POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide direct instruction to students in Social Studies in order to deliver Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the opportunity gap among subgroups within the schools.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

At least a Bachelor’s Degree in the area of major study.

SKILLS AND ABILITY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field; to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form; to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public; to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations; to write reports and correspondence, as needed; to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action; to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decision; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community; to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously; to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Framingham Public Schools policies (as long as the policies do not conflict with the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit A) Contract); to work with students of diverse backgrounds with diverse needs in an equitable and inclusive manner that bears to witness to cultural proficiency; to maintain appropriate confidential records; to react professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, seizure activity, etc.); to operate and/or acquire skills to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Google; and ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development.
Experience evaluating student skills and writing reports to interpret/summarize findings. Strong collaborative, teaching, coaching and leadership skills to support student programming and work in a team setting. Strong problem-solving skills to support student success. Strong data-collection skills to help to inform decisions for students. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills to balance the demands of a multi-tasking position. A proactive and solution-focused approach to meeting student needs. Knowledge of specialized content area as well as any related laws and procedures.
Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned; and to use instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and the like to communicate these objectives to students..
• Employs instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Counsels with colleagues, students, and or parents on a regular basis.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and or volunteer(s).
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff and or school committees.
• Participate in staff development programs.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be required to move about and may be required to traverse occasionally throughout the school building;
• Must often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time;
• Is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
• Is expected to lift at least 20 lbs (i.e. books, school supplies, etc.);
• Must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools;
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties;
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer);
• Must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids;
• Must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and other staff members in person, via email, and on the telephone;
• In the classroom, must be able to see and hear on a continuous basis in order to ensure the safety of students as well as speak frequently to provide instruction;
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties;
• May be required to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces;
• Working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise;
• Must interact with students, parents, and other staff members;
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day;
• Is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students;
• Must be able to interact with students, parents, and other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people;
• While the majority of the workday is spent inside, must spend time outdoors for recess, fire drills, and special activities;
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, disease, or pathogens;
• May receive unintentional injuries from aggressive students; and
• May be required some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior