Kindergarten Teacher

Revised: June 2025Perm/contractSY26-27DepartmentCore InstructionFLSA StatusNon-exemptReports ToCore Instruction AdministrationPrimary Reporting Location:Mann Elementary SchoolLevelKindergartenCompensationIn accordance with Oak Park Teachers Association CollectiveDate AvailableSY26-27Bargaining Unit & ClassificationOPTA & CertifiedSupervisory ResponsibilitiesN/ABenefitsInsurance- medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are availableLeaves- paid sick and personal days providedRetirement- pre-tax retirement plans (e.g. 403b available)D97 Ideal Team Member ProfileThe ideal team member in District 97 is a visionary and equity-centered leader who inspires excellence and fosters collective responsibility for student success. This individual:Champions the district's vision and drives forward-thinking, innovative practices that anticipate future educational needs.Stewards public trust and resources with fiscal responsibility and ethical transparency.Demonstrates relentless commitment to student success, ensuring that every decision supports equitable opportunities and outcomes for all learners.Organizes and empowers teams to work collaboratively toward shared goals, recognizing the interdependence of roles across departments and schools.Fosters a culture of care, learning, and service, grounded in authentic engagement with students, families, staff, and community members.Models integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality, serving as a role model for ethical and respectful conduct at all levels.Thrives in a culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse environment, showing a deep passion for inclusive practices and building belonging for all team members.Seeks and embraces feedback, especially when it challenges them to grow and improve in service of students and colleagues.Understands the powerful intersection of leadership, learning, and equity, and aligns their work to dismantle systemic barriers.Courageously addresses unprofessional behavior, holding self and others accountable to high standards in service to the community and students.About The RoleThe elementary teacher position supports student learning for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process. As a key member of the district's core instruction team, you will be serving as an instructional leader with the specific responsibility of supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom dynamics; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress. The elementary teacher position will ensure that equity is at the center of the district's core instruction services to positively impact student learning and employee practices as expressed in Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesPLANNING AND PREPARATIONApplying Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy Knowing and Valuing Students Setting Instructional Outcomes Using Resources Efficiently Planning Coherent Instruction Knowing and Valuing Students Designing and Analyzing AssessmentsLEARNING ENVIRONMENTSCultivating Respectful and Affirming Environments Fostering a Culture for Learning Maintaining Purposeful Environments Supporting Positive Behavior Organizing Spaces for Learning Learning ExperiencesCommunicating About Purpose and Content Using Questioning and Discussion TechniquesEngaging Students in Learning Using Assessment for Learning Responding Flexibly to Student Needs Professional ResponsibilitiesEngaging in Reflective Practice Documenting Student Progress Engaging Families and CommunitiesContributing to School Community and Culture Growing and Developing ProfessionallyActing in Service of Students Content Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesKnowledge of research-based instructional strategies and curriculum alignment with standards.Familiarity with district policies and procedures related to curriculum coordination and instructional support.Dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.Effective oral and written communication skills.Strong interpersonal skills, utilizing tact, patience, and courtesy.Competent in operating standard office and classroom equipment, including computers and assigned software.Capability to understand and relate to students with special needs.Adherence to District organization, operations, policies, and objectives, as well as department and program goals.Skillful interpretation, application, and explanation of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.Effective communication, cooperation, and maintenance of cooperative working relationships with others.Accurate analysis of situations and adoption of effective courses of action.Ability to prioritize and schedule work efficiently.Proficient in maintaining records and preparing reports.Consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.Candidate QualificationsBachelor's Degree or HigherProfessional Educator License with applicable elementary endorsementEnglish as a second language endorsement preferredPrevious experience preferredPhysical RequirementsThis position requires the performance of light workwhich requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking and standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere. The position may require indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures and climatic conditions.Applications are currently being accepted for this position via our district website. Please reach out to our human resources department at district97hr@op97.org, if you have questions about the application process.We encourage interested applicants to apply, as we continue to uplift our equity policy. Our goal is to recruit, employ, support, and retain racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent administrative, instructional and support personnel. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.The mental demands, physical demands, and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow an employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions.