Elementary Teacher 2026-2027

Topeka Public Schools; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Topeka Public Schools is seeking an elementary classroom teacher who will create organized, child-centered classrooms with content-rich, standards-based lessons. The role emphasizes data-driven instruction to meet individual student needs and uses diverse instructional strategies aligned with best practices and research.

Qualified candidates hold a Bachelor’s Degree and Kansas Teacher’s Certificate; ESOL endorsement is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
• Valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate with applicable endorsements preferred.
• ESOL endorsement preferred.
• Credential file meeting the district’s standards.
• Professional verification of classroom teaching experience.
• Compliance with ethical and professional performance standards set by the State Board.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Communicates high expectations to all learners.
• Incorporates appropriate use of technology.
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum.
• Develops lesson plans with effective lesson design.
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district protocol.
• Establishes and maintains pupil behavior standards for participation and learning.
• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress.
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment.
• Communicates effectively and promotes positive relationships.
• Supports the District and policies in a fair and equitable manner.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the principal or superintendent.

Skills

Classroom management

Differentiated instruction

Curriculum alignment

Data-driven instruction

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Kansas Teacher’s Certificate

ESOL Endorsement

Credential file

Teaching experience verification

Ethical and professional standards

Regular attendance

Job description

Reports To:

Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal

Position Purpose:

Topeka Public School elementary teachers demonstrate a commitment to learning for all students by maintaining organized, child-centered classrooms, by presenting content-rich and standards-based lessons and activities, by meeting individual needs through the use of assessments and data, and by using a variety of instructional strategies that are reflective of current best practices and research.

Qualifications:

The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior standards as set by the Kansas Department of Education. In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of Topeka Public Schools, all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria:

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable level-area endorsements preferred).

• ESOL Endorsement preferred.

• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public Schools' standards.

• 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.

• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Physical/Emotional Requirements:

This incumbent may be required to use the skills and abilities outlined below during any part of the working day.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people. The employee is responsible for the work output of others. On occasion, the employee may be required to work extended hours.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Communicates high expectations to all learners

• Incorporates appropriate use of technology

• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum

• Develops lesson plans by incorporating effective lesson design

• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction

• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing protocol

• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve effective participation in activities and learning experiences

• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress

• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment

• Communicates effectively and promotes positive interpersonal relationships

• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner

• Maintains confidentiality

• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the principal or superintendent may assign

Terms of Employment:

Salary and work year to be determined in accordance with the Professional Agreement and approved by the Topeka Public Schools USD 501 Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education policies for professional certified employees.

Significant Associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.