8th Grade ELA/Writing Teacher: Central Tucson Job at Leman Academy of Excellence

8th Grade ELA/Writing Teacher: Central Tucson

Additional Stipends May be Available

OUR MISSION

Leman Academy of Excellence offers a rigorous, classical education based on the traditions of Western culture where all disciplines are interrelated allowing scholars the ability to think independently and critically. We purpose to partner with supportive parents, pursue excellence, provide a safe and challenging environment, and instill morals and values in order to produce tomorrow’s leaders today.

CORE VALUES

Core Values are the key to defining our culture. They drive our decisions and shape our behavior. Below are the Core Values for Leman Academy of Excellence:

CAUTION: Every precaution is taken to ensure a safe and secure environment for every scholar, staff and guests.

CIVILITY: Every scholar, family and employee is treated with respect and as a valued individual.

COMMUNITY: We strive to build a community where all stakeholders are motivated to be involved and feel connected and valued.

CLASSICAL EDUCATION: Oversight and training is in place to ensure we are offering a rigorous, scholar-centered, classical education program including high expectations, values and virtues and providing scholars an environment of engaged learning.

SUMMARY OF JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for instructing scholars using the classical model of learning combined with data-driven decision-making. Will create daily lesson plans, participate in ongoing professional training sessions, meet with Administration and the Professional Development team for instructional planning based on assessment data, and work with grade level teams of teachers to collaboratively plan and may also form common unit assessments.

Line of Authority/Reports to: Teachers shall be directly responsible to the Principal and will work closely with the Vice Principal, Deans, and the Professional Development team.

QUALIFICATIONS/MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and passing scores on the appropriate Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments -or- Current Arizona or other state Teaching Certificate. Preference is that applicants hold an Arizona Teaching Certificate or be able to apply and successfully transfer their current teaching certificate to AZ. https://www.azed.gov/educator-certification//forms-and-information/certificates
• One year of demonstrated teaching experience OR any equivalent combination of training or experience that meets the minimum qualifications.
• AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card / Background and Criminal History Clearance.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Classical curricula and learning -OR- a willingness and desire to learn the Classical model of education.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy and methodology -OR- a willingness to better understand Miss Mason’s educational philosophy and methodology.
• Working knowledge of AzM2 and understanding of how the data is measured.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Common Core Standards (Arizona College and Career Ready Standards) -OR- a willingness to learn such standards.
• Online Instructional Improvement and Instructional Effectiveness System w/ATI.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Saxon Math program -OR- a willingness to gain a greater understanding of this unique approach to teaching math concepts and skills.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Shurley English language arts program that covers grammar and composition -OR- a willingness to learn this highly structured, teacher-scholar interactive approach to learning grammar and compositions.
• Proven leadership ability promoting collaborative decision making.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to positively impact community, parents, scholars, administration, instructional staff and office support staff.
• Strong commitment to supporting and safeguarding the principles of excellence in classical education.
• Working knowledge of pedagogy, instructional methodology, curriculum development.
• Ability to manage conflict resolution with an attitude of humility and service.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Data-Driven Instruction model -OR- a willingness to better understand and learn more of data-driven instruction and assessment decision making.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with scholars, parents, co-workers, vendors and build relationships.
• Strong commitment to providing leadership in promoting health and safety, including a healthy environment.
• Ability to operate office equipment as required on assignment; i.e. fax machine, copier, computer, etc.
• Ability to lift boxes and packages of varying weights and move them to other locations.

*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITES:

