SY 2026-27 Middle School Lead Teacher, ELA

Inspired Teaching Demonstration School•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Teachers in the middle school facilitate inquiry-based classrooms that allow students to tackle standards in a variety of ways. Teachers take a developmentally responsive approach and use their understanding of young adolescents as the foundation on which all decisions are made. Using the principles of restorative justice and Responsive Classroom, teachers help students problem solve and develop conflict resolution skills. Middle school teachers hold high expectations for each student and engage students in thoughtful, meaningful work, taking pride in advocating for each student’s right to learn and providing challenging and relevant learning opportunities. Teachers demonstrate courage and collaboration working together to create curriculum and learning experiences that are challenging, integrative and exploratory. Our social-justice, arts integrated approach gives teachers the flexibility to meet demanding standards through varied approaches.

Requirements

Significant knowledge and experience in the field of progressive, constructivist education.
Potential to serve as a coach to a novice teacher.
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably in content area.
DC Teaching certification, passing of relevant Praxis exams, or equivalent evidence to be considered highly qualified.
Deep commitment to reflective practice, an ability to give and receive feedback openly and without defensiveness, and a desire to constantly question and improve their teaching practice.
Commitment to creating a school that not only provides an excellent education for the student, but that creates an open, trusting learning environment for educators and the entire staff of the school.
Demonstrated capacity to embrace teaching the whole child.
Demonstrated commitment to anti-racist, anti-bias practices and comfort and willingness to address issues of equity, access and inclusion.
Strong ability to persevere in the face of ongoing challenges.
Ability to thrive in an innovative environment and an interest in being part of a team that builds the systems that support a growing school.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience planning and delivering instruction in secondary ELA.

Responsibilities

Plan and document high-quality instruction in line with the school’s mission and philosophy, the five core elements of teaching, intentional curricula, and nationally-normed standards.
Actively understand students’ needs and strengths, including developing cultural competence, studying child development theory and brain research, and keeping current with student IEP’s, 504’s, and BIPs.
Seek out and access high-quality resources and materials.
Demonstrate solid knowledge of the concepts in each of the disciplines taught.
Draw from Responsive Classroom, Restorative Justice, and Relationship-based discipline to manage student behavior.
Monitor students in a variety of educational environments.
Build on established Community Expectations to create a classroom community that reflects the mission and philosophy of the school.
Maintain a safe and orderly classroom with responsible and child-friendly organization of supplies, material and technology.
Engage actively with and implement feedback from principals and coaches; assume a stance of teacher-as-learner when working with colleagues, special education staff and assistants/residents.
Communicate to students and families clearly and in an age appropriate way the purpose of instruction.
Engage students with different levels of questions and discussion prompts.
Facilitate student-centered, high-quality instruction.
Utilize a workshop model to teach reading, writing, and mathematics.
Draw on multiple teaching strategies and approaches to engage students and provide differentiation.
Conduct, review, analyze, and use a wide-range of student assessments to inform teaching practice and planning, and to ensure student growth.
Integrate developmentally appropriate, culturally competent, research based strategies into teaching and assessment practices.
Incorporate problem solving strategies and literacy strategies into daily instructional routine.
Differentiate formative assessments.
Collaborate with special education team members, MLL specialists, and teaching assistants.
Complete all professional responsibilities in a timely manner to meet deadlines and follow all school procedures and protocols.
Build strong relationships and open communication with families.
Contribute to the school community as an active and productive participant, promoting a culture of collaboration and inquiry.
Participate in regular, school-based professional development.
Participate in school events outside of school hours, including Student Learning Showcases.
Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
Follow all school and employee policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.