Middle School English Teacher

Great Oaks Kathleen Sherry Charter School– New York City

About Great Oaks NYC

Great Oaks Kathleen Sherry Charter School– New York City (GO-NYC) prepares students to shape the world, not be defined by it. We believe children learn best through a combination of direct instruction and project-based, authentic experiences to support skill development and accelerate learning. Our program is organized around the design principles of Mastery, Leadership, and Community. GO-NYC provides rigorous, project-based learning, advanced coursework, and supplemental tutorial support that centers equity, culturally responsive teaching, and strong relationships. We seek talented, tenacious, asset-minded people who share our belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. 

Design Principles

Mastery: For students to shape the world and not be defined by it, they must develop deep knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to new contexts. We emphasize student-centered, projected based curriculum and joyful teaching.  

Leadership: The purpose of leadership is to support a vision of the world in which equity and justice are essential. We offer leadership opportunities to students so that they can persist through challenges, plan proactively for their future, and collaborate with others.

Community: Community is predicated on the understanding that if it takes a village to raise a child, why not help raise the village. We support the whole child in the development of healthy self-esteem and confidence by building deep relationships with others and themselves. 

Position Summary

Great teachers are at the heart of what we do, and are the key to our students’ success. Our most successful teachers are mission driven, adaptable and have a collaborative team mindset. Key responsibilities include:

Drive student outcomes by:

• Aligning planning to the English (ELA) Common Core Standards and student assessment data


• Using data-driven techniques to set ambitious goals for scholars


• Collaborating with the Special Services team and Tutor Corps to build differentiated learning plans for all scholars


• Maintaining consistent communications with families regarding student progress


• Taking a leadership role in the Grade Level Planning team and in the Student Support Services Team


• Holding weekly Office Hours and Homework Help Center

Maintain strong classroom and school culture by:

• Clearly and consistently communicating and upholding school rules, values, and expectations in and out of the classroom


• Setting an urgent, respectful, and positive tone in the classroom


• Displaying extraordinary time management to maximize student learning


• Building relationships with students that communicate the importance of college success and your belief that they will succeed


• Building a collaborative, respectful advisory classroom community


• Taking on responsibilities outside of their content area instruction such as advisory, lunch duty, enrichment classes, and after school activities

Plan a rigorous curriculum and deliver strong instruction by:

• Demonstrating solid knowledge and understanding of English and ELA 


• Using a multitude of instructional strategies that are academically rigorous and highly engaging


• Executing detailed lesson plans mapped to specific Common Core standards


• Taking responsibility for student progress; constantly working to respond to students’ need

Competencies and Qualifications

The successful candidate will have proven success in implementing high-quality instruction that led to the improvement of student achievement in an urban school. S/he/they will possess exceptional relationship building skills and the ability to communicate clearly to multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have:

• A strong academic record with a Bachelor’s degree from a competitive college or university required; advanced degree in subject area preferred


• At least two years of experience improving student achievement at an urban school


• Knowledge of middle school ELA content


• State teaching certification (strongly preferred)


• Extremely strong classroom management abilities


• A strong belief that all students can succeed


• A do-whatever-it takes attitude including a willingness to work occasionally on the weekend or in the evening


• An exceptional ability to respond well to feedback and implement it immediately

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $69,000 - $95,000 depending on experience


• A mission-driven, equity focused, and community-centered environment


• Benefits including 403(b), medical, dental, and vision coverage


• A unique opportunity to lead a growing charter school into the future with a bold instructional and cultural vision