English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher - Middle School

TITLE: English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher 
REPORTS TO: Building Principal
 
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Middle School Principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district-approved curriculum, documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes, addressing specific educational needs of individual students, and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Essential Functions

• Develops and administers middle school curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small-group instruction, as well as student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the school system.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other elementary professional staff members, especially within grade level, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs.

Additional Duties

• Plans, develops, and compiles a comprehensive language based educational program for students and delivers quality instructions to students, resulting in their overall development.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Please note that the above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiating instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of middle school curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.

• Working indoors in classrooms, but sometimes teaching outdoors or supervising playgrounds
• Working closely with young children
• Exposure to diseases and infections, such as colds and influenza
• Exposure to loud sounds and high noise levels 

Qualifications Profile
Certification/License: 

• Iowa State Certification in the appropriate grade level preferred.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in field of education.
• Masters Degree in related areas preferred.

Experience
Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade levels is a plus.

FLSA Status:   Exempt

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job skills and functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.