Molokai Middle: Grade 8 English Language Arts Teacher, 65941 (2026-03172

Grade 8 English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher Position Overview

The Grade 8 ELA Teacher delivers rigorous, standards-based instruction designed to transition students into high school-level literacy. This role focuses on developing critical thinking through analyzing complex literary and informational texts, refining writing skills across various genres, and fostering strong communication and vocabulary skills.

• Curriculum & Instruction Standards-Aligned Teaching: Design and execute engaging daily lessons aligned with state and district standards (e.g., Common Core) focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Text Analysis: Guide students through deep reading and analysis of novels, short stories, poetry, essays, and primary source documents appropriate for 8th-grade reading levels.
• Writing Development: Instruct students in the full writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing) across narrative, argumentative, and informative essays, emphasizing evidence-based claims.
• Language & Vocabulary: Teach grammar, mechanics, academic vocabulary, and sentence structure in context to elevate student writing and speech.

• Data-Driven Instruction: Administer formative and summative assessments to gauge comprehension, track progress, and adjust teaching strategies.
• Differentiated Learning: Adapt instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, supporting students with IEPs/504 plans and English Language Learners (ELL), while challenging advanced learners.
• Actionable Feedback: Provide timely, constructive feedback on student writing and assignments to encourage continuous improvement.

• Supportive Environment: Maintain a safe, inclusive, and structured classroom environment that encourages civil discussion, intellectual curiosity, and mutual respect.
• Behavior Management: Implement clear expectations, routines, and restorative practices consistent with school policies.

• Parent & Guardian Communication: Maintain proactive communication with families regarding student academic progress, achievements, and behavioral needs.
• Team Participation: Collaborate regularly with Grade 8 interdisciplinary teams, ELA department colleagues, and support staff (e.g., specialists, counselors) to align curriculum and support individual student needs.
• Professional Growth: Participate in professional development workshops, department meetings, and school-wide initiatives.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in English, Middle School Education, or related field (Master's preferred). Licensure:
Valid state teaching certification/license in Middle School ELA or English (Grades 5/6–8/9).

The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree. If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license.

You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in. Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit.

You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website.

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.

The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.