Lead Middle School Teacher (Middle and HS School Grades - 9th) (Fall 2026)

The Anchor School; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Teacher Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) membership

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Anchor School in Decatur, Georgia is looking for a passionate Lead Middle School Teacher to guide students in a supportive environment. You will foster holistic development and academic success through your commitment to instructional leadership and collaboration.

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree and full-time classroom experience, with a salary range of $50,000 - $80,000. Competitive benefits, including health benefits and professional development opportunities, are provided.

Qualifications

• Full-time classroom experience in a school setting.
• Experience teaching in small or large group settings.
• 1-3 years of experience in middle school settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Write lesson plans and provide consistent instructional delivery.
• Facilitate student engagement and support holistic development.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary curriculum and project-based learning.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in education or related field

Job description

Lead Middle School Teacher (Middle and HS School Grades - 9th) (Fall 2026)

• Full-time

The Mission: The Anchor School is a village of educators, families, and community members that partners with 6th through 12th grade students who are developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in school and beyond. Through our commitment to excellent instruction, community partnerships, and holistic student development, we cultivate anchors that build a more just and equitable future.

This job description applies to the following instructional positions at The Anchor School:

• Teacher (6th - 9th Grade Math)
• Teacher (6th - 9th Grade ELA)
• Project Teacher (6th - 8th Grade Humanities)
• Project Teacher (6th - 8th Grade STEM)
• Teacher (8th - 9th Grade Science)
• Teacher (6th - 9th Grade PE/Health/Fitness - Yoga/Dance/PE)
• Teacher (6th - 9th Grade Modern Language - Spanish)
• Teacher (6th - 9th Grade Personalized Learning)

Important Note: Not all these positions are currently open; some will be filled by current employees.

Our Approach

We are seeking passionate, detail‑oriented, mission‑driven teachers who are great with people and understand that the foundation of a great school starts with great instructional leadership in the classroom. The Anchor School is committed to our students and families who expect a safe and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. Our teachers create classroom cultures that drive student success, support holistic student development, facilitate personal growth, and nurture a sense of safety, security, and confidence in every one of our students. The Anchor School is redefining what is possible for adolescents in the metro Atlanta region. Your job is to grow as an educational leader every day – and to translate that growth into student growth through your curriculum and instruction. By joining our team, you become part of a village of educators, families, and community members who want to partner with 6th-12th grade students as they develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Write daily-, weekly-, and unit-level plans for your subject matter.
• Build a warm, supportive, achievement‑oriented culture throughout the school.
• Internalize, personalize, and execute daily lesson plans.
• Make instructional decisions with joy, care for the whole child, and purpose.
• Teach every lesson with a clear vision for student success that reflects high academic and behavioral standards.
• Engage in an ongoing data‑driven cycle of assessment, analysis, and action.
• Provide consistent rules, routines, and procedures for students.
• Implement school‑wide systems that are designed to ensure academic and behavioral alignment.
• Participate in an annual four‑week staff training prior to school opening in the fall.

Families and Students

• Support the holistic development of middle school students.
• Advise 12‑15 students per year.
• Engage families through phone calls, home visits, micro‑village meetings, and notes.

Compliance

• Commit to deliver on the strategic goals of the school.
• Eagerly engage in a learning community that prioritizes daily professional development.
• Adhere to all requirements outlined in personalized plans for student success (i.e., IEP, 504 Plan, Individualized Graduation Plan).

Project Lead Teacher Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinate with industry professionals and community partners to design curricular experiences that allow students to solve real‑world problems.
• Plan and co‑teach an interdisciplinary project‑based curriculum that exposes students to a real‑world problem and gives students an opportunity to present their solutions to the problem.
• Collaborate with teachers across the grade‑level to build connections for students between disciplines and subjects.
• Plan and design a celebration of student learning each semester with the Director of Middle School and Head of School.

Lead Teachers may perform other duties that support students of The Anchor School. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in education, the content area, or some other related field and full‑time classroom experience in a school setting (i.e., teaching, student teaching, teacher residency). The candidate must be able to demonstrate alignment to the mission and vision of the school, a commitment to community stakeholder engagement, and an entrepreneurial style of leadership in the founding years of the school.

• Full‑time classroom experience in a school setting.
• Experience teaching your content, either in small group or large group setting.
• 1‑3 years of experience in middle school settings, preferred.
• Highly organized.
• Strong communicator and collaborator.
• Able to problem‑solve and think creatively about establishing systems and structures for new school.
• Able to coordinate multiple moving parts, and multiple tasks, on a daily basis.
• Background check passed, required.

Compensation

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Starting Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000

Other Benefits: We offer a competitive compensation package and comprehensive health benefits. Our employees are eligible for Teacher Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) membership in accordance with Georgia law. All staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including relevant and quality professional development, laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Reporting Structure

Lead Teachers report directly to a Director‑Level position (depending on their department).

Hours

This will be a full‑time position starting in July of 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Anchor School 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.