High School ELA Teacher

High School ELA Teacher

The Utopian Network is built around four schools. Elementary, Flagship Middle, Middle at Trilith, and High. Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School is a premier performing arts school in Clayton County, GA. Our school has entertainment industry partnerships and a rich curriculum that supports the growth and development of the whole child as an artist, a leader, and a life-long learner. In fact, we refer to our students as scholars and have high expectations for their behavior and progress in the classroom. Industry partnerships include the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Music Project, KidNation, and Trilith Studios. Utopian Academy for the Arts Middle School offers a proven academic foundation and creative pipeline that equips scholars for success in high school, college, thriving arts careers, and lifelong achievement. We pride ourselves on thinking outside of the box to cultivate the full potential of our young creatives. At Utopian Academy at Trilith, creativity isn't a class—it's a way of life. Utopian Academy at Trilith is an arts-based public charter middle school, serving scholars in grades 6th–8th with a statewide attendance zone. Rooted in academic excellence and powered by the Creative Digital Arts, Utopian Academy at Trilith blends rigorous core instruction with an arts-integrated curriculum that sparks imagination and innovation. At Utopian Academy for the Arts High School, excellence isn't an aspiration - it's the standard we rehearse every day. As Georgia's only tuition-free public charter high school with a fully integrated arts curriculum, we empower scholars to thrive academically, artistically, and professionally.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and innovative High School ELA Teacher to join our charter school team. The ELA Teacher will be responsible for designing and delivering engaging instruction in English language arts to high school students, fostering literacy skills, critical thinking, and a love for reading and writing. The ideal candidate will possess strong instructional skills, creativity, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students. This position reports to the High School Principal and will be assigned to be physically present in the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a standards-based ELA curriculum that aligns with state standards, promotes literacy skills, and addresses the diverse interests and abilities of high school students.
• Plan and deliver engaging and differentiated lessons and activities that develop students' reading comprehension, writing proficiency, vocabulary acquisition, and critical thinking skills.
• Select and incorporate a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, including novels, short stories, poems, and informational texts, to engage students in literary analysis, discussion, and interpretation.
• Teach writing skills and strategies across various genres, including narrative, expository, persuasive, and argumentative writing, providing opportunities for students to practice and refine their writing craft.
• Integrate language and grammar instruction into ELA lessons, teaching students to understand and apply grammar rules, conventions, and usage in their writing and communication.
• Incorporate technology tools and resources, such as digital texts, interactive whiteboards, and educational software applications, to enhance instruction, engage students, and differentiate learning experiences.
• Assess student learning and progress through formative and summative assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback to students and parents on strengths and areas for growth.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students, including English language learners, students with disabilities, and gifted learners, providing accommodations and modifications as needed.
• Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters respect, collaboration, and active participation, while managing classroom behavior and promoting a culture of academic excellence.
• Collaborate with colleagues, including other ELA teachers, special education teachers, and instructional coaches, to share best practices, align curriculum, and support student learning and achievement.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

Minimum Requirements

• CERTIFICATION
  • Minimum of SRT4-Certification in English (6-12) or related field; OR
  • Passed the GACE English (6-12) AND completion of the GACE Ethics Assessment for Educators (Teachers)
• EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's Degree required with at least a 2.5 GPA
• WORK EXPERIENCE
  • Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Previous experience teaching ELA at the high school level, preferably in a charter school or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of ELA pedagogy, literacy development, and best practices in reading and writing instruction.
• Ability to design and deliver engaging and differentiated lessons that meet the diverse needs of students and promote academic growth.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and motivate students in learning.
• Familiarity with educational technology tools and resources for ELA instruction, including digital texts, interactive activities, and multimedia resources.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the ability to create a supportive and culturally responsive learning environment for all students.
• Passion for education and a genuine desire to inspire students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs and demands of the school community.