Middle Grades ELA Teacher - Trilith (2026-2027 School Year)

Job Title: Middle Grades ELA Teacher @ Trilith (2026-2027 School Year)

About Utopian Academy for the Arts

Utopian Academy for the Arts is the 2023 Georgia Charter School of the Year! The mission of Utopian Academy for the Arts is to develop, through a structured and supportive environment, academic and artistic students to enter and to succeed in the global society with proficiency to enroll in a college, university, or specialty school of their choice. Utopian Academy for the Arts is the only public charter school network in Georgia to offer a comprehensive educational program in the dramatic, media, and creative arts. Our educational model leverages the positive effects of arts education to engage and inspire students, develop their academic and artistic potential, and prepare them to be leaders in their communities.

The Utopian Academy for the Arts was founded in 2013 as the first state-approved charter school by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, to expand public school choice options for families that reside in Clayton County, GA. Recognizing its unique approach and access to arts-based education, the Clayton County Public Schools System subsequently approved the vertical expansion to add the Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary (est. 2020) and Utopian Academy for the Arts High School (est. 2022). In 2023, the charter school network launched its second state-approved middle school, Utopian Academy for the Arts-Trilith, which features a state-wide attendance zone in Fayette County, GA.

The Role

The Middle Grades ELA Teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in English Language Arts to students in grades 6–8. This educator will foster a love of reading, writing, speaking, and listening while ensuring all students achieve mastery of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and the additional grade-by-grade learning standards set forth in the school's charter. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, data-driven professional committed to student achievement, family engagement, and continuous improvement. This position reports directly to the Principal.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Planning & Delivery

• Develop rigorous, standards-aligned lesson plans that ensure attainment of Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and the specific grade-by-grade learning standards established in the school's charter.
• Provide both direct and indirect instruction to meet the diverse academic needs of all learners.
• Engage in long-term and short-term planning that addresses the individual academic, social-emotional, and learning needs of each student.
• Coordinate lesson plans with colleagues across content areas to maximize interdisciplinary connections, reinforcing student knowledge by aligning similar topics within the same general instructional timeframe.
• Create an inviting, exciting, and innovative learning environment that motivates students and cultivates a culture of intellectual curiosity and high achievement.

Assessment & Data

• Prepare students thoroughly for all required state and local assessments, including Georgia Milestones and any charter-designated assessments.
• Continuously evaluate and monitor student academic progress using formative and summative assessment data to drive instructional decisions.
• Prepare and distribute at minimum quarterly individual student achievement reports for parents and guardians, clearly communicating student growth, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Classroom Management & School Culture

• Implement effective and appropriate classroom management strategies that foster a positive, respectful, and structured learning community.
• Serve as an advisor to students, including organizing and facilitating advisory groups that support students' academic progress, social development, and behavioral growth.
• Monitor and address the academic and behavioral progress of assigned advisory students, collaborating with counselors, families, and administrators as needed.

Professional Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Principal and maintain open, professional, and timely communication with school leadership.
• Actively accept, incorporate, and act upon feedback and instructional coaching provided by administrative staff as part of a culture of continuous professional growth.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, collaborative planning sessions, staff meetings, and school-wide events.
• Perform other duties as deemed appropriate by the Principal.

Qualifications:

CERTIFICATION

• Minimum of SRT4-Certification in Middle Grades ELA (4-8) or English (6-12); OR
• Passed the GACE Middle Grades ELA (Grades 4-8) or English (6-12) AND completion of the GACE Ethics Assessment for Educators (Teachers)

Required

• Valid Georgia Educator Certificate in Middle Grades ELA (Grades 4–8) or eligibility for certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Education, English, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for ELA.
• Strong instructional skills with the ability to differentiate for diverse learners, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and gifted students.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.

Preferred

• Experience teaching in a charter school environment.
• Master's degree in Education, Literacy, or a related field
• Experience with data-driven instruction and use of learning management systems (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas).
• Background in restorative practices or social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree required with at least a 2.5 GPA

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements;
• Experience working with middle and/or high schools in urban school districts (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated communication skills
• Model correct use of language - oral and written;
• Demonstrated willingness to be held accountable for students’ results.
• Ability to work with diverse high school children.
• Ability to be flexible and to work in a pleasant and cooperative manner
• Ability to work effectively as a team member;
• Possess a high degree of professionalism and discretion;
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

HOW TO APPLY:

Professional resume (with dates associated with your roles) and a cover letter (see below) should be submitted electronically. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Cover letter/letter of interest defining your strengths in your subject matter, including your experience with supporting a charter school, or arts integrated school. Please cite specific and measurable examples that make you a fit for our position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $80,000