8th Grade ELA Teacher

Definition:

Under general supervision of the principal and/or designated administrator, plans and implements an instructional program and provides related educational services for students in grades 6-8. Manages student behavior, assesses and evaluates student achievement and modifies instructional activities as required. Carries out a variety of student monitoring and control activities; performs related duties as required or assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Positions covered by this specification serve as middle school 6 ^th -8 ^th grade classroom teachers and performs duties within a team or departmental setting, or work independently in a unique teaching specialty.

Classification:

Certified/Exempt

Typical Tasks:

Assess student abilities as related to desired educational goals, objectives, and outcomes. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.

Plans appropriate instructional/learning strategies and activities, including determination of appropriate principles of learning, classroom organizational structures, and level of materials.

The teacher implements an instructional program which provides appropriate learning experiences for each student.

The teacher manages the behavior of learners in an instructional setting to ensure the environment is conducive to the learning process and the teacher assists and participates in the management of student behavior in other parts of the school and grounds.

Coordinates instructional activities and collaborates with other professional staff both school and non school based as required to maximize learning opportunities.

The teacher utilizes a variety of instructional materials and available multimedia and computer technology to enhance learning.

Requests assistance of and works with resource personnel as needed.

The teacher works in a self contained, team, departmental, itinerant capacity, or at field work site as assigned.

The teacher participates in in-service and staff development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned.

Continually assesses student achievement and maintains appropriate assessment and evaluation documentation for institutional and individual reporting.

The teacher ensures continuous communication with parents, both written and oral, to keep them informed of students(s) progress.

Provides age appropriate communication with students on instructional expectations and keeps them informed of their progress in meeting those expectations.

The teacher manages allotted learning time to maximize student achievement.

Supervises and assigns work to and instructional assistants and parent student volunteers if
applicable.

Ensures classroom and/or instructional environment is attractive, healthful, safe, and conducive to learning and that materials are in good condition and assessable to students.

The teacher supports or participates in school-wide student activities and social events and approved fund-raising activities.

Monitors behavior in non-instructional areas as assigned or required and intervenes to control and
modify disruptive behavior, reporting to administrators as appropriate.

The teacher collaborates with other professionals (guidance counselors, librarians, etc.) to carry
out school-wide instructional or related activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The teacher supervises students, teacher aides and volunteers in the classroom.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimally requires the teacher to possess a Bachelor of Arts degree with an education minor/major. Four year degree in area of major study. Must have obtained the endorsement in said area or have had coursework in said area within the previous ten years.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Teachers at the middle school level (secondary 6-8) may teach in a self-contained or departmentalized setting. The teacher needs to hold a certificate valid for the grade level (Type 03, Type 09 or Type 10) and must comply with the middle grades requirements/endorsements for the departmentalized subject, or the individual must have met prior requirements.

Language Skills:

Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general professional periodicals, journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Must be able to write reports and procedure manuals and to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups.

Reasoning Skills:

Must have the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete
variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The successful
candidate must possess the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in
written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities:

All teachers must exhibit the ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programming. All teachers must possess the ability to plan and implement lessons based on State and District Learning Standards. All teachers must possess the skills to meet the needs and abilities of students to whom they are assigned. All teachers must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents. Excellent skills in oral and written communications are required for all teachers. The ability to perform duties with awareness of all district/state requirements and Board of Education policies are essential skills and requirements for all teachers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes sit and walk. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 pounds such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of students. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and outdoors.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The district reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.