CTE Middle School Career Exploration Teacher

Hamilton County Schools•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

Career Exploration Courses 1, 2, and 3 for Middle School students are designed to build foundational knowledge of career opportunities through examining key characteristics evident in successful leaders, connecting academic aptitude and personal strengths to postsecondary and career success, and bringing awareness to career availability in various contexts. Students will engage in self-reflection and intentional goal setting by using a career assessment tool, analyze academic strengths and progress, research postsecondary options and the requirements for various career sectors, and identify coursework, extracurricular activities, and experiences that can support career exploration. Students will also engage in experiential learning that can support career advising and planning. Upon completion of this coursework, proficient students will understand their own strengths and academic skills, explain specific careers and career sectors of interest, and develop an understanding of the career pathways, postsecondary education institutions, and employers located in their greater community. Finally, students will demonstrate transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, self-advocacy, and effective communication), alongside technical skills (e.g. time management and goal creation) to practice critical skills needed in the workplace. Students will use their own strengths and skills to set meaningful academic and career goals, and to articulate high school pathways and careers that align with their strengths and academic background or plans. Loftis Middle School is a grades 6–8 school located in Hixson, Tennessee, just north of Chattanooga. At Loftis, our work is grounded in joy, purpose, and a deep commitment to keeping students at the center of every decision we make. We believe meaningful learning happens when students feel known, valued, and challenged in a supportive and engaging environment. Teachers at Loftis have a strong understanding of how to use data to inform instruction, plan with intention, and collaborate within both horizontal and vertical teams to meet the diverse needs of students. We value reflective practice and believe that continuous growth—for both students and adults—is essential to a thriving school community. We are seeking educators who bring a growth mindset, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine love for teaching and learning. Our teachers understand the importance of clear procedures, strong relationships, purposeful planning, state standards, and instructional best practices—all while fostering a classroom culture rooted in joy, belonging, and high expectations.

Requirements

Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching license in elementary, middle or high school, be an upcoming graduate of an accredited educator preparation program, or be enrolled in a job-embedded Academic or Occupational licensure program.
Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Plan, deliver and assess effective instruction that is tightly aligned with State standards.
Designs lessons based on best practices with clear learning targets and measurable goals aligned with State standards and/or unit outcomes. Frequently plans collaboratively with colleagues.
Conveys high expectations while using multiple effective strategies, materials, and classroom practices that involve and motivate students while differentiating instruction to meet students’ needs.
Uses colleagues and own self-reflection on instructional practice to continually improve instruction.
Fosters a well-structured and engaging learning environment by utilizing effective classroom procedures and routines while showing caring, respect, and fairness for all students.
Consistently develops strong relationships with students’ families while diligently informing parents of expectations, positive news, and/or concerns about their children.
Provides opportunities for parents to be involved in their children’s learning.
Actively seeks out opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and other stakeholders in order to improve teaching & learning.
Reflects on own instruction and leadership while contributing ideas, expertise, and time to the mission and goals of the school.
Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law
Performs other duties as assigned.