JUNIOR HIGH ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER JOB SUMMARY: District 158 is seeking a English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher to be a positive part of a progressive educational team at Memorial Junior High School focused on meeting the unique needs of adolescent students. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Middle School ELA Teacher will design and implement educational curriculum appropriate for students in middle grades (bridging the gap between elementary and secondary (high) school).  Plans and develops an engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices and state and school district curriculum guidelines.   Prepares materials for lessons, assignments, and tests; evaluates, corrects, and grades student performance.  Discusses academic difficulties or behavioral problems with students as they arise.  Monitors students’ progress throughout the year and evaluates preparedness for high school.  Communicates all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and, as appropriate, other faculty, staff, and/or principal.  Builds and maintains positive relationships with parents.  Enforces safety and security standards for students, staff, and visitors.  Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.  Monitors halls, study periods, and lunchrooms with other faculty and staff.  Participates in faculty meetings, educational conferences, in-service opportunities, workshops, and other training seminars.  Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in middle grade education.  Performs related tasks such as sponsoring student activities or organizations.  Performs other related duties as assigned. REQUIRED SKILLS:  Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education.  Desire to teach middle school-aged children and ability to adapt to their developmental status.  Ability to design lessons that teach curriculum in an engaging manner, applying various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and individual or collaborative projects and research.  Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage and control the classroom.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.  Creative analytical and problem-solving skills.  Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Bachelors degree in Education or related subject required.  State teaching license required with, valid middle grades endorsement and a Language Arts teaching endorsement.  Previous teaching experience with middle-school aged children preferred.

Lansing School District 158 is a regular school district located in Cook County with 5 schools, 165 teachers and 2,477 students. Total Revenue is $50,946,000 and is trending up. Lansing School District 158 spends $13,332 per student per year on instruction.