What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School English position at New Castle Community School Corp?
Position Summary
The Middle School English Language Arts Teacher is responsible for fostering a high-engagement learning environment where students develop critical literacy, analytical writing, and oral communication skills. This role serves as a bridge between the foundational literacy of elementary school and the rigorous rhetorical analysis required in high school. The ideal candidate is a collaborative professional dedicated to data-driven instruction and the social-emotional growth of young adolescents.
Core Responsibilities
Instruction & Curriculum
- Standards Alignment: Implement daily lessons aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards for ELA, focusing on the four primary domains: Reading Foundations, Reading Comprehension (Literature and Nonfiction), Writing, and Communication/Collaboration.
- Differentiated Learning: Utilize a variety of instructional strategies (e.g., small group instruction, scaffolding, and tiered assignments) to meet the diverse needs of learners, including High Ability, English Learners, and students with IEPs or 504 plans.
- Literacy Integration: Guide students through the analysis of complex texts across various genres and media, emphasizing evidence-based claims and vocabulary acquisition.
- Writing Process: Facilitate the full writing process—planning, drafting, revising, and editing—for argumentative, informative, and narrative compositions.
Assessment & Data Analysis
- Formative & Summative Evaluation: Administer a mix of traditional and authentic assessments to monitor student mastery of state standards.
- Data-Driven Instruction: Regularly disaggregate student performance data to adjust instructional pacing and identify students needing Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions.
- Timely Feedback: Provide constructive, specific feedback on student work to encourage a growth mindset and iterative improvement.
Classroom Culture & Management
- Environment: Establish a structured, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture that promotes intellectual curiosity and psychological safety.
- Proactive Management: Implement clear routines and consistent behavioral expectations in line with the school-wide positive behavior support system.
Professional Collaboration & Leadership
- Peer Mentoring & Growth: Actively participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) and engage in peer observation or mentoring programs to refine instructional practices.
- Family Engagement: Maintain frequent, proactive communication with families regarding student progress, successes, and areas for growth via digital platforms and conferences.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Secondary Education, or a related field.
- Licensure: Valid Indiana Educator License in Middle School English/Language Arts (or eligibility for an emergency permit/transition-to-teaching program).
- Compliance: Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding student privacy (FERPA) and Special Education compliance.