Secondary English Teacher

Grace Christian Academy•Kankakee, IL

1d•$30,000 - $32,000

About The Position

This full-time high school English teacher is responsible for providing classroom instruction that builds upon the foundational language arts skills students have developed in earlier grades. Instruction includes literature, composition, grammar, vocabulary, and critical thinking. This position guides students beyond basic comprehension into thoughtful literary analysis, effective written and verbal communication, and a deeper appreciation for language and storytelling. In addition to academic instruction, the teacher’s role is to help students develop a biblical worldview in all areas of the curriculum and to help them internalize the subject matter, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them for Christian living. Through literature and writing, the teacher encourages discernment, compassion, truth-seeking, and Christ-centered thinking. The duties of the Christian school teacher can be both rewarding and challenging. Classroom sizes are often smaller and more easily managed. However, the workload may be heavier because the teacher often teaches multiple sections and prepares varied materials. Ultimately, this extra work is worthwhile because teaching in a Christian classroom allows the teacher the freedom to address the holistic needs of the child (i.e., spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in English, English Education, or a related field.
Several years of experience working with and developing young people (i.e., classroom, tutoring, and after-school programs).
Extensive knowledge of literature, composition, grammar, and effective instructional strategies for writing.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and email.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and professional personal presentation.
Ability to manage sensitive matters regarding staff and students.
Ability to organize and plan a variety of duties simultaneously.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Strong attention to detail.
Flexibility and a servant-hearted, customer-oriented mindset.
Be a committed Christian with a passion for promoting Christian education and in full agreement and support of the school’s Statement of Faith.
The Teacher must have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and shall be a member in good standing in a church of like faith and practice.
The teacher shall be a person with spiritual, academic, and leadership abilities and reflect the purpose of the school to honor Christ in every class and activity.
The Teacher shall be a college graduate evaluated by the administration to be capable of giving effective instruction to students at the assigned grade and subject level, and called of God to the Christian school teaching profession.
The teacher must seek and maintain certification by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Responsibilities

Demonstrates knowledge and skills relevant to high school English, including literature, writing instruction, grammar, and vocabulary development.
Effectively addresses appropriate curriculum standards.
Guides students in literary analysis across multiple genres (novels, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and essays).
Teaches writing across various formats, including analytical essays, research papers, creative writing, and persuasive compositions.
Understands the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development of high school students.
Design instruction based upon knowledge of literature, writing pedagogy, students, and curriculum standards and goals.
Integrates biblical principles and worldview discussions into literature and writing instruction.
Identifies and plans for the instructional and developmental needs of all students, including remedial learners and high achievers.
Demonstrates the ability to evaluate and refine existing materials and to create new materials when necessary.
Uses materials, technology, and resources to provide learning experiences that challenge, motivate, and actively involve learners.
Demonstrates the ability to engage and maintain students’ attention and to recapture or refocus it as necessary.
Evaluates student writing using clear rubrics and provides constructive, timely feedback.
Maintains sufficient assessment data to support accurate reporting of student progress.
Re-teaches material and/or accelerates instruction based on assessment results.
Gathers and analyzes data on student academic achievement through standardized test results and other performance measures.
Initiates communication and responds to families concerning student assessment, progress, or concerns in a timely and confidential manner.
Promotes a climate of trust, respect, and collaboration within the classroom.
Establishes and maintains effective classroom rules and procedures and communicates them clearly to students and families.
Encourages thoughtful discussion and respectful dialogue regarding literature and ideas.
Maintains a clean and well-ordered classroom.
Accepts shared responsibility for extra-curricular activities as assigned (e.g., student publications, drama productions, speech team, writing clubs, or other school events).