Upper Grade Language Arts Teacher; 7th and 8th Grade

Description

This position is for the  School Year

To create a flexible middle grade program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth; to establish effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for middle grade education in accordance with each student’s ability; to establish good relationships with parents and other staff members; to assist in school programs subject to the SSDS Mission which states:

“At Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, we ignite our students’ Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world.”

• Teaches language arts to students in a classroom, using the curriculum and other appropriate resources.
• Provides instruction that meets national standards and focuses on the key areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student and uses the available time for instruction.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, lecture, group work and independent study, discovery, etc.
• Helps create a safe environment where students can feel comfortable taking risks and achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares report cards.
• Communicates with parents through conferences, phone calls, emails, and in person and virtual meetings to discuss students’ progress.
• Identifies student needs and works cooperatively with other professional staff members in supporting students.
• Maintains professionalism through in-service and professional growth activities, as well as any curriculum training programs.
• Collaborates with grade-level colleagues around curriculum and educational programming.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day.
• Participates in teacher leadership roles where appropriate and available.
• Demonstrates a commitment to best practices in all dimensions of effective teaching as defined by the Thoughtful Classroom framework, including: organization, rules and routines; positive relationships; engagement and enjoyment; a culture of thinking and learning; preparing students for new learning; presenting new learning; deepening and reinforcing learning; applying learning; and reflecting on and celebrating learning.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, accident and other insurance, sick/personal time, 403(b) retirement plan, leave early for Shabbat, professional development opportunities, wonderful leadership team and belonging to an amazing community. Come join us!

• Bachelor’s degree of related subject from accredited university
• Illinois teaching certificate.
• Experience is preferred but not necessary for hiring.