5th Grade ELA Teacher (3489)

## Description

**Position Title:** 5th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher

**Department:** Instruction

**Reports To:** Principal or Dean of Academics

**FLSA Status:** Exempt

**Employment Type:** Full-Time (10-Month)

**Position Summary**

Southern Avenue Charter School is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, and highly qualified **5th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher** to provide rigorous, standards-based literacy instruction that prepares students for middle school success. The ideal candidate will cultivate a love of reading and writing while helping students develop strong communication, critical thinking, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills through engaging and differentiated instruction aligned with the Tennessee Academic Standards.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**

• Plan and deliver high-quality English Language Arts instruction aligned with the Tennessee Academic Standards.
• Teach reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, writing, speaking, listening, and language conventions using research-based instructional strategies.
• Develop students' critical thinking, analytical reading, and written communication skills through a variety of instructional methods.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic needs of all learners, including students with IEPs, 504 Plans, English Learners, gifted students, and students requiring intervention.
• Administer formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and guide instructional planning.
• Analyze assessment data to identify learning gaps and implement targeted instructional interventions.
• Foster a classroom culture that promotes literacy, creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence.
• Incorporate educational technology and digital literacy tools to enhance student engagement and learning.
• Encourage independent reading through classroom libraries, literature circles, and reading initiatives.
• Provide meaningful feedback to students on writing assignments to improve organization, grammar, mechanics, and composition.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, lesson plans, assessments, and student progress.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student academic performance and classroom expectations.
• Collaborate with grade-level teachers, interventionists, instructional coaches, and administrators to improve student achievement.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), faculty meetings, professional development, and school-sponsored activities.
• Supervise students during assigned duties, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and school events.
• Uphold all Southern Avenue Charter School policies, procedures, and professional standards.

## Qualifications
**Qualifications**

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or a closely related field.
• Valid Tennessee Teaching License with appropriate Elementary Education endorsement.
• Strong knowledge of English Language Arts curriculum, literacy instruction, and Tennessee Academic Standards.
• Excellent classroom management, instructional planning, and organizational skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze student achievement data and implement effective instructional strategies.

**Preferred Qualifications**

• Previous experience teaching upper elementary English Language Arts.
• Experience with literacy intervention programs and reading assessments.
• Knowledge of the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy practices.
• Experience working in a charter school environment.
• Familiarity with MTSS/RTI instructional practices.
• Experience integrating instructional technology into classroom instruction.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**

• Strong understanding of elementary literacy development and instructional best practices.
• Ability to develop engaging reading and writing lessons that promote higher-order thinking.
• Knowledge of grammar, writing instruction, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies.
• Effective classroom management and student engagement techniques.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional learning and student achievement.

**Physical Requirements**

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playground, and during school-sponsored activities.

**Work Environment**

Work is performed primarily in a classroom setting with occasional outdoor supervision responsibilities. The position requires frequent interaction with students, parents, staff, and community stakeholders while maintaining a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.