Contact Person: Melinda Nelson

Job Location:
Portage Public Schools
1010 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002

Job Description:

Certified Preschool Teacher – 4 year olds
Location: Curious Kids location
Full days Monday to Friday, school year

Job Summary:
Performs duties as the classroom teacher to oversee and implement the academic and social-emotional development of all students through support in lesson plans, curriculum and data collection. Classroom teacher will oversee and implement classroom management, a healthy and safe learning environment and support the transition from preschool to Kindergarten readiness. Supports under the PBIS model as well as alignment with all MiLeap regulations and standards. Professionalism in the classroom, with families and community members to support a continuum of service model of excellence.

Teaches academic and social-emotional skills to 4-year-old children in a school setting by performing the duties listed below. Teachers plan and implement a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children that promote developmental gains toward the attainment of kindergarten readiness skills as defined in the Early Childhood Standards of Quality Performance Standards of Quality for Preschool and GSRP Implementation Manual, within an MTSS framework. Teacher professionalism in the classroom, with families, the community and with staff serve as a model of excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Work as a team member to provide a quality educational preschool program.
Plan, implement, and monitor curriculum and assessment.
Familiarity and ability to implement the Creative Curriculum.
Establish parent involvement engagement activities, including conferences.
Conduct home visits.
Assist in all daily operations of the program.
Work with individual and small groups of students.
Support children’s emotional and social development, encourage understanding of others and positive self-concepts with utilization of Second Step Framework.
Support children’s emotional and social development, encourage understanding of others and positive self-concepts with utilization of Second Step Framework.
Work collaboratively and communicate with the associate teacher/aide to implement lesson plans, activities, and classroom tasks.
Monitor behavior and support the educational process in the classroom.
Observe students’ performance and record relevant data to assess progress.
Collect and document data regarding the student(s).
Maintain accurate and complete student records.
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, and/or playgrounds.
Participate in training and ongoing professional development.
Able to work flexible hours as needed for family involvement activities, including home visits, recruitment events, etc.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and teachers.
Ability to act as a resource person for families.
Outgoing, caring personality with a child-first mindset.
Must be capable of performing the job’s physical demands, including but not limited to lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, and standing for long periods.
The work environment has a raised noise level.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Regular and consistent attendance.
Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee 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:
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Child Development.
Current Michigan Teaching Certificate with ZA, ZS, or ZN endorsement, or within 3 years of completion of this degree.
Child/Adult CPR, First Aid, AED Certification.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff and the public.
Ability to assume responsibility, display initiative, and exercise good judgment.
Proficient computer and document skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Consistent and reliable attendance.
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

Who is PPS?  View our Strategic Commitments

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 Tuyls.  Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002

Closing Date for Job:  08/01/2025