Middle School Electives Teacher

Teach with Purpose

Are you passionate about transforming education through creativity, innovation, and real-world learning? At Unparalleled Preparatory Academy (UPA), we are redefining the educational experience for students in Northeast Austin. Electives teachers at UPA are culture drivers, creative leaders, and architects of student engagement.

If you love designing hands-on experiences, building student talent, and creating programs that excite and inspire — UPA is the place for you.

Join Our Growing School

UPA is a 6th–8th grade STEM career acceleration charter school. We are building a community of educators who are collaborative, innovative, and committed to delivering measurable academic and personal growth for all students — including in electives.

Electives teachers at UPA are not “extras” — they are essential contributors to school culture, creativity, and student joy.

Deliver Unparalleled Results

UPA Electives Teachers are:

• Exceptionally creative
  
  
• Highly collaborative
  
  
• Data-conscious
  
  
• Student-centered
  
  
• Feedback-welcoming
  
  
• Skilled at building culture and excitement
  
  

We seek teachers who take initiative, build engaging programs, and deliver strong student outcomes — academically, artistically, and behaviorally.

Responsibilities

As a member of the UPA teaching team, you will:

 Instructional & Program Responsibilities

• Create dynamic, hands-on lessons that integrate creativity, exploration, and real-world skills.
  
  
• Build elective programs that spark joy, talent development, and student leadership (art, dance, music, PE, tech, media, entrepreneurship, etc.).
  
  
• Design at least one major student project or showcase per semester (performances, exhibits, competitions, productions, community events).
  
  
• Incorporate at least one teacher-created or enhanced activity weekly that elevates creativity and engagement.
  
  
• Maintain 95% on-time submission of lesson plans, trackers, and required deliverables.
  
  

Measurable Student Growth Expectations

While electives differ from core subjects, growth and accountability remain essential.

Electives teachers must:

• Track student progress using rubrics, skill growth trackers, portfolios, or performance assessments.
  
  
• Show measurable growth in student skills (creativity, fitness, performance technique, craftsmanship, technical skills, etc.) each quarter.
  
  
• Use student data to adjust instruction and reteach as needed.
  
  
• For electives connected to reading/math (e.g., media, STEM, tech):
  Students must show improvement aligned with core MAP goals through integration of literacy, numeracy, or problem-solving embedded in elective tasks.
  
  

Classroom Culture & Student Engagement

• Create a highly engaging, joyful, and safe classroom environment.
  
  
• Implement monthly culture-building initiatives (events, challenges, celebrations, competitions, showcases, incentives).
  
  
• Maintain strong behavior management that supports creativity and structure simultaneously.
  
  
• Ensure high levels of student participation, output, and excitement.
  
  

Family & Community Partnership

• Build meaningful relationships with families through proactive, positive communication.
  
  
• Complete a minimum of 5 positive parent contacts per week, logged in the school system.
  
  
• Invite families to student showcases, events, and performances.
  
  
• Communicate regularly about student accomplishments and opportunities.
  
  

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Actively participate in weekly PLC/team meetings, contributing creative ideas and cross-curricular connections.
  
  
• Respond to communication within 24 hours.
  
  
• Implement feedback within one week or the next instructional cycle.
  
  
• Support at least two school-wide events per semester (performance, art show, fitness event, club fair, community event).
  
  
• Partner with core teachers to create interdisciplinary experiences.
  
  

Initiative, Creativity & Leadership

Electives teachers are program builders, not just classroom instructors.

You will:

• Create at least one club, enrichment pathway, or major project per semester.
  
  
• Bring one instructional innovation or creative strategy to PLC each month.
  
  
• Lead creative experiences (school productions, murals, fitness challenges, showcases, career pathway events, media projects, etc.).
  
  
• Contribute to events that elevate school culture and student pride.
  
  

Become Part of Our Community

UPA educators build more than classrooms — they build a full school ecosystem rooted in joy, culture, creativity, and achievement.

You will:

• Engage in leadership development.
  
  
• Participate in weekly PD focused on instruction, culture, creativity, and innovation.
  
  
• Grow in a feedback-rich, collaborative environment.
  
  

Qualifications

To be successful at UPA, you must demonstrate:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required); degree in the elective field or education preferred
  
  
• Texas Teaching Certification (or willingness to obtain within year 1 with UPA)
  
  
• Passion for youth development, creativity, and student achievement
  
  
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building
  
  
• Openness to feedback and a growth mindset
  
  
• High collaboration, strong initiative, and accountability
  
  
• Comfort using technology, digital tools, and arts/tech platforms
  
  
• A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally relevant teaching
  
  

How UPA Invests in You

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  
  
• TRS or 403(b)
  
  
• Competitive salary ($60,000 )
  
  
• Travel and conference opportunities
  
  
• Weekly PD and leadership pathways
  
  

Perks

• MacBook
• Stipends and Bonuses
• UPA gear
  
  
• Fully equipped teacher workspace with snacks, supplies, and teaching tools
  
  
• Supportive, collaborative environment
  
  

Apply Now!

Join Unparalleled Preparatory Academy and help build innovative elective programs that inspire, challenge, and empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, performers, and leaders.