Social studies teacher job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Social studies teacher in details. A complete job description concludes Social studies teacher key duties/responsibilities, Social studies teacher job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Social studies teacher duties:

1. Develop and teach the lessons for the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head with a gradual increase in teaching responsibilities as the school year progresses.
2. Observe and provide in-class support to the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head.
3. Actively engage in coaching opportunities with the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head.
4. Provide coverage, as requested, for the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head.
5. Check homework and enter homework data for the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head.
6. Grade student work, as requested, for the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head.
7. Support the development of classroom materials, as requested, for the Social Studies Network-wide Department Head.
8. Within a team of three teachers, plan and lead activities for a homeroom.
9. Serve as an advisor for approximately nine students.
10. Actively participate in Friday Grade Level Team meetings and contribute to Grade Level Team activities, assemblies, special events, etc.
11. Provide daily coverage for all non-instructional time blocks (breaks, lunch, DEAR, Focus)
12. Lead an after-school activity until 5:00 pm four days per week (Monday – Thursday).
13. Lead/co-lead a 90-minute enrichment class session on Fridays.
14. Substitute teach classes across 5th to 8th grade, primarily in Social Studies, but also across all subject areas, as assigned in the daily morning email.

II. List of Social studies teacher qualifications

1. A Bachelor’s degree required;
2. A minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required;
3. The ability to speak Spanish preferred but not required;
4. Measurable evidence of driving student achievement gains;
5. A commitment to working with underserved, urban youth;
6. An unwavering commitment to and belief in the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
7. The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
8. The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
9. An entrepreneurial spirit that reflects an openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in developing new ideas & programs.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.