Overview

Job Description

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The purpose of this job is to support student achievement and to assist them in making social, educational and occupational decisions that will assist in students’ lifelong development as mature and responsible citizens.

Westview Elementary is a K-5 school located in Chattanooga, TN. At Westview Elementary, we are a family. Our school has a warm, caring, environment. We believe that all children can learn. We strive for excellence in our teaching profession and consistently collaborate to reach our common goal -- student achievement.

At Westview Elementary, we challenge students to be thinkers and problem solvers who are ready for college, career, and citizenship. We believe that STEM instructional practices are a catalyst to meet our school mission. Learning is student-led as students research and build & design through project based learning. Students develop problem solving skills by following the engineering design process. 21st Century skills are embedded in our content and related arts instruction. Students are engaged and new learning happens daily.

Not only do we achieve academically, but we care about the social/emotional development of every child. Every student starts the day with a morning meeting with peers facilitated by their classroom teacher. Students are recognized for their leadership and citizenship each month. Westview students set academic and personal goals and are given the opportunity to participate in student-led conferences. We offer morning Chess Club, Art, Gig-City-Girls, Electric Car, Recycling Club, and Good News Club.

We are looking for teachers who have a growth mindset and who are not afraid to accept a challenge in order to learn a new teaching strategy or skill. In addition, we are looking for individuals who are dedicated to their profession and who will invest in the growth and success of every student.

Responsibilities

• Maintains appropriate licensure and acknowledges that continued employment with the Hamilton County Department of Education is contingent upon providing required documentation to validate licensure in a timely manner.
• Reviews a variety of student assessment data to ensure continuous improvement in measurable student performance and achievement.
• Coordinates and administers standardized testing as appropriate in accordance with district policies and state law.
• Implements district, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws, where appropriate.
• Works to discover and develop special abilities of students, with a long-term goal of high school graduation.
• Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning.
• Counsels students on an individual or small-group basis to develop resolution and/or coping skills when dealing with personal problems related to school, home, health, and emotional issues that may impact educational achievement and /or school attendance.
• Plans student field trips as appropriate to schools, colleges, and industry.
• Confidentially initiates, assembles, maintains, interprets, and appropriately transfers accurate health, attendance, cumulative progress, activity, and uniform transcript records for assigned students.
• Makes recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships; assists students in the preparation and processing of college, scholarship, and employment applications.
• Confers with parents on a regular basis as appropriate.
• Communicates the role of the school counselor and available services to students, parents, and community.
• Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in evolving educational and occupational plans in terms of such evaluation.
• Advises and assists students in course and subject selection.
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Performs related duties, such as sponsoring a student organization or activity. Attends and/or supervises school sponsored events as required.
• Complies with accounting and financial policies and procedures involving the handling of money and property, as well as other Board policies.
• Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
• May operate a motor vehicle to conduct various work activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling and a valid Tennessee School Service Personnel License for School Counseling pre-K-12 are required.
  
  

Skills/Qualifications

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.
  
  

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see https://www.hcde.org/staff/human_resources/differentiated_compensation for more details.