Job Description

4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher Position Description

Position Title: 4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
Department: Elementary Education
Reports To: Building Principal
Employment Status: Full-Time
Grade Level: 4th Grade

The 4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering engaging, standards-aligned instruction in science and social studies to fourth-grade students. The teacher creates a supportive, academically challenging classroom environment that promotes critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration, civic awareness, and a strong understanding of scientific and social concepts.

The successful candidate will use a variety of instructional strategies, assessments, technology, and hands-on learning experiences to meet the diverse academic needs of students and support their overall development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality science and social studies instruction aligned with Michigan academic standards and district curriculum.
• Develop engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage inquiry, investigation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Teach fourth-grade science concepts, including life science, physical science, Earth and space science, and engineering/design principles as appropriate to the curriculum.
• Teach fourth-grade social studies concepts, including Michigan history and government, geography, economics, civics, and United States history as appropriate to the curriculum.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, developmental, and individual needs of all learners.
• Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment.
• Develop and implement effective classroom management strategies that promote student engagement and appropriate behavior.
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
• Analyze student achievement data and develop instructional strategies to address areas of need.
• Provide appropriate interventions, enrichment, and academic support based on student performance.
• Integrate technology and digital resources to enhance instruction and student learning.
• Encourage students to communicate ideas effectively through speaking, writing, research, projects, and presentations.
• Incorporate real-world applications and interdisciplinary connections into science and social studies instruction.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records, grades, attendance, and required documentation.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding student progress, achievement, and concerns.
• Collaborate with grade-level teachers, intervention staff, special education staff, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, curriculum development, and school improvement activities.
• Support school-wide expectations, policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Maintain a safe classroom environment and follow all school safety procedures.
• Supervise students as assigned during transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other school activities.
• Maintain professional knowledge of current educational practices, instructional strategies, technology, and Michigan academic standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or appropriate administrator.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with appropriate elementary-level certification and endorsements/authorization applicable to the position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of elementary science and social studies curriculum and instructional practices.
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Ability to effectively differentiate instruction for students with varying academic abilities and learning needs.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Proficiency with educational technology and digital instructional resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience teaching fourth grade.
• Experience teaching science and/or social studies at the elementary level.
• Knowledge of Michigan's academic standards and elementary curriculum frameworks.
• Experience using student data to guide instruction and intervention.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and differentiated learning needs.