Science Teacher, Virtual School

Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha Public Schools

Job Title: Virtual School, Science Teacher (9 th – 12 th grade)

Location: Teacher Administrative Center (T.A.C.), 3215 Cuming St. Omaha NE 68131

(this is not a remote position – staff report to work at TAC daily)

Reports To: Program Director, Virtual School

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 188 Days Contracted

Salary Schedule: Commensurate with experience and education

Position Function:

A teacher’s role at Omaha Virtual School is to create, plan, and facilitate online and onsite learning experiences for students. These learning experiences are personalized and mastery-based, as students navigate our curriculum at their own pace. Teaching in this non-traditional environment requires facilitating differentiated pathways that students need in order to succeed. The majority of course content is delivered in the online platform.

Therefore, teacher instruction is student-centered, data-driven, and focused on attainment of skills that can be applied in the real-world. Instruction may be 1:1, small group, or whole group. Teachers are responsible for engaging learners in deeper-level thinking and application of skills that align to the district’s graduate profile (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, civic and global responsibility, resilient achievers, and innovators). Teachers are actively involved in building this new program and must exhibit a growth mindset and collaboration skills.

***This is not a work from home position. Staff report to the Teacher Administrative Center daily.**

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences in a blended learning environment
• Identify, select, create and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement
• Maintain effective and efficient record keeping procedures
• Provide a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process
• Communicate with students, parents, and internal and external professionals within established timelines
• Collaborate with peers, students, and parents to enhance the instructional environment for students by participating in activities which include, but are not limited to, team teaching, meetings, staff development, communities of practice, and various committees
• Model professional and ethical standards when working with students, parents, peers, and community members
• Ensure that student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or program classification
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, schools, and colleagues measured by district/school survey results
• Meet specific course and school-wide student performance goals
• Demonstrate gains in student performance
• Participate in research and presentations about online teaching; this may include activities such as, authoring articles, hosting workshops, sharing of information for professional growth, and student outreach events and activities
• Participate in blended learning models, which includes both on-line and classroom instruction
• May be responsible for instructional tutoring
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as, meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrate respect for others
• All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established
• Others duties as assigned by supervisor or district office

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Education: Minimum of Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• A valid NE Teaching Certificate or the ability to obtain one with appropriate endorsement: science field endorsement preferred.
• A demonstrated philosophy that ail students can and will learn.
• Excellent attendance record
• Excellent communication skills oral and written
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Best Instructional practices
• Positive interpersonal skills
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• This Individual will exhibit skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students. staff, parents and the community
• A willingness and demonstrated abilities conducive to a continuous quest for quality education.

* NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equipment: This position will require the ability to use office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. It will be necessary to display ability to engage in online/blended activities utilizing software/websites that deliver content remotely. Employees must always comply with OPS guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: limited travel between schools and central offices will be required. Occasional travel outside of Omaha or Nebraska may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Regular attendance is important
• Ability to perform task independently
• Works in standard office environment
• Ability to work with technology for a sustained period of time
• Ability to travel in and outside of Omaha as requested
• Ability to correspond verbally and written at a high level
• Ability to represent Virtual Schools to community, media and governmental agencies

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors and state/federal personnel
• Will need to coordinate between multiple district level departments to implement Virtual School
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for OPS to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of OPS and is appropriate for their position

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. )

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at .