Middle School ELA Teacher

Job Title: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher (Grades 6, 7, 8) 
Department/Location: Grand Valley Middle School
Job Family: Certified Licensed 
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt 
Work Calendar: Teacher
Pay Range: T Salary Schedule: $45,000.00 - $84,112.00
Reports To: Building Principal
Supervises: Students
Job ID#: 1493
 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing high-quality instruction aligned to district-adopted curriculum and the Colorado Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, and Communicating (CAS-RWC). Instruction emphasizes the core middle school ELA content areas outlined in Colorado's standards: Oral Expression and Listening, Reading for All Purposes, Writing and Composition, and Research Inquiry and Design. The teacher supports students' literacy development through close reading of complex texts, academic writing, collaborative discussion, language conventions, and research skills, while creating a safe, inclusive learning environment that promotes student growth and achievement.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

English Language Development Instruction & Student Learning

• Utilize effective instructional practices to teach district-adopted ELA curriculum aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, and Communicating.
• Plan and deliver instruction that intentionally develops students' skills across the Colorado middle school ELA standards areas: oral expression and listening; reading for all purposes; writing and composition; and research inquiry and design.
• Teach students to read and analyze a range of literary and informational texts and apply comprehension strategies to build knowledge across disciplines.
• Provide explicit instruction in writing (argumentative, informational/explanatory, and narrative as appropriate), including planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
• Support students in academic language development, including vocabulary, sentence structure, conventions/grammar, and effective communication.
• Facilitate student-centered discussion and collaboration using accountable talk routines, speaking/listening expectations, and evidence-based responses.
• Integrate research skills such as question development, source evaluation, citation, synthesis, and ethical use of information.
• Differentiate instruction to address individual student differences, learning styles, readiness levels, and needs.
• Utilize adopted instructional materials and appropriate supplemental resources, media, and instructional technology.
• Administer formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning, achievement, and performance, and report results in accordance with district and school procedures.
• Use assessment data to provide meaningful feedback, adjust instruction, and support continuous student growth.
• Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and behavior support plans as required.

Classroom Environment, Safety & Student Well-Being

• Establish and maintain an orderly, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies and enforce the Student Conduct Code consistently.
• Promote literacy habits that support middle school learners, including perseverance, academic integrity, goal setting, and responsible work habits.
• Supervise students at all times to ensure safety, including during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, field trips, and transportation loading and unloading.
• Model and reinforce appropriate digital citizenship and responsible use of instructional technology.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.

Professional Responsibilities & Compliance

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and staff information.
• Comply with all applicable federal and Colorado laws, Board of Education policies, and district and school procedures.
• Demonstrate consistent, punctual attendance and fulfill contractual obligations.
• Protect and care for district property and instructional materials.
• Utilize district technology systems, including email and internet, in accordance with district policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of middle school instructional practices and adolescent development.
• Knowledge of the Colorado Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, and Communicating and how to align instruction and assessment to standards.
• Ability to plan and deliver instruction in reading, writing, speaking/listening, and research skills appropriate for grades 6–8.
• Ability to teach text-based analysis, academic discussion, and evidence-based writing.
• Ability to use formative and summative assessments to evaluate learning and adjust instruction.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a professional team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to frequent interruptions.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety, follow safety procedures, and report unsafe conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with completion of an approved teacher licensure program.
• Valid Colorado Teaching License with an appropriate endorsement for English Language Arts at the middle school level (or equivalent).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous teaching experience implementing Colorado Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, and Communicating in a middle school setting.
• Experience using writing samples, rubrics, and feedback cycles to improve student writing.
• Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, including IEP and 504 populations.
• Multilingual skills.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting.
• Supervision of students in various settings, including classrooms, hallways, outdoor areas, and school-sponsored activities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not exhaustive and may change as needed. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change by the district.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, Garfield County School District No.16 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, family composition, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Harassment, if it rises to the level described in state law, is a prohibited form of discrimination.