Kindergarten Teacher
12th Street Elementary
2026-27 School Year - PEA Contract

Job Summary:

The classroom teacher will be responsible for the planning and delivery of engaging high-quality instruction to all students. They will use a variety of methodologies and curriculum resources to ensure that all students meet or exceed grade level priority standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all practices.
Utilize a variety of researched-based instructional techniques, strategies, and methods in all content areas.
Utilize multi-tiered systems of support to identify and address barriers to learning.
Leverage student support systems to ensure that students’ social, emotional, academic, nutritional, and health needs are addressed.
Implement a tiered system of instruction within the classroom to meet the needs of all students
Utilize data to inform instructional decisions for all tiers of instruction.
Understand, value, and positively respond to the unique traits of all students.
Ability to motivate and inspire students by connecting classroom and school-wide positive behavior supports and systems.
The ability to prioritize student-learning needs over the customs, routines, and established relationships that can stand in the way of necessary change.
Willingness and commitment to participate in professional learning communities, the continuous improvement process, and professional development opportunities.
Work cooperatively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
Collaborate to create and execute clear, logical instructional plans that produce strong results in student learning.
Use a variety of methodologies and curriculum resources to ensure that all students meet or exceed grade level priority standards.
Deliver engaging high-quality instruction to all students.
Design and utilize formative assessments to modify and adjust instruction on a daily basis.
Integrate 21st Century Learning Skills of critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration to learn and lead with confidence.
Collaborate with colleagues to create an effective learning environment using a variety of grouping techniques and arranging the physical space.
Actively participate in instructional coaching cycles which requires analyzing data, action planning, and reflecting on the instructional practices.
The willingness to seek out knowledgeable peers, coaches, or administrators for instructional support in the pursuit to deliver high quality instruction to all students.
Adheres to the District’s and School’s policies, expectations, and protocols.
Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
Regular and consistent attendance.
Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Handbook.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.

Qualifications

Valid Michigan Elementary Teaching Certification (ZG)
Early Childhood Endorsement (ZA), (ZS), or (ZN)
Strong background in early literacy development and hands-on development
Strong classroom management skills
Ability to utilize technology to enhance instruction
Strong collaboration with grade level peers
Knowledgeable about current educational research and best practices
Effective communication skills with school community
Excellent attendance record and outstanding work ethic

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 essential functions.

Please apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

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Notice of Non-Discrimination:

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Meisterheim. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002