3rd Grade ELA Teacher

Description

Reports To: Principal
Location: Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School – Memphis, Tennessee
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt (10-Month Position)
Start Date: ASAP

About Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School (SACS) is a tuition-free, K–5 public charter school located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and academically rigorous environment that empowers scholars to become confident, creative, and compassionate learners. We are committed to ensuring that every child achieves excellence through a culture of high expectations, data-driven instruction, and a strong partnership with families and the community.

Position Overview

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School seeks a highly qualified, passionate, and dedicated 3rd Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be skilled in teaching foundational and comprehension-based literacy skills, driven by data, and committed to ensuring all students reach or exceed grade-level reading proficiency.

The 3rd Grade ELA Teacher will design and implement rigorous, engaging lessons aligned to the Tennessee Academic Standards, utilize data to inform instruction, and cultivate a joyful, structured classroom culture where every scholar feels valued and challenged.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Excellence

• Develop and deliver daily standards-based ELA lessons that integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills.
• Implement evidence-based literacy strategies including guided reading, small group instruction, and differentiated learning.
• Incorporate phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies into daily instruction.
• Design and administer formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of student achievement and attendance.

Data-Driven Instruction

• Use assessment data (iReady, state assessments, benchmark tests, and classroom data) to drive instructional decisions.
• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to analyze student performance data and plan interventions.
• Participate in professional learning communities and implement feedback from instructional coaching and leadership.

Classroom Culture & Management

• Establish and maintain a structured, positive, and inclusive classroom environment consistent with school expectations.
• Foster a classroom culture that encourages student responsibility, respect, and a love for learning.
• Model and reinforce school-wide behavior expectations and social-emotional learning principles.

Family & Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding student progress, classroom activities, and behavior.
• Participate in school events, conferences, and community engagement opportunities.

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues to support student achievement and school goals.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and school functions as required.
• Uphold all policies and procedures of Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate endorsement for Elementary Education (K–5 or K–8).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• Demonstrated success in teaching literacy at the elementary level.
• Strong understanding of Tennessee Academic Standards and state assessments.
• Proficiency with integrating technology and digital learning tools into instruction.

Preferred:

• At least two (2) years of classroom teaching experience in ELA or elementary grades.
• Experience in urban or charter school settings.
• Knowledge of RTI² and structured literacy practices (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Heggerty, or LETRS training).

Core Competencies

• Deep belief that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Strong classroom management and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Commitment to collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and results-oriented.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Participation in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).
• Professional development and coaching support.
• Supportive, mission-driven school culture.