Middle School Social Studies (8th Grade Geography)

Position: Hastings Middle School Social Studies Teacher — Grade 8 GeographyLocation: Hastings Middle SchoolFTE: 1.0 FTECompensation / BenefitsCompensation per the 2025–2027 Teacher Master Agreement.This position is benefit eligible; please see the Teacher Master Agreement for details.Position PurposeUnder the general supervision of the School Principal, the Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher will provide engaging, standards-aligned instruction in World Geography. The teacher will support students in developing geographic reasoning, critical thinking, inquiry skills, civic understanding, and the ability to analyze relationships between people, places, cultures, environments, and global systems.General Duties / Essential FunctionsProvide and deliver Grade 8 Social Studies instruction, with a focus on World Geography, that incorporates the essential elements of effective instruction.Plan and deliver instruction at appropriate levels of rigor in alignment with district curriculum and Minnesota social studies standards.Teach specific learning objectives related to geography, history, inquiry, culture, economics, government, and civic understanding.Use a variety of instructional strategies, methods, and learning principles to meet diverse learner needs and district outcomes.Develop instructional plans, lessons, projects, assessments, and support activities that present approved district curriculum in accordance with district goals and objectives.Design learning experiences that promote critical thinking, geographic literacy, inquiry, analysis of primary and secondary sources, collaboration, and real-world application.Assess student learning through formative and summative measures; use data to determine needs for reinforcement, intervention, enrichment, or instructional adjustment.Provide individualized and small-group instruction as needed to support student learning and growth.Organize and maintain accurate systems for attendance, grading, assessment data, and required student records in accordance with district procedures and applicable laws.Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, and organized classroom environment that promotes student responsibility, cooperation, engagement, and mutual respect.Communicate and uphold classroom, school, and district expectations for student behavior.Encourage family involvement and maintain clear, timely communication with students and parents/guardians regarding academic progress, strengths, concerns, and next steps.Collaborate with grade-level colleagues, content-area teams, support staff, and administrators to address student needs, align curriculum, analyze data, and support building goals.Participate in Professional Learning Communities, faculty meetings, committees, student support meetings, and district initiatives as assigned.Provide instructional leadership to support staff assigned to the classroom when applicable.Perform other related duties as assigned by the building principal or district administrators.Required Qualifications / LicensureLicensure appropriate to teach Social Studies to students in grades 5–8.Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related discipline applicable to the teaching assignment.Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a related area preferred.Successful prior teaching experience at the middle school level preferred.Preferred QualificationsStrong knowledge base and experience in Geography.Previous experience working with middle school students.Evidence of strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.Strong commitment to effective pedagogical practices, including:Team planning and collaborationHighly engaging and authentic social studies instructionDifferentiation for diverse learnersFormative assessment practicesInquiry-based learning and real-world applicationCommitment to supporting students' academic, social, emotional, interpersonal, and ethical growth.Essential Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of current teaching methods, educational pedagogy, and differentiated instruction based on student learning needs.Knowledge of middle level social studies curriculum, geography concepts, inquiry practices, and Minnesota social studies standards.Knowledge of data information systems, assessment practices, data analysis, and the development of action plans.Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.Ability to use computer network systems, instructional technologies, and software applications as needed.Ability to organize and coordinate work effectively.Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately with students, families, staff, and administrators.Ability to engage in self-evaluation related to performance and professional growth.Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.Physical & Mental Demands / Work HazardsWork is performed in standard school and office environments.Position requires regular interaction with students, staff, families, and community members.See the district's Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements for additional detail.FLSA Status: ExemptAdditional Information / NoteThe above description is illustrative of typical tasks and responsibilities and is not intended to be exhaustive.