EdPost

The English Language Arts Teacher plays a central role in the academic, social-emotional, and character development of students in grades 7–12. Grounded in a commitment to educational equity and excellence, the teacher is responsible for delivering rigorous, standards-based instruction rooted in culturally responsive practices. This role requires proactive collaboration with colleagues, families, and support staff to ensure each student thrives in a safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Classroom Culture & Community Building

• Foster a trauma-informed, anti-racist classroom that honors the identities and lived experiences of all students.

• Establish a safe, predictable, and joyful learning environment with clear routines and high behavioral expectations.

• Build strong, positive relationships with students and families through ongoing communication, outreach, and partnership.

• Lead daily community-building circles to promote belonging, restorative practice, and student voice.

• Promote student self-regulation and accountability through consistent reinforcement and appropriate reteaching.

2. Instruction & Student Learning

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned to Minnesota Academic Standards in English Language Arts and school-wide curricular priorities.

• Post and review clear learning objectives (content and language) for every lesson.
  Deliver rigorous, differentiated instruction that balances direct instruction with student-led discussion, collaboration, and inquiry.

• Integrate diverse texts and instructional materials that reflect a range of perspectives, cultures, and identities.
  
  

• Embed principles of Critical Race Theory, media literacy, and social justice to help students analyze, critique, and understand complex narratives.

• Utilize formative and summative assessments to measure progress, adjust instruction, and provide targeted feedback.
  Incorporate individualized supports, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in IEPs and 504 plans.

• Guide students in setting academic goals and tracking progress toward mastery.

3. Planning & Curriculum Development

• Create and revise unit and quarterly instructional plans aligned with priority standards and school pacing guides.

• Prepare detailed daily lesson plans, assessments, and materials that are accessible and engaging.

• Maintain accurate records of student progress and performance through gradebooks, anecdotal notes, and student work samples.

• Use school-wide data platforms and shared drives to organize instructional materials and share plans with instructional teams.

4. Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities

• Actively engage in weekly collaboration with co-teachers, SPED/EL staff, educational assistants, and instructional coaches.

• Participate in weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze data, reflect on instructional practices, and support school-wide improvement goals.

• Attend and contribute to IEP meetings, family-teacher conferences, and student intervention plans.

• Partner with student support staff (e.g., dean of students, social workers, family liaisons) to holistically support students.

• Engage in school-wide committees, community events, and student celebrations.

• Stay current with research-based instructional strategies, literacy frameworks, and content-area developments through ongoing professional learning.

• Maintain valid Minnesota teaching licensure in 7–12 English Language Arts.

• Participate in the school’s teacher evaluation process, including goal-setting, coaching, observations, and performance reflection.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Minnesota Teaching License in Communication Arts/Literature (Grades 5–12 or 7–12) or eligibility for Tier 2 licensure.

• Demonstrated experience or commitment to working in diverse, urban, or charter school environments.

• Strong knowledge of the Minnesota English Language Arts Standards.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed, culturally sustaining, and equity-focused teaching practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing restorative practices or SEL frameworks.

• Experience integrating technology and multimedia into literacy instruction.

• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Other Duties as Assigned

This position may include other responsibilities assigned by school leadership as needed to support school goals and student success.