MS Writing and Debate Teacher

MS Writing and Debate Teacher

Classification 

Exempt, 10-Month Employee 

Reports to 

Middle School Principal

Overview

Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic and/or experienced Writing and Debate teacher to provide instruction to our middle school students. This is a unique opportunity for someone who loves to teach English Language Arts but would prefer to do it in a specials setting. The Writing and Debate teacher will work across grades 6-8 to ensure all students have solid writing skills through various units of study as well as engage them in debate units where students can develop themselves as confident public speakers. Under the general supervision of the Middle School Principal, the Writing and Debate teacher will work collaboratively with other specials teachers and across content areas to provide a well-rounded learning experience in Writing and Debate for students.  

Responsibilities

Content Knowledge and Planning

• Exhibit an understanding of and skills relevant to the subject area(s) taught
• Demonstrate an ability to make topics and activities meaningful and relevant to each student
• Integrate available technology resources compatible with students’ needs and abilities
• Develop lesson plans that are clear, logical, and sequential 
• Plan with appropriate specialist(s) to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students

Instructional Strategies

• Link present content/skills with past and future learning experiences
• Effectively use various instructional strategies (e.g., modeling, cooperative learning, collaboration, and reading and writing in the content areas) to differentiate learning for all students
• Effectively use questioning strategies to engage students and promote learning
• Monitor students’ understanding of the lesson and adjusts teaching when appropriate
• Maximize student learning by providing opportunities for all learners to participate actively and successfully
• Explain content and demonstrates skills in a variety of ways to meet the needs of all students
• Hold each learner individually responsible for learning
• Ensure students learn the proper way to type and build their skills overtime
• Plan and execute showcases, including for bulletin boards, events, and feature the students’ work

Assessment

• Use results of a variety of assessments to monitor and modify instruction as needed
• Effectively use both teacher-made and standardized tests, as appropriate, to measure student performance
• Use oral, non-verbal, and performance tasks/projects for student assessment
• Organize, maintain, and use records of student progress to make effective instructional decisions
• Continuously monitor students’ progress before, during, and after instruction, and provides meaningful feedback
• Demonstrate competence in the use of acceptable grading/ranking/scoring practices in recording and reporting student achievement

Student Communication and Rapport

• Use precise language and acceptable oral expression and written communication
• Articulate clear learning goals and instructional procedures for the lesson to the students
• Model caring, fairness, courtesy, respect and active listening
• Model concern for students’ emotional and physical well being
• Seek and maintains positive interactions with students in all school settings
• Seek information about student interests and opinions

Classroom Management

• Enforce the school’s student behavior policy
• Communicate clear expectations about behavior to students and parents
• Actively monitor student behavior and provides feedback in a constructive manner to students and parents
• Create a physical setting and establishes routines that promote learning and minimize disruption
• Structure transitions in an efficient and constructive manner
• Manage emergency situations, as they occur, in school settings

Professional Demeanor and Development

• Maintain a professional appearance and comportment
• Interact with colleagues and students in an ethical and professional manner
• Carry out duties in accordance with established policies, practices, and regulations
• Select appropriate channels for resolving concerns and problems, and maintain confidentiality
• Complete all classroom and school assignments and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner
• Participate in professional growth activities including conferences, workshops, course work and committees or membership in professional organizations
• Explore and apply knowledge and information about new or improved methods of instruction and related issues
• Identify areas of personal strength and weakness and seek improvement of skills and professional performance

School Community and Culture

• Initiate communication with parents or guardians concerning student progress or problems in a timely manner
• Respond promptly to parental concerns and encourages parental involvement within the school
• Work cooperatively with community members in carrying our school and community sponsored functions
• Build collaborative relationships with colleagues, sharing teaching insights and coordinating student learning

Skills and Abilities

• Plan, organize, develop and conduct a comprehensive teaching and instruction program in Visual Arts
• Provide appropriate and effective learning experiences for pupils from a wide range achievement levels
• Provide a motivating and stimulating learning environment
• Follow safety procedures and written and verbal instructions
• Organize tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks
• Demonstrate good judgment and good problem-solving skills
• Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting
• Knowledge or ability to use SIS (student information systems) or online learning platforms (PowerSchool, Google Classroom, etc.)

Qualifications

• At least 2 years prior teaching computer literacy in middle/high school preferred
• NYS certification in teaching preferred
• Demonstrated success working in non-traditional and/or urban school settings
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly adept at using educational technology 

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time 10-month position. This is an On-Site position; no hybrid or remote.   The regular hours and workdays are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in addition to any special events to which all staff are expected to attend.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $105,000 annually (Based on Experience)

Travel 

Minimum to no travel required 

EEO Statement 

Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.