Job Description
We are seeking a passionate and experienced English Language Arts educator who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to inspire and support sixth-grade students in their academic and personal growth.
The goal of the English program is to develop the ability in our students to read critically, write clearly, speak effectively, and think in analytical, reflective, and creative ways. Literature discussions and seminars in diverse formats expose students to a variety of texts, which challenges them to consider the nature of their own humanity and the humanity of others. In addition, we expect our scholars to write in a range of genres and styles with the end goal of mastering a formal academic essay, experimenting with poetry and short stories, presenting for an audience, and engaging as active participants in discussions.
At La Jolla Country Day School (LJCDS), our Middle School serves as a dynamic bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, guiding students in Grades 5-8 through a transformative stage in their development. In a nurturing yet challenging environment, we encourage students to explore a wide range of academic subjects, technology, physical education, music, art, community service, and leadership opportunities. Our commitment extends beyond preparing students for the Upper School-we aim to develop lifelong learners and compassionate, engaged citizens.
The sixth-grade English educator plays a key role in fostering a love of reading, writing, and critical thinking. This educator is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive, student-centered English curriculum that meets the diverse needs of learners. Recognizing that each student is on a unique journey toward reading and writing proficiency, the ideal candidate employs differentiated instruction and innovative strategies to ensure all students thrive.
Beyond the classroom, the sixth-grade English educator collaborates closely with grade-level colleagues to support students' academic, social, and emotional growth, contributing to a strong, connected learning community.
Essential expectations include:
- Teaching four sections of 6th grade English
- Use of a variety of reading strategies ranging from whole-class novels to literature circles, to independent reading in the context of a reading workshop
- Implementation of process writing that includes planning, revising, and editing student work in the context of a writing workshop
- Consistently embodying Middle School Torrey Values of honesty, accountability, resilience, kindness in all spaces, roles, and responsibilities on campus
- Differentiating and adapting instructional practices to meet the needs of individual learners
- Collaborating with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues through timely and positive cycles of feedback
- Actively participating in the work of the grade level, department, division, and larger school community to develop and implement curricular and co-curricular offerings
- Continuing a personal commitment to developing and growing one's own cultural competency
- Collaborating and communicating effectively with colleagues using norms of collaboration and protocols
- Serving as an advisor for 15 to 18 students
- Serving as a chaperone for at least one of our annual Outdoor Education programs
We are looking for someone who has:
- A deep passion for the subject matter
- A variety of classroom techniques and methods to promote high levels of achievement in relation to individual student abilities
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a desire to collaborate with colleagues in the department, across disciplines, and in all divisions
- Ability to create a supportive and caring classroom environment in which students can learn and interact positively with one another; through student-centered instruction, collaboration, and authentic assessment
- The insight to gather and analyze data on student learning and teaching practices to improve the educational experience
- A willingness to contribute to school life as a positive community member in ways that go beyond the role in the classroom
Position Requirements
The candidate must hold at least a bachelor's degree and preferably a master's degree, or the equivalent. in English or an arguably related field. Ideally, candidates will be capable and comfortable teaching 5-8th grade English and have prior teaching experience.
Expertise in the use of technology to enhance instruction and manage daily expectations as a team member is also needed. To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, etc.) and Microsoft Office, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware (Seesaw, Apple TV, On Record, Blackboard, Zoom etc.).
The ideal candidates are committed to leading and learning with a high level of engagement in anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.
Salary range: $59,000 - $120,000 annualized. The salary offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include, but are not limited to, the type and years of experience, training, practical knowledge, and education.
To be considered, please submit (1) your current CV/resume, (2) a cover letter detailing your interest and experience for this role, (3) your educational philosophy statement, and (4) a sample lesson plan.
Job Tags
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