Elementary Teacher

Underwood Public School – Underwood, MN
Start Date: 2025–2026 School Year
Position: 1.0 FTE – 179-day contract
Salary: $49,198 – $82,172 (per Underwood Certified Staff Master Agreement)
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Summary:

Underwood Public School is seeking an enthusiastic educator to join our elementary teaching team. We’re looking for a candidate who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to fostering a love of learning, strong literacy skills, and effective communication among students. The ideal candidate will possess excellent collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills to engage meaningfully with students, families, and staff.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • Eligible for a Minnesota teaching license in Elementary Education (through the MN Department of Education)

Preferred:

  • Experience teaching in an elementary classroom

  • Completion of Year 1 of LETRS training

  • Experience using data to drive instruction and support student growth

  • Training or experience in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices

  • Strong background in literacy and/or math interventions

  • Experience working with diverse learners, including students receiving special education or English language services

Salary & Benefits:

  • Salary range: $49,198 – $82,172 (aligned to Underwood Education Association Master Agreement)

  • Health, dental, and life insurance

  • Paid sick and personal leave

  • TRA pension with optional 403(b) contributions

  • Ongoing professional development opportunities

Note: Coaching and advisory roles may also be available for interested candidates.

About Underwood & Otter Tail County:

Located in the heart of Otter Tail County, Underwood blends small-town charm with year-round outdoor adventure. With over 1,000 nearby lakes, residents enjoy exceptional access to fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Miles of scenic trails provide options for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Underwood is also a short drive from Fergus Falls, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and healthcare, while maintaining the peaceful pace of rural life.

Application Process:

Please submit the following materials via email to Principal Chad Gilbertson at cgilbertson@underwood.k12.mn.us:

  • Cover letter

  • Resume and/or

    Completed Underwood School District 550 application: employment application

  • Three current letters of recommendation

  • College transcripts

  • Copy of valid MN teaching license

Questions?

Contact:
Chad Gilbertson, Principal
📧 cgilbertson@underwood.k12.mn.us
📞 218-826-6101, ext. 105

Position open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.

High School & Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:50 AM – 3:05 PM
Start Date: August 26, 2025
Wage: $14.64–$17.44/hour (based on experience per 2024–25 wage scale)

Benefits Include:

  • $8,400 district contribution toward health insurance

  • Paid time off (sick and personal leave)

  • Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan

  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Position Overview

Underwood Public School is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students in both our elementary and high school programs. The ideal candidate will work closely with students who have varying needs, providing instructional, behavioral, and functional support during the school day.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Support students in academic, behavioral, and emotional development as outlined in IEPs

  • Assist with instruction in classrooms, small groups, or 1:1 settings

  • Promote a safe, structured learning environment

  • Supervise students during lunch, recess, transitions, and transportation

  • Support students with self-care tasks when needed

  • Collaborate with teaching and support staff to monitor student progress

  • Uphold confidentiality and professionalism in all settings

Qualifications & Skills

  • High school diploma or equivalent required

  • Must meet (or be willing to obtain) one of the following:

    • Associate’s degree or higher

    • At least 60 college credits

    • Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment

  • Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred

  • Ability to assist students both physically and academically

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

  • Calm, flexible, dependable, and professional demeanor

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Active role requiring walking, kneeling, standing, and quick response

  • Work takes place in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and occasionally off-campus job sites

  • May involve lifting or supporting students and responding to behavioral escalations

Why Join Underwood?

  • Supportive, student-centered school culture

  • Collaborative and positive staff environment

  • Meaningful work that directly impacts student growth

  • Competitive pay and strong benefits package

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

How to Apply

Please submit the following application materials:

Send materials or direct questions to:

Chad Gilbertson, Principal
📧 cgilbertson@underwood.k12.mn.us
📞 218-826-6101, ext. 105

Position open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.

Food Service Specialist

Position Type: Part-Time (School Year Schedule)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Wage: $14.23–$16.00/hour (based on experience)
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Position Overview

Underwood Public Schools is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented individual to join our kitchen team. This role plays a key part in supporting daily school operations and contributing to a positive experience for students and staff. If you enjoy working in a school setting and being part of a supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as the point person for the daily lunch service program

  • Verify student PIN numbers in the food service system

  • Assist the Food Service Director with meal prep and other kitchen-related duties as needed

  • Maintain cleanliness, safety, and food handling standards

Qualifications

  • Strong attention to detail and a positive, team-first attitude

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

  • Basic computer skills preferred (training will be provided)

  • Prior food service experience is a plus, but not required

Why Work at Underwood?

  • Supportive and welcoming school environment

  • Opportunity to make a daily impact on student well-being

  • Regular daytime hours aligned with the school calendar

How to Apply

Please submit the following application materials:

Send materials or direct questions to:

Jeff Wilson, Superintendent
📧 jwilson@underwood.k12.mn.us
📞 218-826-6101, ext. 104

Substitute Positions

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS/PARAPROFESSIONALS
Underwood School is currently accepting applications for substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals. Please send a cover letter and a completed
employment application to:

Chad Gilbertson, Principal
🏫 Underwood Public School, 100 Southern Ave E, Underwood, MN 56586
📧 cgilbertson@underwood.k12.mn.us
📞 218-826-6101, ext. 105

SUBSTITUTE CUSTODIANS 
Underwood School is currently accepting applications for substitute custodians (could include evening shift). Please send a completed
employment application or any questions to:

Dave Thieschafer, Head of Building and Grounds
🏫 Underwood Public School, 100 Southern Ave E, Underwood, MN 56586
📧 dthieschafer@underwood.k12.mn.us
📞 218-826-6101, ext. 404

FOOD SERVICE SUBSTITUTES
Underwood School is currently accepting applications for substitute food service workers. Please send a completed employment application or any questions to:

Dawn Hess, Food Service Manager
🏫 Underwood Public School, 100 Southern Ave E, Underwood, MN 56586
📧 dhess@underwood.k12.mn.us
📞 218-826-6101, ext. 155