Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Empower Schools of Alabama

Middle School - ELA Teacher Job Description

Position Title: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Reports To: Campus Principal

Location: Empower Community School Upper Campus

Position Overview

Empower Schools of Alabama is seeking a passionate, skilled, and student-centered Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher to join our team. The ELA Teacher is responsible for delivering rigorous, engaging, and standards-aligned instruction that develops scholars’ reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

The ideal candidate believes that all students can learn at high levels, is committed to academic excellence, and intentionally supports the social-emotional development of every scholar.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Planning

• Plan and deliver daily, engaging, standards-aligned ELA lessons aligned to Alabama Course of Study and school curriculum

• Implement rigorous Tier 1 instruction that promotes mastery in:

• • Reading comprehension

  • Literary analysis

  • Writing (narrative, informational, argumentative)

  • Vocabulary development

  • Speaking and listening

• Use a backward planning model aligned to assessments and learning outcomes

• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including:

• • Students with IEPs and 504 plans

  • English Language Learners

  • Students performing below or above grade level

Data-Driven Instruction

• Analyze and respond to student data from assessments (ACAP, NWEA MAP, writing assessments, etc.)

• Participate in Data Talks and use data to adjust instruction and interventions

• Develop and monitor Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) for targeted students

• Provide targeted small-group instruction during intervention blocks (e.g., Power Hour)

Literacy Development

• Build a strong reading culture within the classroom

• Provide structured opportunities for:

• • Close reading

  • Text-based discussion

  • Writing across genres

• Support school-wide literacy initiatives aligned to the Alabama Literacy Act

Classroom Culture & Management

• Create a structured, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment grounded in high expectations and consistency

• Implement school-wide behavior systems (e.g., PBIS/House System)

• Foster a classroom culture where students feel safe, valued, and empowered

Relationships & Collaboration

• Build strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues

• Communicate consistently with families regarding academic progress and behavior

• Collaborate with:

• • Grade-level teams

  • Instructional coaches

  • Special education and intervention staff

• Actively participate in and support the House System, including events and celebrations

• Engage in school-wide initiatives, family engagement opportunities, and community partnerships

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly professional development, coaching cycles, and instructional planning meetings

• Implement feedback from classroom observations (IPG, ELEOT, etc.)

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records (grades, lesson plans, attendance)

• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a growth mindset

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or related field (Master’s preferred)

• Valid Alabama teaching certification (or eligibility for certification)

• Experience teaching middle school ELA preferred

• Strong knowledge of literacy instruction and adolescent development

Core Beliefs & Competencies

• Deep belief that all students can achieve at high levels

• Commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional needs

• Ability to create engaging, student-centered lessons daily

• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills

• Data-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Full-time position following the school calendar

• May require extended hours for planning, events, and professional development

• Maintain an active presence in the classroom, including the ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom while students are present to monitor, support, and engage learners

• Ability to supervise students in various settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and outdoor areas

• Commitment to the mission and vision of Empower Community School

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

• Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, etc.)

• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Mission & Vision Alignment

Mission:
The mission of Empower Community School is to change our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates.

Vision:
Our vision is to become a recognized leader for collaboration and community building while preparing our scholars to excel in every academic endeavor and empowering them to advocate for themselves, their communities, and the disenfranchised.

What This Means for Teachers:

• Teachers serve as leaders and advocates, developing scholars who are prepared to lead and make an impact

• Instruction must promote academic excellence, critical thinking, and student voice

• Teachers actively contribute to a collaborative school culture that includes families and community partners

• Educators are responsible for nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally

• Every classroom should reflect Empower’s commitment to equity, opportunity, and community transformation

Behavioral/Cognitive Assessment:

As part of the application process at Empower Schools of Alabama we ask all candidates to take several brief assessments after the submission of a resume or completion of an online application. For the first assessment, you will click on this LINK . Please enter your contact information. Upon completion of the first assessment, you will receive a link for the second assessment at the provided email address. The link will come from noreply@predictiveindex.com .

In the first assessment,

• There are no right or wrong answers

• The assessment takes about 5 minutes to complete

• You should take on a laptop or desktop

• Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Once you complete the first assessment, you will immediately receive a link to the 2nd assessment. Unlike the prior assessment, this is a timed test. Please consider the following

• There are 50 questions

• You will have 12 minutes to complete

• Questions will include three types of questions: numerical, verbal, and spatial-reasoning

• Please complete the assessment on a laptop or desktop

• Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

• Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you will not be distracted or disturbed

• Be in a competitive state of mind.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.