Temporary Academic Teacher (TAT): Middle School ELA Teacher (Grades 6–8) – Bilingual Preferred

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Middle School ELA Teacher delivers high-quality, standards-aligned English Language Arts instruction to students in Grades 6–8. Under the supervision of the school principal, the teacher fosters critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and effective communication while monitoring student progress and maintaining the classroom environment and discipline in accordance with district guidelines and Chicago Public Schools policies. The teacher designs rigorous ELA units aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards, differentiates instruction for diverse learners—including English Learners and students with IEPs—and uses literacy assessment data to monitor growth, adapt instruction, and provide targeted interventions. The role also involves creating a respectful, supportive, culturally responsive classroom; collaborating with school staff and families; prioritizing student safety; and integrating digital tools and curriculum resources. The position emphasizes equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmentally appropriate instruction, and student agency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Valid Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (PEL) with the appropriate Middle Grades (5–8) English Language Arts endorsement, or Elementary Education (K–9) with a Middle School ELA concentration.
Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile.
Ability to meet the stated light-work physical requirement: exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Must reside in the City of Chicago or become a resident within six months of the employment date, subject to any applicable exemptions.
New hires must complete CPS onboarding requirements, including tuberculosis testing, drug testing, and state and federal criminal background checks.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills or qualifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and deliver rigorous, engaging ELA instruction aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts.
Teach literary and informational text analysis, writing across genres, vocabulary acquisition, and speaking and listening skills.
Differentiate instruction for diverse student populations, including English Learners and students with Individualized Education Programs.
Collaborate with special education staff and ESL/bilingual specialists.
Use formative and summative assessment data, including NWEA MAP, IAR, and writing rubrics, to monitor student growth, adjust instruction, and deliver targeted interventions.
Set clear learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments informed by middle school ELA content, adolescent literacy development, and pedagogy.
Establish a respectful, supportive, culturally responsive classroom and manage student behavior, routines, and transitions.
Engage students through high-level questioning, text-dependent analysis, structured discussion techniques, and aligned writing tasks.
Communicate and exercise professional judgment in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students.
Implement the CPS Student Code of Conduct and school-wide restorative justice and behavioral systems to prioritize student safety.
Integrate digital tools, modern media, and curriculum supplements to personalize learning and foster digital literacy.
Support the district’s commitments to equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, and student agency.