English Teacher - IJLA

Job Description

Job Description

English Teacher - IJLA

POSITON DESCRIPTION

The English Teacher reports to the Principal and is responsible for teaching English to high school students. The teacher provides effective and culturally relevant instruction to grades 9-12 that meets both SAT and Common Core standards in order to prepare students to graduate from IJLA with an effective grasp, while incorporating applications of English to post-secondary experiences. The English teacher presents concepts with varying research-based teaching strategies to ensure student comprehension, while applying hands-on activities, and being actively aware of multiple intelligences in the student body when preparing differentiated curriculum and lessons. In addition, the teacher should demonstrate mastery of using research based and effective classroom management techniques. Ultimately, the teacher is responsible for developing English Literature skilled students who are capable of mastering the subject to be fully prepared for the rigors of demanding college curriculum and success as future medical professionals. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Instruction

• Actively works with leadership team and fellow department members to develop appropriate curriculum and lesson plans for 9th to 12th grade students.
• Uses all resources made available by leadership team and actively seeks out new sources of material to share with other department members.
• Continually uses Best Practices to create a safe and inviting classroom environment that fosters both academic and social/emotional learning for all students.
• Works collaboratively with instructors of core subjects to identify multiple learning strategies in order to successfully teach students with varying learning styles most effectively and in an engaging manner.
• Completes IJLA weekly lesson plans in a timely manner and adjusts as recommended by leadership team and/or administration.
• Creates own lesson plans for all grades and courses being taught by teacher.
• Uses data to accurately track student progress on both large-scale standardized tests and course-specific tests and quizzes.
• Designs projects that are rubric-based, rigorous, culturally relevant and challenging for students.
• Ensures that all students including students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations/modifications as stipulated on the Students with Disabilities Act.
• Completes weekly lesson plans based on course Scope and Sequence in a timely manner and adjusts as recommended by department head and/or administration.
• Creates lesson plans and required classroom materials for Substitute Folder, updating as needed.
• Collaborates in a timely fashion with Special Education Department to create opportunities for co-teaching and positive whole group interactions with the SPED teacher in the General Education classroom, including scaffold and differentiated instruction for all students.
• Guides pupils to develop skills for writing essays and compositions according to state standards.
• Provides scheduled office hours on a regular basis in order to assist students in need of extra help; hold regular student/teacher conferences and maintain documentation of conferences.
• Submits attendance into PowerSchool system. 
• Inputs grades in PowerSchool on a timely basis.
• Completes all SPED paperwork in a timely fashion.
• Complies with all regulatory paperwork requirements in a timely fashion.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Building School Culture 

• Participates in Teacher Parent Conferences to discuss student academic progress.
• Contacts parents via e-mail, phone or during Parent Teacher Conferences to discuss academics and behavior on a regular basis.
• Works with academic advisors and the Office of Industry Liaison to generate and support extra-curricular opportunities for students.
• Supports the English components of school’s curriculum.
• Takes attendance and submits it to Registrar Office as stipulated by the Registrar.
• Willingness to sponsor extracurricular activities. 
• Follows all IJLA school-wide standards regarding teacher behaviors.
• Adheres to all IJLA electronic and web-based rules and restrictions.
• Follow all guidelines found in the employee handbooks.

Professional Educator and Leadership

• Identifies and participates in conferences, workshops and Professional Development sessions to keep up to date with the best teaching practices and implementing best practices in the classroom. 
• Works collaboratively with instructors of core subjects to identify multiple learning strategies in order to successfully teach students with varying learning styles most effectively and in an engaging manner.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, special education staff, and deans of students to ensure the behavioral and educational abilities of students are developed for success after high school. 
• Uses reflective practices to assess personal and professional growth in order to seek out opportunities to continually advance professional knowledge and skill.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s in English and minor in Secondary Education or major in Education with a minor in English
• 3 years teaching experience in English at the secondary level (Preferred)
• Illinois Type 9 Certification in English; Reading and/or ESL/Bilingual endorsement a plus
• Bilingual in Spanish, preferred
• ICTS Basic Skills and Content Area tests successfully passed.
• Experience with extra-curricular programs such as coaching sports, After School Matters, mentoring, etc. preferred 
• Ability to maintain a high sense of confidentiality 
• Able to work with a wide variety of people
• Team player and willing to take on multiple tasks at once and independent worker, requires minimal supervision
• Exceptional organization and time management skills 
• Ability to maintain a positive educational environment for students and families
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Maintain composure under pressure
• Dependable and punctual
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail and effective management of multiple projects at one time 
• Ability to adhere to deadlines, react to unpredictable events quickly and efficiently, be resourceful, manage conflict and challenges
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet

The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Approximately 50% of time spent standing as well as some lifting (under 30 lbs.)

WORKING CONDITIONS 

BENEFITS

• Medical
• Dental
• Vison
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• 403b retirement saving plan 
• Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (only with ISBE License)

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick
• Personal

Justice and Leadership Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Open until filled