• Establish and enforce rules and procedures for responsible behavior, maintaining order among the scholars for whom you are responsible.
• Observe and evaluate scholars' academic performance, behavior, and social development.
• Prepare materials and instructional resources for use in the classroom and class activities based on the classical model.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet scholars' varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct scholar activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, questions, and work time that provides scholars with opportunities to observe, question, discover, and investigate in order to engage all scholars in learning rigorous academic content.
• Instruct scholars using the whole class approach, small, leveled groups and individually using various teaching techniques and methods such as EEI, Direct Instruction, Socratic Teaching, Cooperative Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, and Discovery Learning.
• Notifies site administrator of the special needs of scholars who display characteristics which vary from the norm.
• Works with Special Education Instructor to help special needs scholars learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development.
• Provide disabled scholars with assistive devices, supportive technology, and daily living skills.
• Prepare and plan for use of ELL strategies to be used in an integrated grouped classroom under guidance of Principal and Administration.
• Prepare and develop curriculum maps under guidance of Administration.
• Establish clear objectives and identify standards to be taught for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to scholars/post objectives.
• Assign and grade classwork and homework; implement and maintain scholar data books.
• Read books to entire classes or small groups.
• Prepare (in grade level teams), administer, and analyze (in grade level teams) scholar proficiency on common unit assessments in order to monitor scholar progress and scholar achievement.
• Prepare, administer, and analyze formative assessments and assignments in order to monitor scholar progress and achievement.
• Confer with parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators in order to resolve scholars' behavioral and academic problems.
• Meet with parents/guardians to discuss their child's academic progress and behavior (may need to help/guide parents with priorities for their child and any resource needs).
• Maintain accurate and complete scholar records as required by the school and laws.
• Prepare scholars for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Guide and counsel scholars with social adjustment and/or academic problems, or special academic interests.
• Prepare and implement interventions for scholars requiring extra help - IMPORTANT: Teacher Hours will be set-up to assist scholars struggling in the classroom.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and/or requirements of state and school.
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing scholars.
• Collaborate with other grade level faculty members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual scholar’s needs and progress.
• Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Prepare for assigned classes and submit weekly lesson plans.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.
• Prepare reports on scholars and activities as required by administration
• Instruct and monitor scholars in the use and care of equipment and materials, in order to prevent injuries and damage.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development, such as games (when appropriate), arts and crafts, music, narration and storytelling.
• Attend professional development meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional skills and competence.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide scholars in learning from those activities.
• Organize and label materials and display a rotation of scholars' work.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results with Administration to determine scholar strengths and areas of need.
• Involve parent volunteers in classroom activities in order to facilitate involvement/engagement with parents.
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Perform duties such as assisting in hall and cafeteria monitoring, and supervision of drop-off and pick-up of scholars.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, scholar organizations, and academic contests.
• Maintain confidentiality per FERPA.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure that scholars, staff, parents and the district are functioning in collaboration.

WORK HABITS AND ATTITUDES:

• Be a self-starter with an ownership attitude.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of drive to meet goals.
• Shows initiative and resourcefulness.
• Performs accurate work in a timely manner.
• Meets deadlines and sets priorities.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and punctuality.
• Works well with minimum supervision.
• Is dependable and accepts responsibility.
• Shows sensitivity and tact in dealing with others.
• Accepts direction and constructive criticism.
• Cooperates with fellow workers and other departments.
• Follows school policies and safety rules.
• Demonstrates a professional appearance on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates a willingness to work as a team player.
• Embraces collaboration with other professionals.
• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills.
• Maintains a professional environment at all times.

Leman Academy offers a very competitive benefits package and overall compensation will be commensurate with talent, experience and education.

As a Leman Academy of Excellence Employee, you shall be afforded benefits if you work thirty (30) hours or more each week, all as prescribed in the Personnel Policies of the School, and such revision thereof as are made and approved by the Board of Directors of the School all of which have been adopted by the School. Benefits eligibility and enrollment for Employees working thirty (30) hours or more per week include but are not limited to:

Voluntary medical insurance, vision plan, and dental plan; enrollment for Employees beginning employment are effective the first of the month following start date of full time employment unless agreed upon by administration.

Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Long and Short Term Disability benefits are effective the first day of the month following start date of full time employment.

If the Employee is terminated, the Employee will be covered with all benefits described above until the last day of the month in which they terminate.

Benefits eligibility and enrollment continue for current admin/Employees who sign a new Agreement. Retirement plan and long-term disability eligibility and enrollment are based on the beginning date of employment in the initial Agreement.

Leman offers a 401k to all employees.

*Essential functions, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is illustrative only and is not a complete listing of all functions and tasks performed.

Leman Academy of Excellence is an Equal Opportunity Employer.