A teacher job description outlines the core responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for educators in various learning environments. Whether you’re hiring a new teacher or applying for a teaching role, understanding what a job description includes can help set clear expectations from the start. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of a teacher job description and share real examples for different teaching positions.
Parts of a Teacher Job Description
A well-written teacher job description provides clarity for both employers and candidates. Below are the essential parts typically included in a teacher job description, each serving a specific purpose to help attract the right applicants.
Job Title
The job title clearly states the teaching role being offered, such as “Elementary School Teacher,” “High School Math Teacher,” or “Substitute Teacher.” It should be concise, accurate, and reflect the specific level or subject area.
Job Overview
This is a brief summary (usually 2–4 sentences) that introduces the position and gives a quick snapshot of the school, grade level, and teaching focus. It often includes the school’s mission or teaching philosophy to give candidates context.
Responsibilities
This section lists the core duties the teacher is expected to perform. These typically include planning lessons, delivering instruction, assessing student progress, managing the classroom, collaborating with colleagues, and participating in school events or meetings.
Required Qualifications
Here you’ll find the baseline requirements a candidate must meet, such as teaching credentials, certifications, and educational background. It may also include years of experience or subject-specific expertise.
Preferred Qualifications
This optional section highlights additional skills or experience that are not mandatory but would give a candidate an advantage. Examples include experience with certain teaching tools, bilingual abilities, or familiarity with a particular curriculum.
Skills and Competencies
This area focuses on soft skills and attributes that help a teacher succeed, such as communication, organization, adaptability, classroom management, and a passion for student learning.
Work Environment and Schedule
This section outlines the teaching setting (e.g., in-person, hybrid, or virtual), school hours, class sizes, and any other working conditions. It may also mention expectations for evening or weekend activities like parent conferences or extracurricular events.
Salary and Benefits (Optional)
If provided, this part lists compensation details such as salary range, health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits. Transparency here can help attract more applicants.
1. Elementary School Teacher Job Description
Job Title: Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1–3)
Job Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and nurturing elementary school teacher to join our team for grades 1–3. This role focuses on fostering foundational academic skills, encouraging creativity, and supporting emotional development in a dynamic classroom environment.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons in reading, math, science, and social studies
- Create a supportive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment
- Track student progress and provide individualized feedback
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians
- Collaborate with grade-level and support staff
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
- Valid state teaching credential for elementary grades
- 2+ years of classroom teaching experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Common Core standards
- Experience with classroom technology (e.g., SMART Boards, Google Classroom)
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong classroom management
- Empathy and patience
- Excellent verbal and written communication
2. High School Math Teacher Job Description
Job Title: High School Math Teacher
Job Overview:
[School Name] is hiring a dedicated high school math teacher to lead instruction in Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus. The ideal candidate has a passion for numbers and helping students succeed academically and beyond.
Responsibilities:
- Teach multiple levels of math to grades 9–12
- Design lesson plans that align with state standards
- Administer and grade assessments to monitor learning
- Provide tutoring and support during office hours
- Participate in faculty meetings and school-wide initiatives
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Secondary Education
- Valid teaching license for high school math
- 1+ year of teaching or student-teaching experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Education or Mathematics
- Experience with SAT/ACT prep or AP curriculum
Skills and Competencies:
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to motivate and engage teens
- Strong organizational skills
3. Special Education Teacher Job Description
Job Title: Special Education Teacher (K–5)
Job Overview:
We’re looking for a compassionate and skilled special education teacher to support students with diverse learning needs. This role focuses on creating individualized learning plans and collaborating with general education staff.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Provide direct instruction and resource support
- Adapt general curriculum to meet student needs
- Communicate with families and multidisciplinary teams
- Maintain compliance with IDEA and other legal requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education
- State certification in Special Education
- Knowledge of IEP processes and accommodations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with behavioral support strategies
- Familiarity with assistive technology
Skills and Competencies:
- Patience and empathy
- Data-driven decision making
- Strong collaboration and communication
4. Substitute Teacher Job Description
Job Title: Substitute Teacher (All Grade Levels)
Job Overview:
We are seeking reliable and flexible substitute teachers to provide classroom coverage on an as-needed basis. This position requires adaptability and a commitment to maintaining classroom continuity in the teacher’s absence.
