English Language Arts Teacher, Grade 8 (SY 25-26)

Cambridge Public Schools; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative public middle school is seeking a dedicated English Language Arts Teacher for Grade 8, who is passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. This role involves teaching a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes diverse texts and engaging students in meaningful discussions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong classroom management skills and a commitment to social justice and anti-racism. Collaborating with a dynamic team and actively participating in the school community are essential aspects of this position. Join a progressive educational institution dedicated to equity and excellence in teaching.

Qualifications

• Experience in English Language Arts with a proven track record of high achievement.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute effective ELA lessons based on the Fishtank Curriculum.
• Assess students and differentiate instruction based on their needs.

Skills

Classroom Management

English Language Arts Teaching

Communication Skills

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

Fishtank Curriculum

Common Core Standards

Job description

Position: English Language Arts Teacher, Grade 8

Putnam Avenue Upper School

The Opportunity:

Putnam Avenue Upper School is an innovative public middle school in the Cambridge Public School District. We are looking for a dynamic, committed educator with strong content and pedagogical knowledge, solid classroom management skills, a deep commitment to social justice and anti-racism, and experience working in an urban school setting.

The 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at the Putnam Avenue Upper School will teach 4 sections of English Language Arts from a standards-based, rigorous curriculum that centers diverse, high-quality authentic texts from multiple genres, cultures, and time periods. In addition to all responsibilities of teaching ELA, the PAUS Grade 8 English Language Arts teacher should positively contribute to the PAUS community and CPS ELA Department by actively engaging in meetings (i.e., ELA department meetings, grade level team meetings), forming relationships, regularly communicating with caregivers, and performing other duties as requested.

The Grade 8 English Language Arts teacher reports to the Head of the Upper School and works closely with the Grade 8 teaching team and school and district ELA/Literacy Instructional Coaches and Department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute effective ELA lessons based on Fishtank Curriculum.
• Assess students regularly and refine and differentiate classroom instruction based on assessment data and student needs.
• Establish a culture of high expectations and cultivate a strong, caring, respectful classroom community that enables all students to thrive.
• Establish and integrate social emotional learning into the classroom and work to foster a safe, caring, and active learning community.
• Collaborate with all team members, including but not limited to special educators, instructional coaches, paraprofessionals, interventionists, and other school and district staff.
• Regularly communicate with families and caregivers as active partners in students’ learning and development.
• Continuously engage in ongoing learning and reflection related to culturally responsive pedagogy and literacy best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming ELA Teacher, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• An unwavering belief in all students along with a strong desire to learn, grow, and improve, alongside a strong work ethic.
• English Language Arts teaching experience with a proven track record of high achievement in the classroom.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Common Core/MA Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a diverse staff and student body.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Massachusetts Teacher Certification in English Language Arts grades 6-8 required.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.