Classroom Teacher / Language Arts (English)

About the position

Under the direction of the Head of School, the middle school ELA teacher is responsible for supporting the school and the Diocese of Bridgeport in its mission. He/she is to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing diocesan approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. Educators are engaged in a school conducted by the Roman Catholic Church for the express purpose of education in the academic, social, moral and religious values promulgated by the Church.

Responsibilities

• Recognize/support the unique Catholic Mission of the school by speaking, acting, and instructing consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Active member of a faith community; strives to model the teaching of Jesus by attitude and example.
• Helps build school's faith community - demonstrates willingness to participate in and plan school religious and service activities.
• Demonstrates effective planning skills by preparing lessons designed to implement stated goals and objectives and by incorporating school and diocesan curriculum objectives in lesson plans.
• Promote a safe classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Current, thorough knowledge of curriculum and subject matter and able to communicate effectively with students; must organize classroom learning and materials to maximize student time on tasks and motivate student learning.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learning of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, professional development, reading professional educational publications, etc.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Coordinate with other elementary professional staff members, especially within grade level or PLCs, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Develops and uses effective methods of evaluation that are directly related to curriculum objectives and to concepts and skills taught; consistently and effectively evaluates student progress.
• Establish a consistent disciplinary approach which promotes self-direction and positive self-image; sets high standards for student behavior and manages inappropriate behavior effectively as per school/diocesan policies.
• Cooperate and work effectively with all staff members to promote positive relationships with students and parents.
• At all times demonstrate professional responsibility in enforcing diocesan and school policies and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality, sound judgment, professional dress and general behavior.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Head of School and the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Requirements

• Working knowledge and strong commitment to the mission of fostering lay leadership in the Catholic Church.
• Excellent communications skills - written, verbal, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a self-starter and well-organized; team player; multi-tasker.
• Proficient in computer technology and related educational technology.
• Flexibility in assessing needs and strategies - adapt appropriately.
• Bachelor's Degree accredited college/university in Education or related discipline to teaching assignment.
• Valid State Teaching Certification in appropriate grade level and/or subject.

Nice-to-haves

• Practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing.
• Master's Degree.
• Demonstrated experience teaching in a Catholic School.
• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level.