Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacred Heart School in Yankton, SD, is seeking a Middle School Language Arts Teacher for the January–May 2027 term. The teacher will instruct grades six through eight in reading, writing, and language arts, designing engaging lessons and aligning with school standards.

The role requires collaboration with grade-level teams, effective classroom management, and ongoing communication with parents. A Catholic educational setting and mission alignment are emphasized in this position description.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in middle-level instruction with emphasis in Language Arts.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to collaborate with grade-level and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Promote the mission of Sacred Heart Catholic School.
• Plan and execute lessons aligned with standards.
• Differentiate instruction to support all students.
• Prepare students for assessments.
• Maintain up-to-date grading records.
• Evaluate progress and provide feedback with data tracking.
• Maintain student attendance and cumulative records.
• Create a safe, middle-school learning environment.
• Communicate with parents and conduct conferences twice a year.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Student engagement

Classroom management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in middle-level instruction with emphasis in Language Arts

Job description

Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Sacred Heart School

Yankton, South Dakota

Open Position January–May 2027

Reports to: Principal

Job Summary

The Middle School Language Arts Teacher instructs students in grades six through eight in reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, literature, and critical communication skills. The teacher designs and maintains a structured and engaging learning environment tailored to middle school students, and collaborates closely with grade-level and cross-functional teacher teams to co-plan instruction, align behavioral expectations, and implement classroom management strategies.

General Introduction

The Bishop of Sioux Falls is the visible head and source of unity in the particular Church entrusted to his pastoral care (CCC 1594). In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ's mission present and enduring while functioning in his role as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop trusts chosen collaborators — clerics, religious, and lay people — to share in the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Each employee helps to extend the ministry of the local Pastor and Sacred Heart Catholic Schools in particular ways, as outlined in this position description.

Responsibilities

• Promote the mission of Sacred Heart Catholic School.
• Plan and execute lessons — design daily and weekly lesson plans and activities that align with the standards.
• Differentiate instruction — adapt lessons and materials to support all students.
• Prepare students for assessments.
• Maintain up-to-date grading records for student work.
• Evaluate student progress, provide constructive feedback, and track data.
• Maintain student attendance and grades for student cumulative records.
• Manage and organize a safe, middle-school-level learning environment.
• Use a positive and preventative approach to discipline: redirection, setting positive limits, clearly stating expectations, encouragement and praise, providing choices, and allowing students to problem solve.
• Supervise and interact with the children during all activities in the school.
• Conduct conferences twice a year, and maintain effective, regular communication with parents.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Perform various duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to effectively make known the Catholic Church's teachings through the varied ministry activities expected of this position.
• Willingness and ability to act as an outstanding personal witness to the Catholic faith by living one's professional and personal life in accordance with the doctrines and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, as embodied in the Church's documents, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Catholic in good standing, with the ability to be a spiritual leader of Sacred Heart School.
• Bachelor's degree in middle-level instruction with an emphasis in Language Arts, or equivalent, preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal skills.
• Self-starter with high energy and flexibility.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Strength in problem solving and decision making.
• Child-friendly personality and patience with middle-level learners.

Performance Standards

• Meets the expectations of the administration and principal.
• Communicates well with staff, students, and parents.
• Interacts with students and staff in a professional manner.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Supportive of team effort.
• Supportive of the mission of Sacred Heart School.

Start Date

January 4, 2027