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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Classroom Teacher

💰 $40,000 - $70,000

EducationTeachingK-12

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a Classroom Teacher responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing high-quality instruction for diverse learners in K-12 settings. The Classroom Teacher creates standards-aligned lesson plans, uses formative and summative assessment data to adapt instruction, collaborates with colleagues and families, supports social-emotional learning, and applies classroom management strategies to foster a safe, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment. Strong candidates will demonstrate expertise in differentiated instruction, behavior interventions, instructional technology (e.g., Google Classroom, learning management systems), and compliance with IEP/504 plans and state certification requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Paraprofessional / Teacher’s Aide
  • Student Teacher / Student Intern
  • Substitute Teacher

Advancement To:

  • Lead Classroom Teacher / Grade-Level Lead
  • Instructional Coach / Mentor Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist / Content Coordinator
  • Assistant Principal / School Leader

Lateral Moves:

  • Special Education Teacher
  • ESL / Bilingual Teacher
  • Literacy or Math Intervention Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and implement detailed, standards-aligned lesson plans and unit plans for classroom instruction that include measurable objectives, differentiated strategies, formative checkpoints, and summative assessments to ensure mastery for all students.
  • Deliver engaging and purposeful direct instruction and small-group lessons using a variety of instructional models (whole group, guided practice, cooperative learning, project-based learning) to address multiple learning styles and levels.
  • Create differentiated learning experiences, scaffolds, and extensions to accelerate progress for students who are below, at, and above grade level, including tiered activities and individualized learning plans.
  • Design, administer, score, and analyze formative and summative assessments (quizzes, performance tasks, running records, benchmark assessments) to monitor student growth and to inform instructional adjustments and intervention plans.
  • Implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plan accommodations and modifications in daily instruction, documenting compliance and collaborating with special education staff, related service providers, and families.
  • Maintain positive classroom management and behavior systems that promote student responsibility, clear expectations, cultural responsiveness, and restorative practices to reduce disruptions and maximize instructional time.
  • Communicate regularly and proactively with families and guardians via conferences, phone calls, email, and the student portal to report progress, share instructional plans, and partner on behavior and learning goals.
  • Use data-driven decision making to analyze class and student achievement data, set measurable goals, create intervention groups, and report outcomes to school leadership and parents.
  • Integrate instructional technology (Google Classroom, LMS platforms, digital formative tools, adaptive learning software) to enhance instruction, provide interactive learning experiences, and track student engagement and progress.
  • Plan and supervise meaningful assessments preparation and standardized testing administration, ensuring proper accommodations, test security, and student readiness.
  • Differentiate instruction and provide targeted small-group interventions and enrichment, collaborating with interventionists and support staff to close achievement gaps.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential student records, attendance, progress reports, report cards, behavior logs, and documentation required by district and state regulations.
  • Foster a safe and inclusive classroom culture that respects diversity, promotes social-emotional learning, and implements strategies to support students’ mental health and well-being.
  • Collaborate with grade-level teams, department colleagues, counselors, and administrators to align curriculum, analyze student work, plan common assessments, and implement school improvement goals.
  • Participate actively in professional learning communities (PLCs), staff meetings, professional development sessions, and peer observations to refine instructional practice and stay current with best practices and standards.
  • Provide differentiated homework and independent practice that reinforces classroom learning objectives and communicates clear expectations to students and families.
  • Mentor and support student teachers, new teachers, or teaching assistants; model best practices in classroom instruction, assessment, and classroom management.
  • Coordinate and lead classroom routines, transitions, and materials management to maximize instructional minutes and create an organized learning environment.
  • Supervise students during non-instructional times (recess, lunch, arrival/dismissal), field trips, and extracurricular activities, ensuring student safety and adherence to school policies.
  • Design and implement behavior intervention plans and positive behavior supports for students with chronic behavior challenges, and collaborate with school-based teams for consistency and documentation.
  • Adapt curriculum and instruction for English Language Learners (ELL/ESL) using sheltered instruction strategies (SIOP), language objectives, and scaffolds to accelerate language development and content mastery.
  • Maintain compliance with state standards, district policies, safety protocols, mandated reporting, and confidentiality laws while participating in school accreditation and local accountability processes.
  • Lead classroom-based assessments and data review meetings, communicating progress and instructional adjustments to families and stakeholders on a regular basis.
  • Support remote and hybrid instruction as needed by providing synchronous and asynchronous lessons, monitoring engagement, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all students.

