Position Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the building principal, to develop students' knowledge and understanding of world cultures and cultural evolution.  Social studies teachers develop students’ skills in research of social orders and promote an understanding of the existence and importance of geographical, historical, cultural, and political factors that influence the development of world societies, socio-economic systems and political systems.

Essential Functions:

The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Develops and administers social studies curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives. 
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Develops students' research skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to make critical value judgments and contribute to the thoughtful exchange of ideas, through a variety of reading, writing, group discussion and presentation assignments to stimulate self-reliance in problem-solving and drawing conclusions. 
• Fosters an understanding of the continuity and patterns of human behavior through the ages, and an awareness of the complexity and interrelationship of local, state, national and world problems, and approaches to their solution(s). 
• Teaches knowledge of social studies, incorporating history, geography, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, and humanities. 
• Develops students' understanding of various racial, ethnic, religious, and political groups and mores, as well as socio-economic status, and the influence of various factors on human rights and freedom. 
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Maintains familiarity with district and state standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. 
• Coordinates with other professional staff members and participates in faculty meetings and committees. 
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Maintains a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard school and office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of world history in a variety of sub-topic, including history, geography, sociology, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, anthropology, and humanities. 
• Knowledge of humanity's major problems and approaches to their solution(s) in the past.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualification Profile:

• Certification:  Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in social studies education.
• Education:  Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:  Successful prior teaching experience (preferred).

FLSA Status:  Exempt