Specials / Enrichment Teacher | Middle School | BTWA MS (Flexible Subject)

Elevate Charter Schools•Hamden, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Booker T. Washington Academy Middle School seeks a creative and student-centered Middle School Specials / Enrichment & Innovation Teacher (flexible subject area; e.g. World Languages, Theater / Drama, Technology & Innovation, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurialism, Health / Life Skills, etc.) to join our 5–8 team. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who believes deeply in the creative and intellectual potential of all children and is committed to fostering curiosity, skill development, and self‑expression through high‑quality enrichment learning. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about creating engaging, identity‑affirming learning experiences that broaden students’ horizons, spark new interests, and help them discover their strengths. You will join a community that values creativity, joyful learning, and equitable access to opportunities — and where enrichment is seen as a powerful lever for student growth, confidence, and belonging.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher
Valid teaching certification in an enrichment discipline or Elementary Education with an enrichment endorsement (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required)
At least 2–3 years of teaching experience with a strong track record of student engagement and growth
Ability to create a classroom environment in which students feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore creatively
Strong sense of reflection and personal accountability for student growth, achievement, and experience
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, youth development, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy
Deep alignment with the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, including a resolute belief in the potential of every student

Nice To Haves

3+ years of teaching experience with a proven track record of student achievement
Experience in an urban, high-expectations, and/or charter school setting
Familiarity with elementary visual arts curricula, interdisciplinary planning, and arts integration strategies
Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including ELs and students with IEPs
Familiarity with project‑based learning, inquiry‑driven instruction, or blended learning models
Experience organizing student exhibitions, performances, or community arts initiatives
Experience leveraging the arts to support early literacy, numeracy, and other forms of developmentally relevant and appropriate interdisciplinary learning.

Responsibilities

Design and deliver engaging, standards‑aligned lessons in your enrichment discipline that build foundational skills, creativity, and confidence.
Foster exploration and risk‑taking while developing technical skills, critical thinking, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Differentiate instruction to support varied developmental levels and learning needs, including English Learners and students with IEPs, ensuring equitable access to enrichment learning.
Use portfolios, performance tasks, rubrics, and student reflections to assess growth and encourage self‑evaluation and pride in learning.
Integrate culturally responsive materials and practices that affirm student identities, celebrate global traditions, and teach through an explicitly anti‑racist lens.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to support interdisciplinary learning and integrate enrichment into core academic subjects.
Create a joyful, inclusive, and organized learning environment where students feel safe to explore, express, and take risks.
Build strong relationships with students that foster trust, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
Incorporate social‑emotional learning into enrichment practice, helping students develop empathy, perseverance, and confidence.
Reinforce BTWA’s values of character, responsibility, and excellence through collaborative projects, routines, and classroom norms.
Partner proactively with families through regular communication and collaborative goal‑setting to support student growth.
Organize and lead school‑wide enrichment events, showcases, or performances that celebrate student learning and build community pride.
Collaborate with families to support enrichment exploration at home and strengthen the home‑school connection.
Participate actively in weekly professional learning communities, coaching cycles, and peer observations to continuously refine practice.
Collaborate with grade‑level teams and specialists to align curriculum, share best practices, and support interdisciplinary projects.
Contribute to a positive, high‑performing adult culture that values feedback, reflection, and collective responsibility for student achievement.
Lead enrichment opportunities such as clubs, performances, showcases, or community projects that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Support and facilitate common school routines, including arrival and dismissal, lunch and recess duties, and transitions, ensuring safety, consistency, and a positive school culture.
Lead a homeroom or advisory setting that fosters authentic relationships, builds community, and supports students’ social‑emotional learning and development.
Help design and implement school‑wide systems, rituals, and traditions — including opportunities for student performance, exhibitions, and public demonstrations of learning — that build a strong, affirming school identity.
Take initiative on school‑wide projects and lead efforts to elevate the role of enrichment in BTWA’s holistic educational model, demonstrating flexibility, innovation, and ownership in a dynamic school environment while modeling professionalism, adaptability, and a growth mindset.