Middle School Writing and Debate Teacher

Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School•New York, NY

2d•$75,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic and/or experienced Writing and Debate teacher to teach middle school students in grades 6–8. The role provides English Language Arts instruction in a specials setting, developing students’ writing skills through units of study and helping them become confident public speakers through debate. Under the general supervision of the Middle School Principal, the teacher collaborates with other specials teachers and across content areas to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience in Writing and Debate. This is a full-time, on-site, 10-month position. Regular workdays are Monday through Friday, 7:55 a.m. to 3:55 p.m., in addition to special events that all staff are expected to attend. The position requires minimum to no travel and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated success working in non-traditional and/or urban school settings.
Highly adept at using educational technology.
Ability to provide effective learning experiences for pupils across a wide range of achievement levels.
Ability to follow safety procedures and instructions, organize tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
Good judgment and problem-solving skills, and ability to respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting.
Knowledge of or ability to use student information systems or online learning platforms, such as PowerSchool and Google Classroom.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of prior teaching computer literacy in middle or high school.
New York State teaching certification.

Responsibilities

Teach Writing and Debate to students in grades 6–8, developing their writing skills and public-speaking confidence.
Demonstrate relevant subject-area knowledge and make topics and activities meaningful to students.
Integrate available technology resources suited to students’ needs and abilities.
Develop clear, logical, sequential lesson plans and collaborate with appropriate specialists to differentiate instruction.
Connect current content and skills with past and future learning, use varied instructional and questioning strategies, and adjust teaching in response to student understanding.
Provide opportunities for all students to participate and succeed, explain content and demonstrate skills in varied ways, and hold learners responsible for learning.
Teach students proper typing skills and help them build those skills over time.
Plan and execute showcases, including bulletin boards and events, featuring student work.
Use varied assessments, including teacher-made and standardized tests where appropriate, oral and non-verbal assessments, and performance tasks or projects.
Maintain and use student progress records, monitor progress before, during, and after instruction, provide meaningful feedback, and use results to inform instruction and grading.
Communicate learning goals and procedures clearly and use precise language and effective written and oral communication.
Model care, fairness, courtesy, respect, and active listening; support students’ emotional and physical well-being; and maintain positive interactions with students.
Learn about student interests and opinions.
Enforce school behavior policy; communicate expectations to students and parents; monitor behavior and provide constructive feedback.
Establish a classroom setting and routines that promote learning, minimize disruption, and support efficient transitions; manage emergencies in school settings.
Maintain professional conduct and appearance, follow school policies and regulations, preserve confidentiality, and complete assigned responsibilities in a timely manner.
Participate in professional growth activities and explore and apply new or improved instructional methods.
Identify personal strengths and areas for improvement and seek to improve professional skills and performance.
Communicate with parents or guardians about student progress or problems, respond to parental concerns, and encourage parent involvement.
Work cooperatively with community members on school- and community-sponsored functions and build collaborative relationships with colleagues.
Provide appropriate and effective learning experiences for pupils across a wide range of achievement levels and create a motivating, stimulating learning environment.
Follow safety procedures and instructions; organize tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
Use good judgment and problem-solving skills and respond appropriately to evaluations and changes in the work setting.
Use student information systems or online learning platforms, such as PowerSchool and Google Classroom.