7th​/8th Grade Teacher

Great Lakes Academy is currently hiring for a Full Time 7th/8th Grade Teacher. A valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with the appropriate endorsement is preferred
; candidates who are not currently certified but are eligible and willing to pursue an alternative teaching certification program may also be considered.

For more than 28 years, Great Lakes Academy has proudly served students and families in Pontiac as a tuition-free public charter school serving grades K-8. Through small class sizes, meaningful relationships, and a safe, nurturing learning environment, our school helps students develop the academic skills, character, and confidence needed to become lifelong learners. Our teachers create engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage perseverance, and challenge students to grow both academically and personally.

If you are a passionate educator who values strong relationships and wants to make a meaningful impact on students, we invite you to join the Great Lakes Academy team.

The 7th/8th Grade Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and academically challenging learning environment that supports students as they transition into middle school. This position delivers standards-aligned instruction, fosters critical thinking and personal growth, and promotes the academic, social, and emotional development of all learners. The 7th/8th Grade Teacher collaborates with students, families, and colleagues to prepare students for continued success while supporting the mission and values of the school.

• Develop and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans that meet the academic, social, and developmental needs of sixth-grade students.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment that promotes student engagement, responsibility, and respect.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and individual student needs.
• Assess student learning through a variety of methods, including assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, and classroom participation.
• Monitor student progress, maintain accurate academic records, and use assessment data to inform instructional decisions.
• Foster critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
• Establish and maintain effective classroom management practices that encourage positive student behavior.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, analyze student data, and support school improvement initiatives.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, academic performance, and behavioral concerns.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504, and other student support meetings as required.
• Integrate instructional technology and innovative teaching strategies to enhance student learning.
• Participate in school activities, meetings, professional development, and other assigned duties.
• Maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
• Maintain effective communication with students, parents, and school staff.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Supervision of multiple students in a classroom setting.
• Establishing routines and procedures that promote student success.
• Maintaining a safe, organized, and productive learning environment.
• Creating and implementing engaging instructional plans aligned with curriculum standards.
• Monitoring student progress and adapting instruction based on assessment data.
• Managing multiple priorities while meeting instructional deadlines.
• Participating in continuous professional development.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Frequently stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom.
• Occasionally bend, kneel, squat, or reach while assisting students or organizing classroom materials.
• Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and other school settings.
• Withstand moderate noise levels throughout the school environment.
• Be able to perform first aid/CPR if necessary.
• Assist/lift students, as necessary.

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with the appropriate grade-level endorsement.
• Strong knowledge of middle school curriculum, instructional best practices, and adolescent development.
• Ability to develop engaging lessons that promote academic achievement…