26-27 Kindergarten Teacher

Position Summary:

The Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. The teacher delivers standards-based instruction aligned with district curriculum and Massachusetts frameworks while fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning in early childhood students.

The teacher maintains high expectations for all learners and uses differentiated, culturally responsive instructional practices to ensure equitable access to learning. The role includes building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student growth and well-being.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program, legal, or operational needs.

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Massachusetts standards and district curriculum.
• Create a safe, supportive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes student learning and well-being.
• Use differentiated instructional strategies to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
• Implement both formative and summative assessments and use data to inform instruction and support student progress.
• Establish and maintain a structured and positive classroom culture that supports learning and independence.
• Build strong, culturally responsive relationships with students and families.
• Maintain ongoing, two-way communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers regarding student progress and development.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, specialists, and support staff to meet the needs of all learners.
• Support students' social-emotional development through intentional instruction and responsive practices.
• Participate in professional development and reflect on instructional practices to improve student outcomes.
• Follow school and district policies to maintain a safe, welcoming, and equitable learning environment.
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Early childhood development and learning theory
• Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
• Developmentally appropriate instructional practices
• Culturally responsive teaching practices
• Social-emotional learning strategies
• Create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment
• Differentiate instruction to meet varied learning needs
• Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Use assessment data to guide instruction
• Maintain effective classroom management
• Lesson planning and curriculum implementation
• Classroom management and organization
• Communication with students, families, and staff
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Time management and organization

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Physical Strength Requirements:

Posture & Movement Requirements:

Sensory Requirements:

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• Appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) teaching license for Kindergarten/Elementary
• SEI Endorsement

Preferred:

• Experience working with multilingual learners
• Bilingual/multilingual skills

Reporting Relationships

Position Reports to: School Principal

Position Details

Location: John F. Kennedy School

Union Affiliation: Somerville Educators Union (SEU), Unit A

Terms of Employment

Work Year:

FLSA Status:

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

Salary:

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.