Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Position Title: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Reports To: Head of Lower and Middle School
Work Hours: 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Work Calendar: School Year (Blackout dates may apply)

The Middle School English Language Arts Teacher will facilitate a vibrant and relevant English Language Arts program. The Middle School English Language Arts Teacher will provide opportunities to acquire English Language Arts knowledge and skills. While maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, the Middle School English Language Arts Teacher recognizes and coaches the social-emotional needs of each student using the Responsive Classroom approach.

Essential Expectations:

• Shows commitment to the school’s mission, purpose, leadership, and values.
• Plans and prepares thoughtfully.
• Is flexible and differentiates to foster engagement and serve all student needs.
• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, respect of individuality, and regard for dignity at all times.
• Promotes and contributes to a positive and collaborative atmosphere with colleagues, students, and families.
• Upholds professional standards of personal presentation, punctuality, integrity, courtesy, and discretion with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Demonstrates growth mindset by actively participating in and applying personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Professionally carries out responsibilities as defined in the job description.
• Is proficient with technology and demonstrates willingness to further develop technological skills, as applicable to position.
• Contributes to and facilitates a positive work culture.

Primary Tasks:

• Adheres to all Faculty and Staff Essential Expectations; exhibits Characteristics of Professional Excellence; and complies with the requirements outlined in the Physical Requirements and Work Environment section, below.
• Serves as an educator and works directly with the Head of Lower and Middle School to initiate, implement, and oversee the English Language Arts instruction for students in grades 5–8, while serving as a member of the Middle School team in a variety of capacities.
• Possesses the skills and passion to provide engaging English Language Arts instruction. Provides for students a supportive, orderly, and interactive classroom environment where creative learning takes place.
• Well-versed in and adheres to school policies in all areas of student interaction.
• Supports the Employee Handbook and School Handbook, and assists with revisions and updates of the Lower School’s policies and procedures when necessary.
• Serves as an example to colleagues in manners of classroom management, teaching methods, and school procedures.
• Provides guidance to students; serves as student advocate, helping student families respond to specific academic, emotional, and developmental challenges.
• Communicates with parents, administrators, Head of Student Life and/or Counselor concerning the emotional and physical well-being of students within the classroom.
• Assists administration with division long-range planning, as well as the division’s daily schedule and calendar.
• Implements curriculum as per scope and sequence with integrated technology and other enhancements to build engagement and understanding
• Works collaboratively to research curriculum best practice.
• Routinely uses educational strategies and project-based curriculum to bolster a student-centered, inquiry-based instructional design.
• Attends division meetings and all school faculty/staff meetings.
• Contributes to the life of the school outside the classroom, occasionally including after school, in the evenings, and on weekends.
• May provide supervision for an advisory group, study hall, and break periods, and performs other duties as necessary.
• Requests authorization for all expenditures, and provides the Head of Lower and Middle School with a list of specific curriculum purchases necessary for the upcoming school year.
• Consistently provides a safe and positive learning environment that integrates and assimilates Responsive Classroom as an approach for behavior management and social-emotional learning.
• Utilizes curriculum and assessments to promote an appropriate instructional program and growth for every learner, documenting and reporting student progress as appropriate for the grade level taught.
• Integrates technology where appropriate and useful in the curriculum.
• Ensures classroom facilities are ready for the start of school each day.
• Completes various tasks related to the employee’s ongoing goals and the school’s strategic plan.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by the Head of School and/or the supervising director or head, including extracurricular-related activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Certified teacher with coursework and/or experience related to English Language Arts instruction.
• A minimum of three years of teaching experience, preferably in an independent school setting.
• Experience working with secondary students preferred
• Proficient in technology, including knowledge of Google Suite, including Google Classroom, Zoom, curricular related software and hardware, Promethean Boards, FACTS and/or other student management software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills, including the ability to relate effectively with colleagues, parents, and students.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally, lifts up to 30 pounds.
• May work at a desk and computer for an extended period of time.
• Able to stoop, bend, kneel, stand, walk, and reach.

Contact Information