ELA Department Lead & PLC Facilitator (Grades 5–8)

Hackensack Public Schools; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hackensack Public Schools invites applications for a Teacher Leader - English Language Arts, grades 5–8, for the 2026‑2027 school year. The position supports department leadership and district MTSS initiatives, with a 60‑hour allocation funded through Title II, Part A and an hourly rate of $57.85.

The role emphasizes data‑driven planning, collaborative PLCs, and professional learning to strengthen instructional practices across building and district priorities.

Qualifications

• Currently employed as a teacher in Hackensack Public Schools and holds a valid New Jersey instructional certificate appropriate to the assigned position.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of district curriculum, New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and evidence‑based instructional practices within the grade span or department served.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of standards‑aligned formative and summative assessment practices, including selecting and using varied assessment approaches to identify student strengths and learning needs, monitor progress, and inform instruction.
• Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret student achievement and growth data, assessment results, and student work and guide colleagues in translating findings into clear instructional next steps.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of Tier 1 core instruction, Tier 2 targeted supplemental intervention, and Tier 3 intensive, individualized intervention within MTSS, including how the tiers work together and how screening, diagnostic assessment, and progress monitoring inform collaborative decisions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of differentiated instruction and practices that support access to grade‑level learning for diverse learners.
• Demonstrates strong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to build trusting professional relationships.
• Demonstrates the ability to facilitate collaborative conversations and guide teams toward instructional next steps.
• Has experience contributing to or facilitating Professional Learning Communities or other shared instructional work.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continued professional growth and willingness to participate in district‑provided learning related to facilitation, assessment, instructional practices, and MTSS procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality, exercises sound professional judgment, and demonstrates the ability to organize collaborative work and meet timelines.

Responsibilities

• Priorities and schedules will be established collaboratively with the designated director or supervisor and building‑based leadership, with planning and preparation aligned to the 60‑hour allocation.
• Collaborate with the director, principals, and assistant principals to coordinate teacher leadership activities aligned with district initiatives.
• Plan and facilitate grade‑level meetings for K–4 assignments and PLCs and department meetings for grades 5–12 content areas.
• Lead structured data conversations using district protocols and schedules.
• Guide collaborative analysis of student achievement and growth data and determine instructional next steps.
• Help teams document agreed instructional actions and establish review dates.
• Facilitate collaborative planning and sustained professional learning that connects district curriculum and NJ standards with evidence‑based practices.
• Support MTSS practices through professional learning and shared understanding of Tier 1/2/3 interventions.
• Collaborate with Reading Specialists, multilingual educators, and special education staff to support data interpretation and instructional decisions.
• Promote collaborative instructional practices that support access for diverse learners.
• Prepare agendas, protocols, and professional learning materials; share resources for implementation.
• Gather educator feedback and communicate emerging needs to leadership.

Education

Certified Teacher in New Jersey

ELA standards knowledge

Data-driven instruction

MTSS understanding

Professional Learning Communities

Collaboration & facilitation

Differentiated instruction

Grade K-12 alignment

Multilingual learners support

Confidentiality & professionalism

Time management & records

Job description

Hackensack Public Schools invites applications for a Teacher Leader - English Language Arts, grades 5–8, for the 2026‑2027 school year. The position supports department leadership and district MTSS initiatives, with a 60‑hour allocation funded through Title II, Part A and an hourly rate of $57.85.

The role emphasizes data‑driven planning, collaborative PLCs, and professional learning to strengthen instructional practices across building and district priorities.