Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) seeks a middle school English Language Arts (ELA) instructor with demonstrated success in teaching literary analysis, composition, and grammar, and inspiring in young adolescents a love for reading and writing. This position combines English language and literature instruction, with an emphasis on teaching writing (including expository, persuasive, research, and creative writing) as well as formal grammar instruction. ELA teachers at ACDS may also advise students applying to private high schools on their applications, and support graduation planning. In addition to responsibilities teaching ELA, this teacher may also facilitate student meetings in conjunction with a student Advocacy program (similar to advisory at other schools) as well as possibly oversee a Community & Assembly period (like a homeroom period). Depending on the course load of the aforementioned classes, their teaching schedule may include teaching electives and other duties. Middle school teachers also help with organizing and chaperoning weeklong class trips once a year. ACDS teachers are expected to differentiate instruction to meet a range of student needs and readiness levels. Key to effectiveness at ACDS is an understanding and appreciation of children’s developmental stages and a deliberate focus on building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Successful applicants will value a cooperative learning environment in which colleagues work together for the benefit of the students. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding that their lessons, teamwork, and leadership need to intentionally welcome, respect, and include all students, colleagues, and parents, celebrating differences and prioritizing belonging, one of our core values. They will conduct themselves with high personal and professional standards, communication ability, and eagerness to grow as teachers. The mission of Almaden Country Day School is to discover the gifts in every child. We provide a safe and affirming environment for learning, empowering children to strive, explore and build a sense of personal value. Our teachers create a rich, balanced, academic foundation that corresponds with the developmental stages of childhood. We offer a wide variety of opportunities for children to extend their intellectual, social, and personal potential. Our students become delightful people — confident, kind, concerned, and ready to make significant contributions to our world. - Willingness to dedicate to the school’s core values of childhood, learning, belonging, and balance - Demonstrated success teaching middle school-aged children - Familiarity with current middle school English Language Arts curricula and commitment to making instruction active, engaging, varied and exciting for middle grades students - Knowledge of instructional strategies appropriate to the middle school learner - Ability and willingness to design, develop, implement, and revise ELA curriculum - Familiarity with adolescent and developmental learning philosophy - Ability to design and implement differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs - Understanding and compassion for students with specific learning challenges - Evidence of professional development and commitment to personal and professional growth - Commitment to a collaborative work style - Passion for working with children, optimism, flexibility, and patience - Technological competence and willingness to learn - Willingness to carry out other duties and responsibilities beyond the classroom - Teaching credential or equivalent degree Preferred Qualifications: - Minimum of 5 years of classroom experience as a lead teacher - Experience with leading advisory - Experience with curriculum design - Experience with teaching electives - Google-certified educator

Salary : $60,000 - $100,000