Third Grade ELA - TNT Primary School

A 3rd Grade ELA (English Language Arts) Teacher in Tennessee public schools is responsible for delivering foundational literacy instruction aligned with the state's academic standards. This role is highly critical in Tennessee due to the state's Third-Grade Retention Law (TCA 49-6-3115) , which requires strict data-driven literacy tracking to ensure students achieve reading proficiency before entering the 4th grade. Role Overview

• Position: 3rd Grade ELA Teacher (Elementary Education)
• Department: Elementary Instruction
• Reports To: School Principal
• Employment Terms: Standard 200-day contract (10 months)
• Exempt Status: Professional Exempt
  
  

Required Qualifications & Endorsements

• Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher in Elementary Education or related field.
• Licensure: Valid Tennessee Teaching License
  
  

Responsibilities

Essential Job Responsibilities 1. Curriculum Delivery & Lesson Design

• Plan and deliver foundational literacy instruction aligned with the Tennessee Academic Standards for 3rd-grade ELA (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• Integrate explicit phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies.
• Differentiate whole-group and small-group instruction to meet diverse learner needs, including English Learners (EL) and Special Education (SPED) students.
  
  

3. Classroom Culture & Collaboration

• Data-Driven Assessment & Tracking
• Administer formative and summative assessments to monitor literacy progress.
• Analyze student data alongside academic coaches to target learning gaps and refine instructional practices.
• Track student readiness specifically tailored to prepare them for the annual Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)
• Establish a safe, structured, and positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Participate actively in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) with grade-level peers to align lesson plans and review student work.
• Supervise and direct the day-to-day duties of assigned instructional assistants or associate teachers.
• Communication & Compliance
• Maintain accurate grade books, attendance tracking, and permanent state-required student records.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to communicate academic, behavioral, and social progress.
• Meet state-mandated professional development and in-service training requirements.
• Physical and Mental Demands
• Physical Posture: Prolonged standing, frequent walking, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting of classroom materials (up to 15 lbs).
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; adapt to varying learning paces and student behaviors.