Hours/FTE: This is a 1.0 FTE Elementary Teaching position located at Meridian Elementary.

Meridian Elementary, which is located east of Kent, is one of the oldest schools in the Kent School District and has changed throughout the years to meet the needs of elementary students. Meridian records some of the highest volunteer hours in the district. We encourage and value parent and community volunteers to help in the classroom, on PTSA, and the Learning Improvement Team. The parents, students and staff at Meridian believe in a school environment that promotes collaborative and shared experiences among staff and fosters the educational growth of students and community. The shared goals will guarantee that every student will possess the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to effectively participate in a diverse and ever changing world.

ASSIGNMENT: This assignment includes responsibility for the effective implementation and instruction of Balanced Literacy using the Literacy Workshop Model, Writers Workshop and the Math Expressions (K-5) or College Prep Math (CPM - Grade 6) programs. Knowledge, proficiency and integration of instructional technology is critical to all instructional models and programs. All teaching staff are expected to be contributing members of the school and grade level team's Professional Learning Communities and participate in related professional development.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position is part of the KEA bargaining unit.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Valid Washington State certification with an elementary endorsement required and must be on file prior to beginning work.
2. All teachers of kindergarten students must complete WaKIDS 101 training and the inter-rater reliability assessment. Classes are offered by the PSESD June through August. Contact the building principal or the district Early Learning Director for information on registration and compensation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Major or minor in elementary education
2. ELL endorsement
3. Experience working with elementary school students
4. Excellent technology skills and can use and incorporate computers/technology into curriculum
5. Must maintain positive learning environment and have ability to relate to all students, parents, and colleagues
6. Must be a team player with excellent management and communication skills
7. Must be willing to share professional skills with other staff members
8. Must have experience with or willingness to participate in integrated programs and/or team teaching
9. Knowledge and/or training in balanced literacy, whole language/integrated curriculum, differentiated instruction, assessment tools and techniques, EALRs, constructivist mathematics, inquiry based science and social studies, cooperative learning, student learning styles, positive discipline and multicultural education
10. Ability to exhibit multicultural and ethnic understanding and sensitivity with the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups in the school community.
11. Experience working with a diverse student population and the specific school demographics
12. Desired teacher characteristics are: flexibility; ability to organize ideas, time and materials to accomplish goals; enthusiasm; ability to express ideas clearly and understand concepts being discussed; ability to learn new ideas and skills; ability and willingness to develop favorable relationships with students; knowledge of current approaches to teaching; and willingness to model behavior deemed appropriate by the school district and the community.