Social Studies Teacher

West Ada School District; Meridian (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

West Ada School District in Meridian, Idaho is seeking a Secondary Teacher to guide students toward academic and personal growth through high-quality instruction aligned with district standards. The teacher works under the supervision of the school principal and collaborates with district staff, curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, and other leaders to support student learning.

This 188-day calendar position emphasizes planning and delivering engaging lessons, differentiating for

Qualifications

• Valid Idaho teaching certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Plan and deliver instruction aligned with district curriculum and state standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and deliver instruction aligned with District-approved curriculum, instructional frameworks, and state standards.
• Differentiate instruction and adapt materials to meet the diverse learning needs of secondary school students.
• Assess student learning using formal and informal methods; provide timely feedback; and prepare progress reports.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, and staff regarding student progress and needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and participate in professional development.

Job description

West Ada School District

Teacher – Secondary

To support and guide students toward the fulfillment of their intellectual, emotional, social, and academic potential through high-quality instruction aligned with District curriculum and educational standards.

The Secondary (Middle/High School) Teacher works under the direction of the School Principal and designee. The position also collaborates with and receives support from District-level staff, including curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, academic specialists, and other designated leadership, as appropriate.

Essential Duties

• Plan, implement, and deliver instruction aligned with District-approved curriculum, instructional frameworks, and state standards.
• Develop and maintain lesson plans, including substitute lesson plans, with clear objectives that address students’ academic needs, interests, and developmental levels.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies, including direct instruction, discussion, projects, hands‑on activities, experiments, and technology‑enhanced learning.
• Differentiate instruction and adapt materials to meet the diverse learning needs of secondary school students.
• Create and maintain a structured, positive, and engaging classroom environment appropriate to adolescent learners.
• Assess student learning using formal and informal methods; assign and evaluate student work; provide timely feedback; and prepare required progress reports.
• Administer District- and State‑required assessments and standardized testing in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning, including participation in Building Study Teams, Special Education meetings, and other student support processes as requested.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with students, parents/guardians, and staff regarding student progress, behavior, and academic needs.
• Establish and enforce classroom expectations and school rules; supervise students; and address behavioral and academic concerns in collaboration with appropriate staff.
• Supervise and support assigned instructional aides, volunteers, or student teachers, as applicable.
• Maintain accurate and complete records related to attendance, grades, progress, and instructional materials in accordance with District and legal requirements.
• Follow all safety procedures, including emergency, evacuation, and lockdown protocols, and take reasonable precautions to protect students, facilities, and equipment.
• Participate in assigned co‑curricular activities, faculty meetings, professional development, and in‑service training.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the building principal.

Minimum Qualification

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective secondary school instruction, including adolescent development and age‑appropriate instructional strategies.
• District‑approved curriculum, instructional frameworks, and assessment practices aligned with state standards.
• Differentiated instruction, classroom management strategies, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Social‑emotional learning practices and strategies that support student engagement, behavior, and well‑being.
• Assessment and progress‑monitoring techniques to inform instruction and support student growth.
• Legal and ethical responsibilities related to student supervision, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and educator conduct.
• District policies, procedures, strategic goals, and school site expectations.
• Effective communication and collaboration practices within a school environment.

Ability to:

• Plan and deliver clear, engaging instruction to meet the academic and developmental needs of secondary school students.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional, and cooperative working relationships that contribute to a positive school climate.
• Manage classroom behavior using proactive strategies and sound judgment.
• Observe, supervise, and monitor student behavior and activities throughout the instructional day to ensure safety and appropriate conduct.
• Maintain student safety and respond appropriately in emergency situations, including evacuations, lockdowns, or other safety incidents.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, school, and family information.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, punctuality, and ethical conduct.
• Read, interpret, and apply work‑related materials, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in professional learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Valid Teaching Certification, as required by the State of Idaho, for position to which the teacher is assigned.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal conversation and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work and assessments, prepare and review documents, and organize documents and materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform repetitive hand/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office and classroom environment, lifting or moving objects that weigh up to 30 lbs. and with the ability to respond and protect in the event of an emergency;
• Job tasks require, with or without reasonable accommodation, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, liftingand grasping;
• Must have a valid Idaho Driver's license and a vehicle to drive and/or must provide own transportation for job related activities.

Evaluation

Yearly by supervisor

Terms of Employment

188-day working calendar

• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job
• As per Idaho Code 65-5-1/65-503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho…"