Teacher - Exceptional Ed Preschool (2025-2026) - JL Cain Elementary School

Education and Experience
Education and experience as required by state certification authorities. The appropriate exceptional education certification is required for this position.

Knowledge
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the school district pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position; methods for developing lesson plans and materials, and classroom activities that stimulate learning; records, forms, and reports that must be prepared and maintained; proper maintenance of equipment, materials, and supplies used in daily activities; counseling methods necessary for handling student academic and adjustment problems; and materials and information to be prepared for classroom instructional activities.

Skills & Effort
Ability to provide instruction to students through explanation, demonstration, and/or supervised practice; supervise students and maintain order in various classroom and instructional activities; operate general office equipment; prepare lesson plans, tests, and instructional materials; identify student adjustment and/or academic problems and provide counseling or recommend remedial action; communicate effectively with students, parents, district staff, and other groups involved.

Working Conditions
Conducts duties in a classroom environment with no significant environmental exposure; requires ability to work under stress-related duties that require constant attention; physical demands restricted to classroom work with lifting/moving up to 25 pounds; occasional local travel required; job requires operation of standard office equipment.

Responsibility
Responsible for classroom materials and supplies budget. Supervises students in classroom. Supervises instructional aides and volunteers as assigned.

General Summary
Under general supervision assists students in learning subject matter and/or skills that contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible men and women.

Essential Functions
Cooperates in developing a program of continuous progress consistent with district goals and objectives to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of pupils. Keeps abreast of changes and district policies and students’ needs and interests. Establishes clear and appropriate objectives for all classroom activities and communicates these objectives to students. Employs instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required. Analyzes progress of individual students on a regular basis and seeks appropriate assistance as needed. Cooperates with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, and methods. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of pupils. Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aides and/or volunteers and evaluates their performance. Provides adequate plans for substitute teachers and evaluates their performance. Seeks the cooperation and assistance of parents through oral or written communication and/or home visits. Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education‑related purposes when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policies, and administrative regulations. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students and to properly care for all property, equipment, materials, and facilities. Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies. Is punctual and responsible in performing all duties and activities as assigned. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life, conduct, and behavior in a fair and just manner. Provides for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced coursework at institutions of higher learning. Participates in school or district staff development programs as assigned by the principal or superintendent. Attends staff meetings, serves on staff committees as requested, and accepts a share of responsibility for co‑curricular or other activities as assigned by the principal or superintendent. Does not abuse sick or personal leave and is absent only when it is absolutely necessary. Recognizes and follows the appropriate procedures in the “chain of command” as designated by board policies and/or administrative procedures. Presents a positive image of the Darlington County School District at all times.

Additional Responsibilities
Performs other related duties as required.