(Avondale) Middle School Social Studies (SS) Teacher (October Start)

Sun Valley Academy; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical benefits

401K retirement program

Competitive salary

Job summary

Sun Valley Academy in Avondale is seeking a Middle School Social Studies Teacher (7th-8th) to join a collaborative team. The role focuses on delivering engaging lessons aligned with Arizona standards, leveraging data to drive instruction, and supporting students with diverse learning needs.

A strong candidate will foster critical thinking and civic literacy within a structured classroom. The position offers full-time, exempt status with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• CPR/First Aid Certification.
• Minimum one year teaching experience.
• Arizona Teaching Certificate or reciprocal certificate preferred.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction aligned to Arizona State Standards in Social Studies.
• Deliver engaging, grade-appropriate lessons for grades 7-8.
• Cover core Social Studies topics: geography, U.S. and world history, government, civics, economics.
• Use data-driven instruction to monitor progress and adjust lessons for mastery.
• Assess student progress and provide timely feedback to students and families.
• Integrate technology and multimedia to support differentiated learning.
• Establish routines for a structured, respectful classroom environment.
• Maintain accurate student records and participate in school events.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Differentiated instruction

Data-driven instruction

MS Office & tech tools

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (preferred)

Arizona Teaching Certificate (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Instructional technology tools

Job description

Middle School (MS) Social Studies (SS) Teacher

Location: Avondale

Job Type: Full-time, Contract, Exempt

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000 per year

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT SUN VALLEY ACADEMY

You are an enthusiastic team player looking to grow your career with an expanding organization. You are passionate about middle school Social Studies and dedicated to helping students in grades 6-8 develop critical thinking, historical analysis, civic understanding, and global awareness. You enjoy working with students, families, and colleagues, and you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative school environment. You are a highly qualified, motivated self-starter who works well with others, seeks solutions to challenges, and demonstrates leadership in your classroom.

As the 7th-8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, you will:

• Provide instruction aligned to Arizona State Standards in Social Studies.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, grade-level appropriate lessons that address various learning styles, abilities, and interests.
• Cover core Social Studies topics such as geography, U.S. and world history, government, civics, and economics, while fostering historical thinking and civic literacy.
• Utilize school-adopted systems of practice for curriculum, instruction, and assessment including, but not limited to: Beyond Textbooks, data submission processes, and testing protocols.
• Use data-driven instruction to monitor student progress and adjust lessons to support mastery of Social Studies concepts and skills.
• Assess student progress toward learning targets and provide timely, constructive feedback to students, parents/guardians, and administration.
• Integrate technology, digital resources, primary and secondary sources, and multimedia tools to enhance engagement and support differentiated learning.
• Encourage student discussion, debate, inquiry-based learning, collaborative projects, and critical thinking.
• Establish classroom routines and procedures that support a structured, respectful, and productive learning environment.
• Effectively implement student goals outlined in 504 Plans and IEPs.
• Participate in grade-level and school-wide professional learning activities.
• Document and proactively address student behavior and attendance issues.
• Reflect continually on instructional practices to improve student outcomes.
• Supervise students in accordance with state laws and school policies.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by the school and law.
• Participate in school-wide events, meetings, and parent conferences.

CORE VALUES/PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES:

• Promote positive interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate a belief that all middle school students can succeed in social studies and ELA.
• Be responsible, flexible, reliable, and punctual.
• Willingness to adapt to change and respond positively to feedback.
• Positively accept direction from supervisors.
• Exercise effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Adhere to the dress code, policies, and procedures outlined in the Teacher Handbook.
• Maintain student and staff confidentiality.
• Act as a positive role model for students, parents, and staff.
• Show respect and dignity for cultural differences.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of middle school social studies and ELA content (6th-8th grade standards).
• Ability to clearly explain complex concepts and foster critical thinking.
• Skilled in analyzing assessment data to inform instruction.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret curriculum guides, manuals, and assessment documents.
• Write in a coherent and professional manner.
• Present information clearly to students, families, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and instructional technology tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Minimum one (1) year Teaching Experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Arizona Teaching Certificate, or Reciprocal Out-Of-State Certificate
• Master's Degree or higher

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Positions in this classification typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, fingering, standing, walking, pushing, reaching, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Employees must be subject to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Employees must be able to physically manage a classroom with small children ensuring the safety of the children at all times.

ABOUT US

Sun Valley Academy is a premier charter school district serving students in the Avondale, Glendale, and South Mountain communities. We believe in educating the whole child by focusing on academics, leadership development, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and creating a nurturing environment. As a Leader in Me School, our students began learning and implementing leadership principles in Kindergarten and continue throughout their academic career. At Sun Valley Academy, we celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion, build community partnerships, and seek sustainable practices to preserve our environment.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

At SVA, we offer smaller class sizes (for teacher postings), competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, a warm and loving environment, opportunities to lead after school clubs and programs, and future growth opportunities.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Sun Valley Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Sun Valley offers competitive salary, full medical benefits, life insurance and a 401K retirement program. We are a warm, caring, supportive environment where all team members work hard to give our students the best possible academic outcomes.

BACKGROUND SCREENING PROCESS

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.