The Lower School teacher is responsible for creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment that encourages 21st century learning. This quality teacher regards spiritual maturity, academic success, and social growth as avenues of learning within the classroom. He/she will proactively communicate with parents and families to ensure partnership in student learning. Collaboration among teachers, administrators, and parents is a high priority and conducted routinely. 

Responsibilities

School and Classroom Culture  

• Interaction with parents, students, staff and visitors in a positive, friendly, and Christ-centered manner  
• Teaches classroom routines and rules with a gospel-centered approach to develop students into Christ-like examples of scholarship, leadership, and service?  
• Ensure quality support for individual students to guarantee all are successful  
• Be available to students for support  
• Maintain student relationships that are strong and healthy 

Clear Purpose  

• Complete lesson plans referencing standards and objectives that are measured daily  
• Generates creative lessons with student friendly learning targets  
• Disciples students to grow into disciple makers  
• Applies Biblical permeation in all lessons  
• Routinely uses formative assessment to check student understanding before, during, and after each lesson  
• Flexibly plans lessons based on student understanding  

Instruction  

• Instructs using the gradual release model for quality instruction  
• Consistently engages students through interactive lessons  
• Transfers learning responsibility to student?  
• Understands student individual needs in learning  
• Encourages collaborative learning, offering feedback to students  
• Makes learning relevant to students 

Professional Responsibilities

• Initiates a partnership with parents and students to build strong relationships. 
• Provides ongoing communication with parents to establish trust. 
• Posts grades and lesson plans on Schoology on a weekly basis.  
• Attends and collaborates with teachers through PLCs, instructional time, devotions, and staff meetings.  
• Actively looks for opportunities to serve others. 
• Monitor bus and carpool areas as assigned. 
• Conducts Fall and Spring parent-teacher conferences. 
• Maintain a clean and inviting classroom through bulletin boards and displays of student work. 
• Participate in admission open houses as necessary to provide visits to prospective families.  

Academic

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education  
• Experience related to 21st century learning concepts, project-based learning, and integration of technology in the classroom  
• Knowledge and understanding of Christian K-12 education distinctives  
• Valid Minnesota teaching license 

Spiritual  

• Born again believer who exhibits the Fruit of the Spirit in their daily walk  
• Regular attendee and supporter of a church whose fundamental beliefs are evangelical in nature  
• Agrees with the mission and core values of the Academy 

Competencies 

Communication - demonstrates interpersonal oral communication skills by speaking clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Written communication skills are clearly written with the audience identified and the message defined in an understandable format. 

Planning/organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans. 

Problem solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully. 

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 

Teamwork – can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all; is seen as a team player due to cooperation and support; easily gains trust and encourages collaboration. 

Technical Learning – ability to learn and comprehend new technical skills and knowledge. 

Physical Demands  

The physical demands 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.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional local travel may be required. 

Work Environment 

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.  The noise level in the office environment is usually light.