Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Certified Teacher

🎯 Role Definition

The Certified Teacher is an education professional responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing standards-aligned instruction to K-12 students. This role requires a valid state teaching certificate, strong classroom-management skills, and the ability to design differentiated lessons that meet diverse learning needs. The Certified Teacher collaborates with colleagues, families, and support staff to promote academic growth, social-emotional development, and safe, inclusive classroom environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Student Teaching / Teaching Practicum placements
Paraprofessional or Teacher's Aide positions
Long-term Substitute Teacher assignments

Advancement To:

Lead Teacher / Grade-Level Lead
Instructional Coach or Curriculum Specialist
Department Chair or Program Coordinator
Assistant Principal / Principal
Special Education Coordinator or Academic Dean

Lateral Moves:

Special Education Teacher
English as a Second Language (ESL) / ELD Teacher
Educational Consultant or Curriculum Developer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and deliver daily lesson plans that align with state standards, district curriculum, and grade-level learning objectives while integrating formative and summative assessment strategies to measure student progress.
Differentiate instruction using a variety of strategies, materials, and learning modalities to meet the individual needs of students, including gifted learners, students with disabilities, and English language learners.
Create and maintain a positive, safe, inclusive classroom environment that supports social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, and high expectations for student behavior and achievement.
Implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and accommodations in coordination with special education staff, ensuring documented modifications and progress monitoring for students with special needs.
Use data-driven instruction: analyze benchmark, interim, and classroom assessment data to identify learning gaps, adjust lesson plans, and provide targeted interventions or enrichment.
Plan and execute standards-aligned units and long-range curriculum maps that incorporate cross-curricular connections, project-based learning, and real-world application to deepen student understanding.
Provide timely, actionable feedback on student work and maintain accurate records of grades, attendance, and behavior using the district’s student information system.
Integrate educational technology effectively into instruction (e.g., Google Classroom, learning management systems, interactive whiteboards, adaptive learning software) to enhance engagement and differentiate learning.
Collaborate with colleagues in grade-level or content teams to design curricula, common assessments, and intervention strategies, participating in professional learning communities (PLCs).
Communicate proactively and professionally with parents and guardians through conferences, phone calls, emails, and digital platforms to discuss student progress, behavior, and supports.
Plan and supervise classroom assistants, volunteers, and student teachers, delegating tasks and providing coaching and feedback to support instructional goals.
Design and implement behavior management systems and positive reinforcement strategies that promote responsibility, respect, and a constructive learning climate.
Lead small-group instruction and individualized tutoring sessions to accelerate learning for students who require remediation or enrichment beyond whole-class lessons.
Prepare and administer state and district assessments according to testing protocols and support students with accommodations or alternate assessments as required.
Participate in school-wide initiatives, committees, and extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, field trips, school events) to support a strong school culture and student engagement.
Maintain professional certification by completing required continuing education units, mentoring programs, or credential renewal processes in accordance with state regulations.
Coordinate transition planning and post-secondary readiness activities, including IEP transitions, high school course selection, and college/career awareness for secondary students.
Monitor and document student attendance and follow district procedures for reporting, outreach, and interventions to improve chronic absenteeism.
Apply restorative practices and conflict-resolution strategies to manage student behavior, de-escalate incidents, and rebuild relationships following classroom disruptions.
Ensure classroom materials, resources, and learning spaces are organized, accessible, and compliant with safety policies and school procedures.
Model professional conduct and ethical practices, adhering to district policies, state regulations, and confidentiality standards (FERPA).
Design and scaffold assessments that measure higher-order thinking skills (critical thinking, problem solving, analysis) and use results to inform next steps in instruction.

Secondary Functions

Serve as a liaison with community organizations, outside service providers, and related services to coordinate wraparound supports for students and families.
Participate in staff development and mentor programs, leading workshops or presenting at faculty meetings on instructional strategies, classroom management, or technology integration.
Contribute to curriculum review teams to evaluate and recommend instructional materials, textbooks, and digital resources based on alignment and equity.
Support school leadership with duties such as supervising arrival/dismissal, bus lines, lunchrooms, or playgrounds as assigned to ensure student safety.
Assist in developing family engagement initiatives and multilingual communications to better involve caregivers in student learning and school events.
Maintain and update emergency care plans and health records in collaboration with school nurses and counselors for students with medical needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid state teaching certification/license for the applicable grade band (Elementary, Middle, Secondary) or subject area.
Proven expertise in standards-based curriculum planning and backward design (e.g., Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards).
Lesson planning and unit design that incorporate differentiated instruction and formative assessment cycles.
Proficiency with classroom and instructional technology platforms (Google Workspace for Education, Google Classroom, Smartboard, LMS tools).
Ability to design and interpret assessments (benchmarks, diagnostics, interim assessments) and use data to drive instruction.
Experience implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and accommodations for diverse learners.
Knowledge of instructional frameworks and interventions (RTI/MTSS, scaffolding techniques, literacy strategies).
Classroom management and positive behavior support systems, including restorative practices and PBIS familiarity.
Familiarity with state and federal education regulations (FERPA, IDEA) and testing protocols.
Basic data literacy: managing gradebooks, progress monitoring tools, and progress reporting systems.

Soft Skills

Strong verbal and written communication with students, families, and colleagues; clear reporting and conferencing abilities.
Collaborative mindset and teamwork — experience working in PLCs, co-teaching, and interdisciplinary teams.
Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, languages, and socio-economic contexts.
Patience, empathy, and a student-centered orientation focused on growth and equity.
Strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
Adaptability and resilience in fast-changing school environments and shifting instructional needs.
Problem solving and conflict resolution skills for classroom and parent-facing situations.
Reflective practice and commitment to continuous professional development.
Leadership and mentoring skills for guiding paraprofessionals, student teachers, or peers.
High ethical standards, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling student information.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Education or in a subject-area field plus completion of an accredited teacher preparation program and valid state certification.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field; National Board Certification or advanced endorsements preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Elementary Education
Secondary Education (Math, Science, English, Social Studies)
Special Education
Early Childhood Education
Bilingual/ESL Education
Curriculum & Instruction

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-level: 0–2 years (student teaching and practicum experience accepted); Preferred mid-level: 2–5+ years classroom teaching experience; Experienced: 5+ years for senior or lead roles.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience with data-driven instruction, differentiated lesson design, co-teaching models, and documented success improving student outcomes; experience with diverse learners, multilingual classrooms, and special education compliance is highly desirable.