Middle School ELA Teacher, 5-8

Erie 1 BOCES; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Tapestry Charter School in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Middle School ELA Teacher (grades 5-8) for the 2026-27 school year. The teacher will plan, implement, and assess an engaging ELA program within a project-based learning framework aligned to NYS standards.

You will collaborate with special education, literacy, and ELL staff, differentiate instruction, incorporate SEL, and communicate with families. A 3-year teaching credential and a master's in ELA are required; this is a full-time, 10-month

Qualifications

• Professional/Permanent certification in applicable grades/subject area with 3 years of teaching experience.
• Master's degree or higher in English Language Arts.
• Classroom experience is essential.
• Expeditionary Learning knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver ELA instruction and project-based learning experiences.
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and collaborate with related service staff.
• Assess student progress and communicate with families per school procedures.

Skills

Technology proficiency

Education

Master's degree in English Language Arts

Professional/Permanent teaching certification

Job description

POSITION: Middle School ELA Teacher, 5-8

SCHOOL YEAR: 2026-27

REPORTS TO: Middle School Building Principal

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt/10 month

Mission: Educating and inspiring a diverse community of K-12 learners by engaging them in rigorous real-world learning experiences which prioritize intellectual, social and emotional growth.

Vision: Tapestry is a vibrant, sustainable school that empowers learners and leaders to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Values: Perseverance, Integrity, Respect & Responsibility (PIRR).

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Middle School Principal, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. The classroom teacher is critical in supporting the mission and values of Tapestry to educate and inspire a diverse community of learners by engaging them in rigorous, real‑world, project‑based learning experiences which prioritize intellectual, social and emotional growth.

POSITION RATIONALE

In alignment with our strategic plan, we are seeking to increase the level of rigor in all content areas while improving literacy skills across all grade levels K-12. We will accomplish these strategic objectives with the following initiatives which are to be supported by the ELA Teacher:

• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning and literacy strategies.
• Provide effective project-based learning experiences for students with a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Effectively assess and progress monitor the educational needs of students in order to design, develop and implement sound educational plans.

CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTIONAL AND ASSESSMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adapt EL Education ELA Curriculum modules.
• Implement the principles and components of EL Education Core Practices.
• Plan, prepare and deliver project-based lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning and literacy strategies.
• Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignments.
• Work with Special Education, Literacy Specialists, and ELL teachers to collaborate with and plan for the needs of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and English Language Learners (ELL).
• DIfferentiate instruction and provide accommodations and support as needed. Actively seek to improve knowledge and skills to better address the needs of special education and ELL students.
• Incorporate diversity and culturally relevant content and wellness into curriculum and instruction throughout the school year. Ensure that all students see their culture(s) represented in curriculum and resources.
• Develop and revise clear criteria and standards for high quality work and regularly examine student work to ensure that it meets the high standards of quality. Display student work documenting the process of learning that went into creating high quality work.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student work using multiple assessment tools. Use assessment data to plan for instruction. Ensure collection and submission of data specified in the school's accountability plan.
• Utilize assessment for learning strategies to engage students in assessing their own understanding and mastery. Involve students in using learning targets for this purpose.

SCHOOL CULTURE/CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students that includes SEL and restorative practices. Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing norms, expectations, and procedures and building relationships as the foundation.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Commitment to the success of all children.
• Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested, promptly return phone calls and answer emails.
• Engage students in age appropriate discussions of diversity and equity. Use student observations, questions, actions and reactions as teachable moments to issues that arise.
• Plan and facilitate team based daily crew lessons that directly connect to the NYS SEL Benchmarks.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates success in collaborative teaching, managing a mixed‑ability classroom and facilitating performance-based learning.
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities.

FAMILY COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT

• Prepare progress summaries using the reporting procedures agreed upon by the teaching staff and the Principal. Collaborate as needed with other teachers.
• Conduct Student Led Conferences with families twice per year.
• Keep families informed about classroom activities and units of study through ongoing communication
• Attend and participate in school events.
• Check voicemail and email daily and respond promptly or within 24 hours to requests from families, administrators and colleagues.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Tapestry Charter School mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to teaching and instruction of elementary students and ELA education.
• Know and have used a variety of intervention models, current programs, and strategies.
• Child growth and development and behavior characteristics of middle school students.
• Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and the educational trends and research‑based findings pertaining to student educational programming.
• Behavior management and behavior strategies, techniques, methods and conflict resolution procedures.
• Socio‑economic and cultural background differences of general student population; Cultural responsiveness.
• Trained in interventions and tiers of RTI.
• Technology including devices and computer programs.
• Commitment to the success of all children.
• Demonstrates success in collaborative teaching, managing a mixed‑ability classroom and facilitating performance‑based learning.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Professional/Permanent certification in applicable grades/subject area with 3 years of teaching experience.
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Learning is a plus.
• Classroom experience is essential.
• A concentration in, master's degree, or higher, in English Language Arts.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed primarily in a classroom environment, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion including walking, bending, standing. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers to complete typing, filing, and data entry. Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Position requires talking, walking, driving, speaking and comprehension of complex matters.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.

Job Attachment: View Attachment

Itinerant Location: 65 Great Arrow Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216

Salary: From : 41670.00

Salary: To : 89393.00

Salary Competitive : Y

Position Status : Full time

Contact Person's Title : Human Resources

Contact Person's Email : [e-mail]

Job Posting Link : www.tapestryschool.org/careers