Teacher Leader

Purpose

The Teacher Leader is a pivotal role in shaping instructional practices and curriculum alignment within the school. It aims to establish a strong leadership presence across instructional areas to drive academic success and student achievement. The individual in this role will work closely with teachers to enhance instructional strategies, ensuring consistency and excellence in delivering a high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum.

The teacher leader is responsible for providing instructional leadership within their instructional content area or designated grade level by fostering a collaborative environment for staff and enhancing the educational experience for students. This role requires an individual who is committed to supporting and guiding teachers, and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, standards-based curriculum. The scope of duties related to this position are not limited to the instructional content area or grade level and may apply to school wide instructional initiatives. This is a position that is selected by the principal annually through an application process detailed below.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives direction from an assigned supervisor. Methods of performing tasks may be left to the judgment of the employee with a supervisor giving instructions, advice, and reviewing work in progress and/or upon completion.

Essential Functions of the Job - May include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide instructional leadership specifically tailored to the needs of various grade levels, programs and Instructional content areas that promote effective teaching strategies
2. Offer mentorship and support to teachers within instructional areas, focusing on enhancing instructional practices and providing support for the unique challenges of teaching.
3. Collaborate with fellow Teacher Leaders and administration to sustain curricular alignment and ensure a cohesive educational experience for students.
4. Recommend strategies and instructional practices to improve educational outcomes for all students.
5. Facilitate meetings for designated instructional areas to discuss instructional strategies, share best practices and address specific challenges faced by teachers and students.
6. Play a key role in the development and implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC)/Data Teams/Collaborative Core Planning (CCP).Will provide input on the professional development plan for the school.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Work with the administration to develop and assess the effectiveness of instructional methods and priorities.
2. Act as a liaison between the instructional colleagues, and building administration.

Expectations

1. Uphold a high standard of professionalism, communication, and dedication to ongoing improvement in educational practices.
2. Engage in collaborative work with all staff members to help them integrate a variety of instructional approaches and strategies.
3. Exhibit strong capabilities in addressing challenges and resolving conflicts within the educational setting.
4. Willingness to attend data training and other leadership training related to this position.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Three years of professional experience in curricular/grade level content and relevant instructional strategies is preferred but not required.
2. Flexibility to work beyond regular school hours when required.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in instructional methods that can be demonstrated and shared with and taught to colleagues.
4. Proven leadership in guiding and inspiring teachers towards professional growth and cooperative instructional methods.
5. Demonstrated skill and aptitude in use of data to advance instruction, with the ability to analyze and interpret data. Must command technological capacity to lead data teams and process data.

Desired Attributes

1. Exemplary leadership skills with a clear vision for instructional excellence.
2. Effective organizational and management abilities to handle responsibilities associated with instructional leadership.
3. Strong communication skills to interact effectively with a diverse community of educators, students, and parents.
4. A dedication to personal and professional growth and development.

Hours and Compensation

1. This is an optional extra-duty role, with the expectation of additional work hours as necessary.
2. Compensation includes a yearly stipend of $2,500. The yearly time commitment for this role will range between 40-50 hours.
3. Two additional days may be added to the contract calendar and paid at per diem rate.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a cover letter describing their leadership approach and objectives for instructional improvement.

Work Environment

School building with staff and student interactions. Climate controlled office settings. Exposure to minimal noise intensity levels.

Physical requirements

Frequent talking, walking, hearing and sitting for extended periods. Mobility to work in a typical school setting and use standard office equipment and electronic communications. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Vision: Frequent near acuity. Vision to read printed materials, computer screens and/or other monitoring devices.

Salem-Keizer School District is an equal opportunity employer.

Position: Teacher Leader