English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher

English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher – Level 2 (Special Needs Focus)

Full-Time | Monday–Thursday On-Site | Ward 5, 2315 18th Pl, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Salary Band: $63,565 – $97,268 (Teacher Salary Band)

Lead Change. Build Skills. Advance Hope.

At Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH), we believe adults deserve second chances and lifelong learning opportunities. Since 1985, AoH has empowered Washington, DC residents to earn their high school credentials, build workforce skills, and transform their lives through education.

We’re seeking a dedicated and compassionate Level 2 English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher to join our Ward 5 Campus in Northeast DC, serving the Brookland, Woodridge, and Brentwood communities. This role focuses on adult learners who need foundational literacy instruction and specialized academic support, as defined through adult education’s special needs framework.

About the Role

The ELA Teacher (Level 2) plays a vital role in helping adults strengthen reading, writing, and communication skills to prepare for future success in the GED or National External Diploma Program (NEDP). This teacher supports learners who may have documented or self-identified learning differences, limited literacy experiences, or interrupted formal education.

Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices, the teacher ensures all learners can access, engage with, and master content in meaningful ways.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach in-person reading, writing, and social studies courses at Level 2, focusing on foundational literacy, phonics, decoding, grammar, fluency, and comprehension.
• Design lessons aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adults (CCRSAE) and GED/NEDP frameworks.
• Adapt instruction to accommodate various learning styles, skill levels, and cognitive profiles.
• Develop and implement Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) for learners with special academic needs.
• Integrate multisensory instructional strategies and technology tools to reinforce reading and writing skills.
• Collaborate with Student Support Services to identify learning barriers and provide accommodations.
• Assess learner progress through formative and summative measures and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment grounded in AoH’s CARES values—Community, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment and Service.

What You Bring

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Language Arts, Literacy, Secondary Education, Special Education, Adult Education, or a related field (required).
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience teaching literacy or English Language Arts to adult or secondary learners.
• Strong background supporting adults with special academic needs, including learners with interrupted education, diagnosed learning differences, or low literacy.
• Experience designing and delivering differentiated instruction in multi-level classrooms.
• Experience using formative assessments to guide instruction and set individualized learning goals.
• Prior adult-education or GED preparation experience is highly preferred.

Knowledge

• Understanding of College and Career Readiness Standards for Adults (CCRSAE) and high school equivalency expectations (GED/NEDP).
• Familiarity with CASAS or other adult-education placement and progress tools.
• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Awareness of how adult learners’ lived experiences (employment, trauma, language, family responsibilities) influence classroom engagement and persistence.

Skills

• Ability to create a welcoming, structured, and responsive learning environment that motivates adult learners.
• Strong lesson-planning abilities, with creativity in adapting materials for learners at foundational reading and writing levels.
• Effective classroom management that supports learner confidence, safety, and persistence.
• Strong communication skills—clear, empathetic, and grounded in culturally competent practice.

Benefits

Academy of Hope offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid base health insurance plan
• Health insurance buy-up plans available, allowing employees to elect enhanced medical coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan options
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Supplemental accident insurance through Aflac (employee-paid)
• Supplemental life insurance for dependents (employee-paid)
• 14 paid holidays each year
• 2 floating holidays you may use at your discretion