Secondary Functions

  • Lead or support extracurricular clubs, after-school programs, and enrichment activities to broaden student experiences and school culture.
  • Participate in curriculum development and pilot new instructional materials and programs aligned to district standards and school improvement plans.
  • Facilitate parent workshops, family engagement nights, and community outreach to build stronger school-home partnerships and increase family involvement in student learning.
  • Assist with scheduling, student placement, and transition planning for grade-level changes and summer programming.
  • Contribute to school-wide events, committees, and safety drills, including emergency readiness and student wellness initiatives.
  • Support school data collection, compliance audits, and reporting required by district and state education departments.
  • Collaborate with instructional coaches to implement evidence-based practices and participate in coaching cycles and reflective observation feedback.
  • Help coordinate substitute plans, classroom routines documentation, and resource inventories to ensure continuity of instruction.
  • Serve as a liaison with community partners and external service providers to coordinate wraparound supports and enrichment opportunities for students.
  • Participate in performance evaluation processes, goal setting with administrators, and professional growth plans to continuously improve instructional effectiveness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lesson planning and curriculum mapping aligned to state standards (Common Core, state-specific standards).
  • Differentiated instruction strategies and small-group intervention design.
  • Classroom management systems and positive behavior supports (PBIS, restorative practices).
  • Assessment literacy: designing, administering, and analyzing formative and summative assessments; progress monitoring.
  • Special education accommodations and IEP/504 implementation and documentation.
  • Sheltered instruction and ELL/ESL strategies (SIOP, scaffolded instruction).
  • Proficient with instructional technology and Learning Management Systems (Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology).
  • Data analysis skills for student achievement (using benchmark data, gradebook analytics, and progress-monitoring tools).
  • Familiarity with standards-based grading and reporting practices.
  • Experience with adaptive and blended learning tools (e.g., i-Ready, Khan Academy, Edmentum).
  • Knowledge of classroom safety, mandated reporting, and student privacy requirements (FERPA).
  • Basic first aid/CPR certification preferred.

Soft Skills

  • Clear, empathetic, and timely communication with students, families, and colleagues.
  • Strong classroom presence and instructional leadership to engage diverse learners.
  • Collaboration and teamwork within grade-level teams and across departments.
  • Cultural competency and commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.
  • Adaptability and resilience in dynamic school environments and changing instructional modalities.
  • Excellent organizational skills for lesson planning, record keeping, and time management.
  • Reflective practice and commitment to continuous professional growth.
  • Problem-solving mindset and ability to differentiate supports under pressure.
  • Patience, empathy, and strong relationship-building skills with students and families.
  • Coaching, mentoring, and leadership capacity to support colleagues and contribute to school improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education or in a relevant content area with completion of an accredited teacher preparation program.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
  • Additional certifications (ESL endorsement, Special Education credential, National Board Certification) are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education / Content Area (Mathematics, English/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies)
  • Special Education
  • Bilingual / TESOL / ESL Education
  • Curriculum & Instruction

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–5 years (entry-level teachers accepted); 2–5 years preferred for certain roles.

Preferred:

  • At least 1–3 years of successful classroom teaching experience demonstrating measurable student growth.
  • Experience implementing differentiated instruction, data-driven instruction cycles, and collaborating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
  • Demonstrated experience with instructional technology, distance learning platforms, and remote/hybrid lesson delivery preferred.
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