Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Language Arts Teacher (Grade 8)

Position Purpose: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, foster communication skills, develop an understanding and appreciation of literature, motivate students to read a wide variety of publications, comprehend the reading materials, and to promote the development of skills in grammar and syntax.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and administers Language Arts curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Teaches knowledge and skills in English grammar and syntax, sentence and paragraph structure, vocabulary and proper word usage, word denotations and connotations, creative writing, independent thinking, communication and speaking.
• Develops standards for critical analysis through group discussions on a variety of reading materials, including the mass media and literature.
• Works with students and others to prepare materials for inclusion in literary publications, contests, etc.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Maintains familiarity with district and Connecticut State standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests.
• 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 to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.

Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements: Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Work Schedule: Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Teachers' Unit Contract.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of English grammar, word usage, word denotations and connotations, spelling, literature and other content areas taught.
• 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 system 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.

Qualifications Profile:

• Certification/License: NJ State Certification as a Language Arts Teacher or MS Specialization 5-8 ELA.
• Education: Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Experience: Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
• FLSA Status: Exempt