Elementary Teacher-First Grade

START DATE:                        08/01/2026           

POSITION:                    Ministry Position of Teacher

ACCOUNTABLE TO:       The teacher is solely accountable to the school administrator.

PURPOSE: The teachers are the chief instructors in the school and lend leadership to all educational agencies of the congregation.

In relation to the school, the teacher’s chief activity is that of instructing the children in the areas set forth in the school’s curriculum within the spirit of the school’s statement of purpose and other statements of school philosophy and objectives.  Teachers will prayerfully help students gain the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that will prepare them for life as a Christian in society today and with Christ eternally.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Personal Characteristics

          1.  Communication Skills

                   (a) The teacher communicates effectively orally and in written form.

                   (b) The teacher uses correct grammar, sentence structure,                                            mechanics, and spelling.

                   (c) The teacher uses neat, legible handwriting.

                   (d) The teacher is computer literate, using skills needed for                                           communication, i.e., e-mail, word processing, simple databases.

          2.  Personality

                   (a) The teacher exercises self-control.

(b) The teacher shows poise, confidence, cheerfulness, emotional   control under stressful situations, and a sense of humor      governed by good taste.

          3.  Personal Appearance

                   (a) The teacher appears well-groomed.

                   (b) The teacher is dressed tastefully and neatly.

          4.  Spirituality

(a) The teacher continues to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and regular enrichment in the Word of God.  (Regular enrichment is demonstrated through activities such as group Bible study, Sunday school instruction, daily Bible devotions, for examples.)

(b) The teacher exemplifies the Christian faith and life, serving as a      role model (1 Timothy 4:12) both in and out of school to pupils and as an example to parents, fellow faculty and staff members, members of the congregation and to the community-at-large in judgment, respect, and Christian living.

(c) The teacher functions in an atmosphere of love and order characteristic of the Body of Christ at work and lead others toward Christian maturity.

(d) The teacher gives support with time, talent and treasure to all ministries of the Church.

(e) The teacher exemplifies Christian discipleship and witness and live in Christian unity with members of the congregation and school.   

(f)  The teacher associates closely with God through worship with regular communion and church attendance and actively participate in congregational activities.

B.  Professional Characteristics

          1. Professional Growth

                   (a) The teacher takes advanced courses.

(b) The teacher attends professional meetings, workshops, and conferences.

                   (c) The teacher reads professional periodicals.

                   (d) The teacher holds membership in professional organizations.

          2.  Professional Attitude

                   (a) The teacher teaches faithfully the Word of God as understood                                    and taught by the LC-MS.

(b) The teacher accepts, supports, and promotes in practice the     school’s statements of purpose, philosophy, objectives, etc.

                   (c) The teacher follows policies, procedures, and directives.

(d) The teacher follows Matthew 18 in differences of opinion with the pastors, principal, Board of Christian Education, and others.

                   (e) The teacher is interested in and participates in congregational                                  activities.

(f)  The teacher will respect the confidentiality issues within the    school structure.

(g) The teacher accepts and fulfills assigned responsibilities, and       informs the administrator if unable to fulfill any duty assigned.            Responsibilities may include faculty committees and student           supervision in such areas as:  NLSW, school game supervision, leading chapel, giving faculty devotions, door supervision duty after school and lunch, and recess supervision.

(h) Represent the school in a favorable, Christian, and professional             manner to the school constituency, congregation, and community.

          3.  Professional Cooperation

(a) The teacher cooperates with the principal, pastor, BCE, and supporting congregation.

(b) The teacher is responsible for supervising students, student teachers, aides and volunteers.

                   (c) The teacher completes required records, reports, and forms in                                  the time frame given.

                   (d) The teacher assists with orientation of staff members

                   (e) The teacher offers suggestions and support in such areas as:

                             i)       policy development

                             ii)       budget

iii)          building maintenance

iv)          school calendar

v)           selecting materials for purchase

vi)          improvement of the school’s programs

vii)         staff meetings

viii)       names of prospective staff members

ix)          staff and parent handbook changes

x)           hygiene and safety

xi)          public relations and student recruitment

4.   Relationships with Staff, Parents, and Community

(a)  The teacher cooperates with other staff members and maintains a Christian professional relationship with them.

(b)  The teacher attends staff devotions and faculty meetings, and constructively participates in them.

(c)   The teacher communicates with parents and provides parents with information relating to the school and to the work being done by the students (i.e., parent/teacher conferences, phone calls, notes, classroom letters).

(d)  The teacher sees his/her role as assisting parents.

(e)  The teacher attends and participates in meetings, activities, and functions of the school and its Parents and Teachers of Lutheran Schools group.  The teacher takes an active role in supporting community, which will in turn reflect positively and benefit on the school.

          5.  Relationships with Students

(a) The teacher shows courtesy and care to students and an interest in them.

(b) The teacher respects the intrinsic value of each pupil as a child of God, through attention to his/her spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and academic needs.

(c) The teacher refrains from negative, sarcastic, or belittling comments or responses to or about students.

                   (d) The teacher maintains discipline through the proper use of Law                                and Gospel.

                   (e) Teachers will schedule home visits at the beginning of the year                                 with each student.

C.  Instructional Competence

          1.  Classroom Environment

(a) The teacher arranges the classroom so that optimum instruction can take place.

                   (b) The teacher maintains current and topical bulletin boards and                                   classroom displays.

                   (c) The teacher displays student work.

(d) The teacher maintains adequate lighting and temperature within              the limitations of the existing physical plant.

                   (e) The teacher maintains a neat and clean classroom.

                   (f)  The teacher maintains the classroom for student productivity,                                  comfort and enjoyment.

(g) The teacher displays a happy, God-loving atmosphere in the classroom.

(h) The teacher integrates technology in teaching and learning.

          2.  Teaching Competence

                   (a) The teacher demonstrates knowledge of the subject area content.

(b) The teacher demonstrates the characteristics of effective      instruction.

(c) The teacher demonstrates emotional and physical control under stressful situations.

(d) The teacher possesses knowledge of support systems (i.e., SAT, Title 1), and utilizes these to benefit each child with special needs.

QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1.   The faculty of Immanuel Lutheran School shall be spiritual, educational, and professional leaders of the school and church community.

2.   The faculty shall reflect and commit to the school’s Mission and Philosophy, its Statement of Faith and the overall ministry and well being of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.

3.   The faculty shall be actively involved members in good standing at Immanuel Lutheran Church, another Lutheran Church, or another Trinitarian Christ-centered (John 14:6) Christian Church which teaches we have salvation by the Grace of God alone (Eph 2:8-10).

4.   The teacher shall hold a bachelor’s degree in education and shall accept the call of God to the teaching profession.

5.   The teacher shall hold a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma through the Concordia University system of the LCMS and/or hold a current and valid state of Nebraska certificate/credential.

6.   Teachers will pursue a plan of professional development as approved by the administrator.

7.   The Board of Christian Education may add other qualifications at any time.