Lead Instructor (VPK) - West Elementary

School District of DeSoto County; Arcadia (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

School District of DeSoto County is seeking a Lead Instructor (VPK) at West Elementary in Arcadia, Florida. The role requires appropriate credentials such as CDA/FCCPC or higher education in child development or early childhood education, with emphasis on emergent literacy and safe classroom supervision.

The position entails planning instruction, differentiating for diverse learners, and collaborating with peers and parents.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must hold one of several credentials listed (CDA, FCCPC, Associate's in Child Development, or related qualifications).
• Experience with emergent literacy and VPK curriculum recommended.
• Criminal background check and drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Plan short- and long-range lessons based on district and state requirements.
• Identify learning outcomes that are challenging and measurable.
• Differentiate instruction using IEPs and varied materials.
• Maintain safe, well-organized classroom and supervise students.
• Use technology and data to assess progress and adjust instruction.
• Coordinate with staff, parents, and administrators.

Skills

Emergent literacy

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Differentiated instruction

Technology basics

Education

CDA or FCCPC credential (last 5 years)

Associate's Degree in Child Development

Associate's Degree with 480 hours in child care

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood or related field

Bachelor's in Elementary Education with Florida Educator's Certificate

Job description

Lead Instructor (VPK) - West Elementary

School District of DeSoto County West Elementary School - Arcadia, Florida Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Florida Department of Education

Job Details

Job ID: 5948516

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 02, 2026 3:23 PM (UTC)

Job Description

LEAD INSTRUCTOR (VPK)JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must hold one of the following credentials:
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) earned within the last five (5) years; or
• An Associate's Degree or higher in Child Development; or
• An Associate's Degree or higher in an unrelated field, with at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education or child development, and at least 480 hours of experience in teaching or providing childcare services for children any age from birth to 8 years of age; or
• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in early childhood education, prekindergarten or primary education, preschool education, or family and consumer science; or
• A Bachelor's Degree in elementary education, if the pre-k instructor has been certified to teach children any age from birth through 6th grade, with a Florida Educator's Certificate, regardless whether the certificate is current or not, and has not had this educator certificate suspended or revoked.
• Complete three 5-hour (15 hours) emergent literacy courses to meet lead VPK instructor credential requirements
• Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the prescribed VPK curriculum including emergent and early literacy. Knowledge of child growth and development and especially of characteristics of students/children of the VPK age. Basic understanding and knowledge of current technology. Knowledge of learning styles. Ability to use varied teaching methods. Knowledge of current trends, research and best practices related to education. Knowledge of School Board policies and practices as they relate to teaching. Ability to handle problems, concerns and emotional distress with sensitivity and tact. Ability to communicate orally and in writing with students, parents, and others. Ability to plan, establish priorities and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results, and prescribe actions for improvement. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators and others.

REPORTS TO:

Principal or designee

JOB GOAL

To provide an educational experience in which VPK students move toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth and maturation.

SUPERVISES:

N/A

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning/Preparation

• Create or select short- and long-range plans based on district and state curriculum requirements, student profiles and instructional priorities.
• Identify specific intended learning outcomes that are challenging, meaningful, and measurable.
• Plan and prepare a variety of learning activities considering individual student's culture, learning styles, special needs, and socio-economic background.
• Use Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as a basis for planning differentiated instruction.
• Develop or select instructional activities which foster active involvement in the learning process.
• Identify, select and modify instructional materials to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles and special needs, and provide reasonable accommodations when appropriate.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and plans for improvement.

Administrative/Management

• Maintain a positive, organized and safe learning environment.
• Use time effectively.
• Manage materials and equipment effectively.
• Use effective student behavior management techniques.
• Enforce school rules, administrative regulations and Board policies.
• Establish and maintain effective and efficient record keeping procedures, including but not limited to, required individual student plans and reports.
• Use technology resources effectively.
• Coordinate and monitor the work of volunteers and assistants when assigned.

Assessment/Evaluation

• Develop and use assessment strategies, traditional and alternative, to assist the continuous development of students.
• Interpret data including but not limited to standardized and other test results for diagnosis, instructional planning and program evaluation.
• Establish appropriate testing environment and test security.
• Communicate, in understandable terms, individual student progress to the student, parents, and professional colleagues who need access to the information.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional units and teaching strategies.

Intervention/Direct Services

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject matter.
• Communicate high learning expectations for all students.
• Apply principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs and which enhance the application of critical, creative and evaluative thinking capabilities.
• Use appropriate material, technology, and other resources to help meet learning needs of all students.
• Provide appropriate instructional modification for students with special needs, including but not limited to exceptional education students.
• Provide differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students.
• Provide learning centers to increase involvement of students in hands‑on experiences.
• Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate action based on school procedures and law.
• Provide instruction on safety procedures and proper handling of materials and equipment.
• Foster student responsibility, appropriate social behavior, integrity, valuing of cultural diversity, and respect for self and others by role modeling and learning activities.
• Assist students with health and hygiene needs as required.

Technology

• Use appropriate technology in instructional delivery.
• Use technology to establish an atmosphere of active learning.
• Provide students with opportunities to use technology to gather and share information with others.
• Facilitate student access to the use of electronic resources.
• Explore and evaluate new technologies and their educational impact.
• Use technology to review student assessment data.
• Use technology for administrative tasks.

Collaboration

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents and community.
• Provide accurate and timely information to parents and students about academic and behavioral performance of students.
• Collaborate with other professionals and parents after recognizing student distress or abuse.
• Collaborate with peers and other professionals to enhance student learning.

Staff Development

• Engage in a continuing improvement of professional skills and knowledge.
• Establish and implement an individual Professional Development Plan annually in accordance with state and district requirements.
• Participate in school data collection of teacher input on principal's performance assessment program.

Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
• Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• Demonstrate attention to punctuality and regular attendance.
• Prepare all required reports in an accurate and timely manner and maintain all appropriate records.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and other professional information.
• Comply with policies, procedures and programs.
• Exercise appropriate professional judgment.
• Support school improvement initiatives.

Student Growth and Achievement

• Ensure that student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or student program classification.
• Establish and maintain a positive collaborative relationship with the students' families to increase student achievement.
• Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the district's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the district.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation for this position is Pay Lane B10

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Classroom Teacher > Elementary

Contact Information

• Gina Stafford
• 530 LaSolona Ave.
• Arcadia, Florida 34266
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]