Social Studies - Portage Central High School
2026-2027 School Year, Starting August 2026
Job Summary:
The classroom teacher will be responsible for the planning and delivery of engaging high-quality instruction to all students. They will use a variety of methodologies and curriculum resources to ensure that all students meet or exceed grade level priority standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all practices.
- Utilize a variety of researched-based instructional techniques, strategies, and methods in all content areas.
- Utilize multi-tiered systems of support to identify and address barriers to learning.
- Leverage student support systems to ensure that students’ social, emotional, academic, nutritional, and health needs are addressed.
- Implement a tiered system of instruction within the classroom to meet the needs of all students
- Utilize data to inform instructional decisions for all tiers of instruction.
- Understand, value, and positively respond to the unique traits of all students.
- Ability to motivate and inspire students by connecting classroom and school-wide positive behavior supports and systems.
- The ability to prioritize student-learning needs over the customs, routines, and established relationships that can stand in the way of necessary change.
- Willingness and commitment to participate in professional learning communities, the continuous improvement process, and professional development opportunities.
- Work cooperatively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
- Collaborate to create and execute clear, logical instructional plans that produce strong results in student learning.
- Use a variety of methodologies and curriculum resources to ensure that all students meet or exceed grade level priority standards.
- Deliver engaging high-quality instruction to all students.
- Design and utilize formative assessments to modify and adjust instruction on a daily basis.
- Integrate 21st Century Learning Skills of critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration to learn and lead with confidence.
- Collaborate with colleagues to create an effective learning environment using a variety of grouping techniques and arranging the physical space.
- Actively participate in instructional coaching cycles which requires analyzing data, action planning, and reflecting on the instructional practices.
- The willingness to seek out knowledgeable peers, coaches, or administrators for instructional support in the pursuit to deliver high quality instruction to all students.
- Adheres to the District’s and School’s policies, expectations, and protocols.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Handbook.
Qualifications
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with proper grade level (9-12)
- Endorsement for Social Studies (RX)
- NCA/AdvancEd/Cognia accreditation standards met to teach social studies
- Federal standards met to be highly qualified in social studies
- Bachelor's degree including all courses required to meet credential requirements.
- Major or Minor in Education.
- Strong classroom management skills.
- Ability to utilize technology to enhance instruction.
- The training and skills to work with a diverse group of high-school students
- Strong collaboration with grade level peers.
- Knowledgeable about current educational research and best practices.
- Effective communication skills with school community.
- Excellent attendance record and outstanding work ethic.
Preferences
- A valid Michigan teaching certificate in one other area such as English (BA/BX), Mathematics (EX), or Science (DI/DX)
- Experience in leading student organizations
- Graduate degree in the area of social studies
Expectations
- Use multiple teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of different students
- Work with colleagues to continue to implement, to assess and to meet our school-improvement goals
- Work with colleagues effectively and cooperatively in the social studies department
- Experience and willingness to be involved in Activities or Athletics or both
- Work cooperatively with other colleagues, such as special-education teachers and counselors, to serve as part of a team to support at-risk students
- Work with colleagues effectively and cooperatively in the social studies department to continue to build curriculum development and to support the International Baccalaureate program, as well as to build student support and interest
