English Teacher, Middle School

Brentwood School•Los Angeles, CA

20h•$82,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Brentwood School, a vibrant and diverse K-12 independent school, is looking for a Middle School English Teacher (6th/7th grade) to begin in August of 202 6. We are seeking an experienced, innovative teacher to join our collaborative team. The successful candidate will embrace collaborative curriculum design and work closely as part of a teaching team to create and continuously refine curriculum. Ideally, applicants will be experienced practitioners of backward design based on clearly defined curricular understandings and have experience developing curriculum variations to challenge all learners. Sixth grade is a time when children begin to move away from their youth and toward adolescence. Students are increasingly focused on their coming of age, and our core literature selection reflects this important and critical shift in their lives. Reading classic literature and more recently published novels creates opportunities for students to enhance self-awareness, explore diverse perspectives, and consider social consciousness. The writing program covers a variety of skills that help each student develop a foundation in and appreciation for the English language. Writing abilities are developed through assignments that emphasize different styles such as expository, creative, narrative, essay, and poetry. The mechanics of writing are also stressed and include spelling, punctuation, and grammar. During the year students write a personal memoir reflecting on a significant event or experience in their lives, as well as host lively discussions at the Harkness table. Our seventh-grade course presents materials and teaches skills that will serve as the students foundation in English throughout the Brentwood School experience. The course is divided into components: grammar, concentrating on obtaining a solid understanding of the parts of speech and moving into more complex concepts; vocabulary, extending the students vocabulary while teaching strategies for deciphering meaning and analyzing words; writing, emphasizing the formal rules of composition and organizational structures, while incorporating creative writing and projects; and literature, exposing students to a variety of literary forms, including prose novels, graphic novels, short stories, and poetry. In literature and in their writing, students will examine the concept of power and will ask questions such as: How do we define power? How is it obtained and maintained? Who are the insiders and outsiders in society and why? The English curriculum, where appropriate, is aligned with the 7th grade Global Studies curriculum. Individuals from independent, public, private, or charter schools, with prior experience in and a passion for teaching Middle School students are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

A minimum of a college bachelors degree is required
Individuals from independent, public, private, or charter schools, with prior experience in and a passion for teaching Middle School students are encouraged to apply
Commitment to professional growth and to high professional standards
Flexibility
Sense of humor, warmth of personality, and energy
An interest in and openness to professional growth and development
A commitment to fairness and fostering community
Strong collaboration and cross-cultural competency

Nice To Haves

a master’s degree is preferred
applicants will be experienced practitioners of backward design based on clearly defined curricular understandings and have experience developing curriculum variations to challenge all learners

Responsibilities

Teach four sections of 6th/7th Middle School English
Design and coordinate curriculum with other members of the department and within teaching teams for each assigned course and liaise with other departments and centers to build cross-disciplinary experiences
Monitor and evaluate students progress and communicate with parents and Middle School teams regarding student progress
Exhibit knowledge of course content, current trends, pedagogy, research, and topics of importance in history pedagogy by applying it in the classroom and sharing it with teachers on a departmental and school-wide basis
Participate in regular, purposeful pedagogy meetings and professional development sessions
Engage and support students of varied identities, lifestyles, and beliefs
Create an environment that fosters open discussion with the freedom to express varied points of vi ew
Create lessons and projects that are inclusive of the diversity and multiculturalism in our community
Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues
Engage in professional and personal development with a consistent commitment to growth
Participate and initiate opportunities that demonstrate one's growth, knowledge, and skills
Perform additional duties and participate in the life of the school