6th Grade Langauge Arts

Position Title: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Location: Norwalk Middle School, Norwalk, Iowa
Reports To: Building Principal

Position Summary

Norwalk Middle School is seeking an energetic, dynamic, and charismatic English Language Arts (ELA) teacher who is passionate about inspiring young adolescents to become confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers. The ideal candidate creates an engaging, student-centered classroom environment where relationships, rigor, and relevance drive learning.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Design and deliver engaging ELA instruction aligned to Iowa Core Standards for grades 6–8
• Foster a love of reading and writing through diverse, culturally responsive texts and authentic learning experiences
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including differentiation and scaffolding
• Integrate speaking, listening, reading, and writing into cohesive learning experiences
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly

Classroom Environment

• Build strong, positive relationships with students rooted in respect, high expectations, and consistency
• Create a structured, inclusive, and supportive classroom culture that promotes student voice and engagement
• Serve as a "warm demander"—balancing care with high academic and behavioral expectations
• Implement effective classroom management strategies aligned with building-wide systems (MTSS/behavior supports)

Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to plan instruction and analyze student data
• Actively participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff
• Contribute positively to the school culture and climate through leadership, initiative, and collaboration

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing professional learning and reflective practice
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and attendance
• Support school-wide initiatives and programs
• Uphold district policies and professional standards

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Develops and administers district and state approved curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level and department, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of district and state curriculum.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications Profile

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Masters Degree preferred.
• Valid Iowa Teaching License, K-8 and/or 5-12 English/Language Arts required.
• Reading endorsement preferred.
• Coaching Authorization preferred.
• Previous experience with The Leader In Me preferred.
• Strong understanding of adolescent literacy development.
• Experience with middle school learners preferred. 

Preferred Characteristics

• Energetic and enthusiastic presence that motivates and inspires students
• Charismatic communicator who connects easily with adolescents
• Creative and innovative approach to instruction
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and meeting the needs of all learners
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to collaborate and grow

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements vary by individual job assignment but requires a minimum of the following physical requirements:  Walking, standing, bending, carrying, climbing, lifting minimum of 20 pounds, driving, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, and stooping.

Working Conditions

Varied.

Terms of Employment

190 day contract in accordance with the Master Contract.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.