English Language Arts Teacher - Middle School (2026-2027 SY)

Job Description: ELA Classroom Teacher – Middle School

Department: School Principal

Last Revised: May 2026

Job Summary

The Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality instruction that enables students to develop literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage. The teacher will design and deliver engaging lessons aligned with the Tennessee Academic Standards for English Language Arts and support students in developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. The teacher will foster a positive classroom environment that supports academic success and reflects the district's commitment to Experience Excellence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

1. Plan and deliver engaging English Language Arts instruction aligned with Tennessee Academic Standards and district curriculum.
2. Develop and implement instructional strategies that promote literacy development, critical thinking, communication, and analytical reasoning.
3. Teach reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, writing processes, speaking, and listening skills using research-based instructional practices.
4. Utilize a variety of instructional methods, including technology integration, collaborative learning, and differentiated instruction, to meet the needs of all learners.
5. Assess student learning through formative and summative assessments and use data to guide instruction and intervention.
6. Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and parents regarding academic progress and achievement.
7. Create a safe, supportive, and structured classroom environment that encourages student engagement, accountability, and respect.
8. Integrate diverse literary and informational texts to enhance students' understanding of language, culture, and real-world connections.
9. Collaborate with other teachers, instructional coaches, interventionists, and administrators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
10. Participate in professional development activities and implement best practices in literacy instruction.
11. Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student performance data.
12. Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, classroom expectations, and academic support strategies.
13. Support school-wide and district initiatives and participate in faculty meetings, committees, and school events as assigned.
14. Follow all district policies, procedures, and state requirements.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate endorsements for middle grades English Language Arts.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Key Competencies

Specific capacities and abilities may be required of an individual in order to learn or perform adequately a task or job duty.

Knowledge of:

• Tennessee Academic Standards for ELA curriculum.
• Effective instructional strategies for teaching literacy skills, reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and vocabulary development.
• Adolescent literacy development and strategies to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English learners.
• Differentiated instruction and strategies to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English learners.
• Assessment practices, including formative and summative assessments, and the use of data to guide instruction.
• Classroom management strategies that support a safe and productive learning environment.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, and delivering effective middle school instructional programs
• Providing engaging and inclusive learning experiences for students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
• Assessing and evaluating student learning and instructional effectiveness
• Oral and written communication

Ability to:

• Manage student behavior and maintain a positive classroom climate in a dynamic middle school setting
• Interpret and implement verbal and written instructions, policies, and procedures
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators
• Utilize instructional technology, digital resources, and computer applications effectively

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the listed functions.

• The essential functions of this position must be performed on-site at the assigned work location. This role is not designated as a remote or hybrid position.
• Physical presence at work is an essential function of this position.
• This job may require lifting of objects that exceed 25 lbs. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:
  • Pushing and/or pulling
  • Climbing
  • Stooping and/or kneeling
  • Reaching
  • Talking
  • Hearing
  • Seeing
• Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure; accepting responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity; dealing with students; generalizing, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.
• Ability to understand instructions and underlying principles; reason and make judgments; understand meanings of words and the ideas associated with them; perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately; move the hands easily and manipulate small objects with the fingers; make visual comparisons and discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures; perceive or recognize similarities or differences in colors or shades or other values of the same color.
• Low to medium degree of discomfort due to exposure to temperature, fumes, dirt, dust, noise, and cleaning chemicals.
• This role works in a dynamic and engaging classroom environment designed to foster student learning, growth, and development. The classroom will be organized to support a range of instructional activities, with appropriate resources and materials available for hands-on learning.
• This position manages a diverse group of students, guiding them through the academic curriculum while maintaining a positive and structured classroom atmosphere. The role involves adapting instructional methods to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to succeed. The teacher will maintain effective classroom management practices to create a respectful and collaborative environment that promotes student engagement and achievement.
• The position also requires effective communication with parents and colleagues to support the holistic development of students and ensure alignment with school goals. Collaboration with other staff members and participation in school-wide initiatives will be essential to ensure a cohesive educational experience for all students.
• Regular assessment of student progress and implementation of individualized support plans will be key components of the teacher's responsibilities. The teacher will be responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning space that encourages exploration and academic curiosity.

Terms of Employment

Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.