English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher

Job Purpose

The English Language Arts Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing instructional activities that facilitate the development of students' English language skills, literature appreciation, critical thinking, and communication abilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

• Develops and implements an engaging and comprehensive ELA curriculum aligned with state and national standards, ensuring that it caters to the needs and abilities of the students.
• Prepares and executes daily lesson plans that incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, resources, and technology to foster a stimulating learning environment.
• Teaches reading comprehension, vocabulary, and literary analysis skills through the selection of age-appropriate literature and texts.
• Guides students in developing their writing skills, including grammar, sentence structure, and essay composition. Provides constructive feedback on written assignments.
• Promotes effective oral communication skills through class discussions and presentation activities.
• Regularly assesses and evaluates students' progress through assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. Uses assessment data to modify teaching methods and provide additional support as needed.
• Tailors’ instruction to meet the diverse learning needs and styles of students, including those with learning disabilities or English language learners (ELLs).
• Maintains a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student participation, respect, and a love for learning.
• Communicates with parents and guardians about students' progress, assignments, and any behavioral or academic concerns. Conducts parent-teacher conferences as required.
• Stays current with best practices in ELA education and participates in ongoing professional development to enhance teaching skills and knowledge.
• Collaborates with other teachers, staff members, and administrators to support school-wide initiatives and interdisciplinary projects.
• If applicable, lead or support extracurricular activities related to ELA, such as literary clubs, writing contests, or drama productions.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

Necessary and desirable qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Must have a passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for building a strong, mission-driven organization. 
• Commitment to continued personal and professional growth, and a commitment to the company’s mission, vision, and growth. 
• Knowledge of curriculum development, educational technology, and pedagogical best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse student populations.
• Classroom management skills and the ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Education Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in English, Education, or a related field (master’s degree preferred)
• Valid teaching certification in English or Secondary Education.
• Experience Preferred:
• Previous teaching experience in ELA, especially at the secondary level, is preferred.

Working Conditions

This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment. 

Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. 

Reasonable accommodations can be made to employees with qualified disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job, so long as there is no undue hardship created upon the organization or other employees within the organization.

Supervision Received

Occasional, minimal guidance, but follows established work methods.

Direct Reports

None.

Conclusion

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or physical demands associated with the position.