Holds or is eligible to hold a Vermont Teaching License. Holds or is eligible for the appropriate endorsement(s) for assignment. •Language Skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common educational and technical journals, periodicals and procedures, and regulations. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from parents, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals that conform to school/district standards or regulations. Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from administrators, parents, peers, board members and the general public. •Mathematical/Reasoning Skills. Ability to interpret and use test results by applying math concepts such as standard error of measurement, bands of confidence, standard scores, and percentiles. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. •Computer Skills and Experience. Excellent basic computer skills and understanding of the integration of academic technology strategies required. •Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to effectively, efficiently and regularly communicate and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals, including students, peers, subordinates, supervisors, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and handle stress. •Additional Competencies. The individual in this position must possess the following: Dependability – being reliable, punctual, responsible and fulfilling obligations. Self-Control – maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Stress Tolerance – accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Cooperation – being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Concern for Others – being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Attention to Detail – being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity – being honest and ethical. Adaptability/Flexibility – being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Independence – guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. Social Orientation – preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND STRESS. Employee must have the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following (Frequency Codes described below):
FrequencyCodeDescription Sometimes Sactivity may exist sporadically, but not on a consistent basis. OccasionallyOactivity exists on a consistent basis for less than 1/3 of the time Frequently Factivity exists from 1/3 of the time up to 2/3 of the time Constantly Cactivity exists for 2/3 or more of the time Not Applicable N/Aactivity is not present in the position
ActivityFrequency CodeEssentialNot Essential SittingFX StandingFX WalkingFX SeeingCX HearingCX TalkingCX Dexterity (Hands/Fingers)CX TastingFX SmellingFX Use of Computers and EquipmentFX Lifting Up To 10 Lbs.OX 10-25 Lbs.OX 25-50 Lbs.OX 50-100 Lbs.OX 100+ Lbs.SX Carrying Up To 10 Lbs.OX 10-25 Lbs.OX 25-50 Lbs.OX 50-100 Lbs.OX 100+ Lbs.SX Bending/StoopingOX Pushing/PullingOX TwistingOX ClimbingOX BalancingOX CrouchingOX Kneeling OX CrawlingN/A Reaching (i.e., overhead)OX HandlingCX Driving N/A Repetitive Movements (Hands, Feet)OX Managing StressCX Resolving ConflictsCX
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: All conditions common to a construction site for residential housing including, but not limited to, the following (Frequency Codes described above): Working Conditions/Environmental FactorsFrequency Code Exposure (dust, dirt) O Exposure (extreme heat – non-weather, flames)N/A Exposure (extreme cold – non-weather) )N/A Exposure (fumes, odors)N/A Exposure (viruses, infectious diseases)F Exposure (water)N/A Exposure (hazardous equipment)N/A Exposure (chemicals, hazardous materials)N/A Uneven terrainN/A Outdoor weather conditionsO Vibration/noise F HeightsN/A
Definitions - Physical Demands Sitting: remaining in a seated position Standing: remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about Walking: Moving about on foot Seeing: Perceiving with the eye Hearing: Perceiving or listening to sound by ear Talking: Articulating, speaking or discussing using spoken words Dexterity: Skill in the use of hands and fingers Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms or on the shoulder Bending/Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (includes slapping, striking, and kicking) Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking). Twisting: Rotating; moving to face in alternate direction. Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, ropes and the like, using the feet, legs, and/or arms and hands. Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; or maintaining body equilibrium when performing gymnastic feats. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine. Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees. Crawling: Moving about on the hands and knees Reaching: Extending the hands and arms in any direction Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or working with hands ……………………………………………………………………………….…………….. This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the Job Classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.