CTE Middle School Career Exploration Teacher

Hamilton County Department of Education; East Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

East Ridge Middle School in East Ridge, TN, seeks a dedicated teacher for grades 6-8 to deliver instruction aligned with state standards. You will plan, deliver, and assess lessons, motivating students and differentiating instruction to meet diverse needs.

The role emphasizes strong classroom management, collaboration with colleagues, and ongoing assessment to support student growth. Tennessee licensure or active licensure program is required, with commitment to equity and high expectations.

Qualifications

• Teaching candidates must hold a valid Tennessee teaching license or be an upcoming graduate.
• Enrollment in a job-embedded licensure program is acceptable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and assess instruction aligned with State standards.
• Foster structured, engaging classrooms and supportive relationships.
• Build strong communication with families and the community.
• Collaborate with colleagues and adhere to Tennessee teaching ethics.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Planning & organizational

Time management

Education

Tennessee teaching license / educator prep

Job description

Hamilton County Schools

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

Career Exploration

Career Exploration Courses 1, 2, and 3 for Middle School students are designed to build foundational knowledge of career opportunities through examining key characteristics evident in successful leaders, connecting academic aptitude and personal strengths to postsecondary and career success, and bringing awareness to career availability in various contexts. Students will engage in self-reflection and intentional goal setting by using a career assessment tool, analyze academic strengths and progress, research postsecondary options and the requirements for various career sectors, and identify coursework, extracurricular activities, and experiences that can support career exploration. Students will also engage in experiential learning that can support career advising and planning. Upon completion of this coursework, proficient students will understand their own strengths and academic skills, explain specific careers and career sectors of interest, and develop an understanding of the career pathways, postsecondary education institutions, and employers located in their greater community. Finally, students will demonstrate transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, self-advocacy, and effective communication), alongside technical skills (e.g. time management and goal creation) to practice critical skills needed in the workplace. Students will use their own strengths and skills to set meaningful academic and career goals, and to articulate high school pathways and careers that align with their strengths and academic background or plans.

Middle School Computer Science

The Computer Science teacher will provide instruction to students in grades 6, 7, and 8, with coursework designed to develop foundational skills in computational thinking, programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, and responsible technology use. Students will participate in hands‑on learning experiences that promote problem‑solving, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Courses will also introduce students to computer systems, digital citizenship, internet safety, and technology‑related career pathways, preparing them for continued computer science learning in high school and beyond.

East Ridge Middle School

East Ridge Middle School, located in East Ridge, Tennessee, is a vibrant and diverse learning community where students in grades 6-8 grow academically, socially, and personally. ERMS is a place where every student is known, supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

Our Vision is to develop responsible citizens through academic excellence, strong character, and social growth. At the heart of our school community is The Pioneer Way, which empowers students to be Respectful, Responsible, Resilient, and Ready. These four commitments guide how our students learn, interact with others, respond to challenges, and contribute to our school community while strengthening a culture of belonging and high expectations.

ERMS serves a diverse student population in grades 6-8. Our student population is approximately 56.8% Hispanic/Latino, 16.7% Black/African American, 15.7% White, 10.2% multiracial, and 0.6% Asian. Diversity is our superpower. The cultures, languages, experiences, and backgrounds represented across our campus are among our greatest strengths, and we remain deeply committed to ensuring equity, access, high expectations, and opportunity for every learner.

Our academic work is centered on Accelerate & Elevate, with a continued focus on strengthening Tier I instruction, creating a Warm Demander culture, and improving student attendance and engagement. Through the Academic Press and Personalization framework, students engage in grade‑level curriculum, complex tasks, academic discourse, collaboration, and purposeful learning experiences designed to increase achievement and ownership of learning.

Aligned with Hamilton County Schools' Portrait of a Graduate, ERMS prepares students to become academically thriving, solutions‑oriented, effective communicators, culturally aware community members, and resilient learners. Whether in the classroom, through athletics and the arts, within our House System, or through service, leadership, and extracurricular opportunities, students learn to persevere through challenges, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and contribute positively to their community.

We are seeking staff members who believe deeply in the potential of every student and who build strong relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community. You will be a great fit at East Ridge Middle School if you live The Pioneer Way, hold high expectations for all learners, collaborate with others, embrace innovative and engaging instructional practices, value cultural and linguistic diversity, work as a team, and believe every student can learn and grow.

At East Ridge Middle School, we are more than a school—we are a family of Pioneers committed to being Respectful, Responsible, Resilient, and Ready while accelerating learning, elevating opportunities, strengthening belonging, and paving the way for brighter futures.

Every day is a Great Day East of the Ridge!

Responsibilities

Plan, deliver and assess effective instruction that is tightly aligned with State standards.

• Designs lessons based on best practices with clear learning targets and measurable goals aligned with State standards and/or unit outcomes. Frequently plans collaboratively with colleagues.
• Conveys high expectations while using multiple effective strategies, materials, and classroom practices that involve and motivate students while differentiating instruction to meet students’ needs.
• Uses colleagues and own self-reflection on instructional practice to continually improve instruction.

Classroom Management & Relationships

• Fosters a well‑structured and engaging learning environment by utilizing effective classroom procedures and routines while showing caring, respect, and fairness for all students.

Family & Community

• Consistently develops strong relationships with students’ families while diligently informing parents of expectations, positive news, and/or concerns about their children.
• Provides opportunities for parents to be involved in their children’s learning.

Professional Responsibilities

• Actively seeks out opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and other stakeholders in order to improve teaching & learning.
• Reflects on own instruction and leadership while contributing ideas, expertise, and time to the mission and goals of the school.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching license in elementary, middle or high school, be an upcoming graduate of an accredited educator preparation program, or be enrolled in a job-embedded Academic or Occupational licensure program.

Skills/Qualifications

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard‑to‑staff positions. Please see https://hcde.org/human-resources/talent-acquisition/ for more details.