Responsibilities:
- Follow lesson plans left by the regular teacher
- Maintain a safe and respectful learning environment
- Take attendance and manage basic classroom procedures
- Report daily activities and incidents to school staff
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
- State-issued substitute teaching permit or certification
- Availability for short-notice assignments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Classroom or tutoring experience
- Bilingual skills a plus
Skills and Competencies:
- Flexibility and quick thinking
- Strong classroom management
- Dependability and professionalism
5. Online ESL Teacher Job Description
Job Title: Online English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Job Overview:
Join our growing team of online ESL teachers to help international students improve their English fluency. This remote position is perfect for tech-savvy educators who thrive in a virtual teaching environment.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver live online ESL lessons using video conferencing tools
- Prepare materials and adapt instruction to student levels
- Provide timely feedback and track student progress
- Maintain regular communication with students and program coordinators
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or TESOL
- TEFL/TESOL certification
- Reliable internet connection and computer equipment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience teaching ESL online
- Familiarity with virtual classroom tools (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
Skills and Competencies:
- Clear communication and pronunciation
- Cultural sensitivity
- Strong time management and self-direction
1. General Teacher Job Description Template
Job Title: [Grade Level or General Subject] Teacher
Job Overview:
[School Name] is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic [Grade Level] teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will foster a positive learning environment, create engaging lesson plans, and support students’ academic and personal growth. This position is a great opportunity to contribute to a collaborative school culture focused on excellence and inclusion.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and deliver daily lessons in alignment with curriculum standards
- Create a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment
- Monitor and assess student progress, providing feedback and support
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians
- Participate in professional development and school events
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
- Valid teaching certification for [state/grade level]
- years of classroom or student-teaching experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with [curriculum, programs, or technology—e.g., Common Core, Google Classroom]
- Master’s degree in Education or related field
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong classroom management
- Effective communication with students, parents, and peers
- Passion for teaching and continuous learning
2. Subject-Specific or Specialty Teacher Job Description Template
Job Title: [Subject or Specialty] Teacher (e.g., High School Science Teacher, Special Education Teacher)
Job Overview:
We are looking for a skilled and passionate [Subject or Specialty] teacher to join the team at [School Name]. This position involves teaching [Subject or Student Population] and collaborating with staff to support student achievement. The ideal candidate will bring subject expertise, creativity, and a commitment to student success.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver instructional content in [Subject Area] that meets educational standards
- Design assessments and track student performance
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs
- Participate in IEP meetings, extracurricular activities, or academic teams (if applicable)
- Maintain communication with parents and contribute to the school community
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in [Subject or related field]
- Valid teaching license or certification in [Subject/Area]
- years of teaching or relevant field experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with [specific student populations, tools, or programs]
- Advanced degree or ongoing professional development in subject area
Skills and Competencies:
- Expertise in subject matter
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Ability to motivate and connect with students
3. Substitute Teacher Job Description Template
Job Title: Substitute Teacher
Job Overview:
[School Name] is seeking dependable and adaptable substitute teachers to provide classroom coverage on an as-needed basis. This role is responsible for maintaining classroom structure and supporting student learning in the absence of the regular teacher. Ideal candidates can manage various classroom settings and follow lesson plans with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities:
- Follow lesson plans and instructions left by the regular teacher
- Manage student behavior and maintain a positive classroom environment
- Take attendance and complete daily reports for school administration
- Provide support to students and answer questions as needed
- Uphold school rules and policies during the assignment
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
- Valid substitute teaching license or state certification
- Flexible availability for short- and long-term assignments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with children or in an educational setting
- Ability to teach across multiple grade levels
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong classroom management skills
- Flexibility and quick thinking
- Clear communication and professionalism
4. Online/Remote Teacher Job Description Template
Job Title: Online [Subject or Grade Level] Teacher
Job Overview:
We are hiring an experienced and tech-savvy Online [Subject] Teacher to join our remote education team. This position involves delivering virtual instruction, supporting students through digital platforms, and promoting engagement in an online learning environment. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, organized, and comfortable with digital communication and instructional tools.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver live or asynchronous instruction using online platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Canvas)
- Develop digital materials and assessments aligned with the curriculum
- Monitor student progress and provide timely feedback
- Communicate regularly with students, parents, and support staff
- Attend virtual staff meetings and training sessions
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or subject area
- Valid teaching license or certification
- Experience teaching in a virtual or blended learning environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with LMS platforms and EdTech tools
- TESOL/TEFL certification (for ESL roles)
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong digital literacy and online classroom management
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Ability to engage and motivate students remotely
10 Tips for Writing a Teacher Job Description
Creating a clear, detailed, and compelling teacher job description is essential for attracting the right candidates. These tips will help you write a description that accurately reflects the role, sets expectations, and showcases your school’s values.
1. Use a Clear and Specific Job Title
Avoid vague titles like “Teacher” and instead use precise titles like “6th Grade Math Teacher” or “High School English Instructor.” This helps candidates immediately understand the focus of the position.
2. Start with a Compelling Job Summary
Open with a 2–4 sentence overview that highlights the role, grade level, and what makes your school unique. A strong summary draws the right applicants in from the start.
3. Break Down Key Responsibilities
List responsibilities in bullet format to make them easy to read. Include both daily tasks (like lesson planning and grading) and broader duties (like participating in school events).
4. Define Required and Preferred Qualifications
Clearly distinguish between must-have qualifications (like degrees or certifications) and nice-to-have traits (like specific curriculum experience). This helps filter out unqualified applicants while encouraging strong fits to apply.
5. Highlight Important Soft Skills
Mention the interpersonal skills and traits that matter to your school—such as communication, adaptability, patience, or cultural awareness. These are just as important as technical qualifications.
6. Include Details About the Work Environment
Give a brief overview of the class size, teaching style, or learning model (in-person, virtual, hybrid). This helps candidates assess if they’ll thrive in your environment.
7. Be Transparent About Schedule and Expectations
State whether the position is full-time or part-time, and include details like school hours or after-school commitments. Clarity here prevents misunderstandings and sets realistic expectations.
8. Showcase Your School’s Mission or Culture
Include a line or two about your school’s values, teaching philosophy, or student population. This helps attract candidates who align with your educational approach.
9. Keep It Concise and Easy to Scan
Use headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to keep the job description organized. Avoid overly complex language or jargon.
10. Include Application Instructions
Tell candidates exactly how to apply, what documents to submit, and the deadline (if applicable). A clear call to action makes it easier for qualified applicants to move forward.
A well-written teacher job description does more than list duties—it reflects your school’s values and helps you connect with the right educators. By following the tips above, you’ll create a job post that stands out, sets clear expectations, and attracts passionate, qualified teachers.
