Teacher job description: Duties, skills and responsibilities

Teachers hold a pivotal role in shaping the development and education of students. Beyond lesson plans and classroom management, they inspire, guide and nurture the minds of tomorrow. Whether you’re hiring for a school or training institute, crafting a clear and comprehensive job description is critical to attracting the right teaching professionals. 

Here’s a detailed guide to structuring your teacher job description. Please note this will vary depending on the seniority of the role and the age of the students.

Teacher job duties and responsibilities

A teacher’s responsibilities range from planning lessons to fostering a positive learning environment.

Core tasks for teachers can include: 

• Lesson planning and delivery 
  • Develop and deliver engaging lesson plans tailored to students’ needs.
  • Incorporate a variety of teaching methods to address diverse learning styles. 
  • Evaluate and modify lessons to align with curriculum guidelines and objectives. 
• Student engagement 
  • Create a classroom environment conducive to active learning and collaboration. 
  • Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving through interactive activities. 
  • Provide individualised support to help students overcome challenges and reach their potential. 
• Assessment and feedback 
  • Prepare and administer assessments to evaluate student progress. 
  • Offer detailed and constructive feedback to students and parents. 
  • Maintain accurate records of student performance and attendance. 
• Administration and classroom management
  • Manage classroom behaviour to ensure a safe and respectful environment. 
  • Plan and supervise extracurricular activities, including clubs, events and field trips. 
  • Handle administrative tasks, such as reports and attendance tracking, efficiently. 
• Professional development and collaboration 
  • Attend staff meetings, workshops and ongoing training. 
  • Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to enhance teaching practices. 
  • Stay updated on educational trends and advancements to continuously improve teaching methods. 

A great teacher combines expertise in the subject matter with the ability to inspire students and drive educational outcomes.

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What should be included in a teacher job description?

When creating a job description for a teacher role, include the following key elements:

• Job summary: Outline the primary role and how it contributes to your institution. 
• Responsibilities: Detail the specific duties involved in the role. 
• Skills and qualifications: Clearly highlight the knowledge, competencies and educational background required. 
• Work environment: Specify the setting, such as primary school, secondary school or specialty training. 
• Call-to-action (CTA): Provide clear instructions on how candidates can apply.

A well-crafted job description ensures alignment with qualified candidates ready to make a difference in education.

Example of a job description

We are searching for an inspiring Teacher to join our faculty and contribute to creating a foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. This role focuses on fostering a love for learning while meeting academic goals.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and deliver customised lesson plans based on curriculum standards. 
• Monitor student performance and provide tailored feedback for improvement. 
• Promote a respectful and inclusive classroom culture that encourages curiosity. 
• Maintain accurate assessment records and prepare reports for parents/guardians. 
• Participate in professional learning opportunities to enhance teaching expertise.

Key skills:

• Expertise in [specific subject, e.g., Mathematics, Science, Art]. 
• Strong interpersonal skills to connect with students and colleagues. 
• High proficiency in using educational technology and tools for interactive learning. 
• Organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage diverse student needs.

Work environment:

• Onsite teaching opportunity with modern teaching facilities. 
• Active support for professional development and career growth.

Join our passionate community of educators and help shape the future. Apply today!

What is the best way to screen candidates?

Schools looking to hire teachers should focus on evaluating candidates’ expertise, teaching strategies and cultural alignment. Steps include:

• Resume analysis: Look for proven experience in teaching, curriculum design or classroom management. Assess qualifications such as teaching certifications and subject-specific degrees. 
• Teaching demonstrations: Request a sample lesson or classroom demonstration to evaluate teaching style. Observe how candidates engage with learners and manage classroom dynamics. 

• Scenario-based questions: Ask about approaches to handle varied classroom challenges, such as disruptive behaviour or adapting for diverse learners. 
• Soft skill appraisal: Gauge communication and collaboration abilities through behavioural interview questions. Determine alignment with your institution’s values and vision. 

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What skills should a teacher have?

Being a successful teacher requires a balance of technical knowledge, interpersonal ability and adaptability. Key skills include:

• Subject expertise: Demonstrated knowledge in specific teaching areas, such as STEM or Humanities. 
• Classroom management: Ability to maintain a structured, engaging learning environment. 
• Communication: Skilled in delivering lessons and collaborating with peers, parents and administrators. 

Key soft skills for a teacher include patience and empathy to guide students through academic challenges, adaptability to integrate innovative teaching methods and tools, and organisational skills to efficiently manage lesson plans, assessments and parent communications.

Highlight these skills in your job description to attract dedicated and qualified educators.

What qualifications should a teacher have?

While requirements can vary depending on the position, seniority, location and students, the following qualifications are standard for many teaching roles:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, a teaching subject or related field. 
• Certification: Registered Teacher status or qualifications recognised by local education authorities. 
• Experience: Previous teaching roles or related experience in education and training settings.

Clear qualifications in your job posting ensure that applicants understand the expectations of the position.

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