(Glendale) Middle School Social Studies (SS) and English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher (November Start)

Sun Valley Academy•Glendale, AZ

8d•$49,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Sun Valley Academy is seeking a full-time, contract Middle School Social Studies and English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher for its Glendale location. The role focuses on teaching students in grades 6–8, with the listed assignment identified as 7th–8th grade. The teacher will help students develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing skills, and civic understanding in a collaborative school environment. The teacher will deliver instruction aligned with Arizona State Standards, prepare engaging lessons for varied learning styles and abilities, and teach core social studies subjects—including geography, history, government, civics, and economics—as well as ELA skills such as reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literary analysis. The role uses school-adopted curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems, including Beyond Textbooks and, as applicable, Spalding. The teacher will use student data to guide instruction, assess progress, provide feedback, support students with 504 Plans and IEPs, and maintain a structured and respectful classroom. The position also involves collaborating with families and colleagues, participating in professional learning, school events, meetings, and parent conferences, supervising students, addressing behavior and attendance concerns, and maintaining accurate student records. Sun Valley Academy describes itself as a charter school district serving the Avondale, Glendale, and South Mountain communities, with a focus on academics, leadership, community involvement, extracurricular activities, inclusion, and sustainable practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
CPR/First Aid certification.
Strong knowledge of middle school Social Studies and ELA content and grades 6–8 standards.
Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and foster critical thinking.
Skill in analyzing assessment data to inform instruction.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write coherently and professionally and present information clearly.
Ability to read and interpret curriculum guides, manuals, and assessment documents.
Knowledge of basic office procedures.
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
Strong time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and instructional technology tools.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly, and physically managing a classroom to ensure student safety.
Professional qualities include flexibility, reliability, punctuality, responsiveness to feedback and direction, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, and belief in students’ ability to succeed.

Nice To Haves

Arizona Teaching Certificate or reciprocal out-of-state certificate.
Master's degree or higher.
One year of teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Provide instruction in Social Studies and English Language Arts aligned with Arizona State Standards.
Prepare and deliver engaging, grade-appropriate lessons that address varied learning styles, abilities, and interests.
Teach social studies topics including geography, U.S. and world history, government, civics, and economics, while fostering historical thinking and civic literacy.
Teach ELA skills including reading comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literary analysis.
Use school-adopted curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems, including Beyond Textbooks, Spalding as applicable, data submission processes, and testing protocols.
Use data-driven instruction to monitor student progress and adjust lessons to support mastery.
Assess progress toward learning targets and provide timely, constructive feedback to students, parents or guardians, and administration.
Integrate technology, digital resources, and multimedia tools to enhance engagement and differentiated learning.
Encourage discussion, debate, collaborative projects, and critical thinking in Social Studies and ELA.
Establish classroom routines and procedures that support a structured, respectful, productive learning environment.
Implement student goals outlined in 504 Plans and IEPs.
Participate in grade-level and school-wide professional learning activities.
Document and proactively address student behavior and attendance issues.
Reflect on instructional practices to improve student outcomes.
Supervise students in accordance with state laws and school policies.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by the school and law.
Participate in school-wide events, meetings, and parent conferences.
Promote positive interactions with students, parents, and colleagues; serve as a positive role model and respect cultural differences.
Follow the Teacher Handbook, including its dress code, policies, and procedures, and maintain student and staff confidentiality.