High School ELA & Speech Teacher 2025-2026

Position Summary:   

Develop students' skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, foster communication skills, develop an understanding and appreciation of literature of all types, motivate students to read a wide variety of publications to derive information, comprehend and critically assess the reading materials, and to promote the development of skills in the field of English reading, grammar, and syntax.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and administer English Language Arts curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives
• Promote a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that promote creative thinking and analysis
• Translate lesson plans into learning experiences
• Develop pertinent sequential assignments that challenge students
• Teach knowledge and skills in English grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, composition, vocabulary, and proper word usage, word denotations and connotations, creative writing, independent thinking, communication, and speaking
• Develop standards for critical analysis through group discussions on a variety of reading materials, including the mass media, and a wide range of literature
• Work with students and others to prepare materials for inclusion in literary publications, contests, etc.
• Conduct 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
• Maintain familiarity with district and Missouri standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests
• Continuously engage in professional learning for the elevation of curriculum delivery
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures
• Welcome and encourage parental involvement and ensure effective communication with stakeholders
• Effectively engage students at high levels to encourage a focus on academics

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation description of the types of duties and responsibilities required for this position. Employees may be asked to perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications noted below are required to enable the employee to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of this position.

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignments
• MO State English Language Arts Certification 9-12 
• MO State English Language Arts Certification 5-9 preferred
• Speech certification preferred
• Strong writing skills and extensive experience writing at the high school and college level, 
• Strong interpersonal communications skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience with research and research writing
• Experience using technology
• Knowledge of composition/writing theory and knowledge of learning theory
• Familiarity with Web site design and maintenance experience working with special student populations, including students with learning disabilities

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient vision to read printed material, see distant objects with clarity, and identify and distinguish objects
• Sufficient hearing to hear conversations in person and on the telephone, and hear sounds clearly up to 30 feet
• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation and on the telephone, and in addressing groups
• Ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• This position requires standing, walking, sitting, bending and reaching for extended periods of time
• Sufficient manual dexterity and/or mobility to grasp and/or manipulate objects, operate mechanical equipment, and move about the work area
• This position will subject the employee to work environments that have exposure to weather or interiors with extremes of heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions, high noise levels, and various work related hazards

EEO Statement:

The School District of University City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law.

Learn more about The School District of University City at www.ucityschools.org