Language Arts Teacher - Urbandale Middle School [2025-26 School Year]

JOB TITLE: Language Arts Teacher

CLASSIFICATION: Certified

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Building Principal

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Building Principal and Coordinator of Student Services

Please review the UCSD Actions of Excellence to gain an understanding of the expectations for UCSD employees.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Provide personalized learning that supports each student in achieving their potential. Engages in professional growth and fulfills professional responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

(Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Education, Certification/Licensure, Experience, Equipment)  

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated application of effective instruction meeting student needs relative to district benchmarks and standards.
2. Knowledge of “best practice” in teaching.
3. Knowledge of the developmental characteristics of students at the designated grade level.
4. Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.
5. Knowledge of the Iowa Teaching Standards.
6. Knowledge of English Proficiency Standards.
7. Knowledge of Federal Rights and Privacy Act and other civil rights regulations.
8. Ability to organize and think clearly while communicating, organizing and evaluating. 

Education:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Board of Educational Examiners approved alternative.

Certification/Licensure:

1. Required: 5-12 English/Language Arts
2. Preferred: Master's degree in English 

Equipment:

1. Office equipment such as computers, two-way radios, multi-line phone system, cell phone, copier, and fax machines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Use teaching strategies to increase English proficiency.
2. Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.
3. Ability to effectively and efficiently lead leading in English.
4. Understanding of and experience with the PLC framework.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Proven, effective and consistent communication with students, parents and other stakeholders.
7. Makes decisions based on data.
8. Understands and applies a continuous improvement mindset.
9. Evaluates the language needs of students whose families speak a language other than English at home and recommend appropriate language support.
10. Experience with co-teaching.
11. Engage parents and families in their student’s learning and acting as an ambassador for the school and the community.
12. Serve as a resource to classroom teachers to help English Learner students achieve academically in the classroom.
13. Demonstrates effective implementation of the eight Iowa Teaching Standards and 42 criteria.
14. Meets professional responsibilities as outlined in the Professional Growth Assessment Plan, Employee Handbook, and Board policy.
15. Develops, with supervisor, a plan for professional growth.
16. Maintain a reliable attendance record.
17. Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Repetitious bending, lifting, and hand movement.

- Ability to work while standing, moving and/or walking.

- Drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free while working.

- Must be able to see and hear within normal limits with or without corrective lenses or hearing aids.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

- Majority of work is performed in an office or school setting.

- Occasional meetings outside the school day.

- Occasional exposure to body fluids, fumes, noise, and hazardous materials and emergency situations.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

- Per Board Policies and the UEA Master Contract.

- Performance evaluated per Board Policy and the Professional Growth Assessment Plan.

No student enrolled in the Urbandale Community School District shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in the District's programs on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status (for program), ethnic background, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (for employment) or socio-economic background (for program). The policy of the District shall be to provide educational programs and opportunities for students as needed on the basis of individual interests, values, abilities and potential. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district office at 11152 Aurora Ave, Urbandale, IA or call 515.457.5000. The district's Equity Coordinator is Ms. Stephanie Davis, daviss@urbandaleschools.com.