Use this template for kindergarten through fifth-grade classroom teachers. Some states now require elementary teachers to show training or proficiency in the science of reading, so name the license and any reading requirement.
Job summary
The [grade] teacher at [Campus name] teaches [all core subjects / a departmentalized subject] to a class of about [number] students. The teacher builds strong foundations in reading and math, aligned to [state] standards, and partners with families and the grade-level team to support every student.
Duties and responsibilities
- Teach reading, writing, math, science and social studies aligned to state standards and the district's curriculum.
- Deliver explicit, systematic phonics and reading instruction using the district's adopted materials.
- Use screening and progress-monitoring data to plan small-group instruction and interventions.
- Follow IEPs, 504 plans and language plans, and collaborate with specialists.
- Establish classroom routines and a positive behavior system.
- Plan with the grade-level team and take part in professional learning communities.
- Communicate with families about progress and partner on supports at home.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree.
- Valid [state] elementary certificate for the assignment.
Preferred
- ESL or bilingual supplemental certification.
- Experience with the district's reading curriculum or a structured literacy approach.
Certification and requirements
- Elementary license for the grades taught, named exactly as your state does.
- Reading requirements. Check whether your state requires a reading exam, coursework or training in the science of reading for elementary licenses, and name it.
- Background check under your state's rules.
Texas requirements
- Science of Teaching Reading. Texas Education Code §21.048 requires anyone teaching any grade from pre-K through grade 6 to demonstrate proficiency in the science of teaching reading on a certification exam, for certificates issued after January 1, 2021. Name the certificate ("Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: EC-6") rather than exam numbers, which TEA is changing (opens in a new tab).
- HB 2. Districts may not employ uncertified teachers of record in foundation subjects; for Districts of Innovation, K-5 reading and math teachers are covered starting in 2026-27.
- Standards. Name the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in the summary, and use "Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: EC-6" in the qualifications.
- Background check through SBEC.
Schedule, pay and terms
- Contract: [probationary / term] contract, [number]-day calendar.
- Pay: $[amount or range] per the teacher salary schedule, plus [stipends].
- Start date: [date].
How to adapt this description
- Put the grade in the title ("2nd Grade Teacher").
- Name the reading and math curricula you use; candidates trained in them will notice.
- Say whether the grade is self-contained or departmentalized.