Middle School Elective Teacher

As a Middle School Elective Teacher at Democracy Prep Public Schools, you will be responsible for creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment, planning detailed lessons in subjects such as Art, Music, or Band, and fostering relationships with students and their families. You will also actively participate in professional development and collaborative discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion to enhance both your practices and your students' learning experiences.

To apply for the Middle School Elective Teacher position at Democracy Prep, candidates are required to have a Bachelor’s degree along with at least two years of teaching experience, ideally in urban settings. State certification is preferred, and applicants should be fully prepared to submit transcripts during the onboarding process to validate their academic background.

Democracy Prep emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion by engaging teachers in ongoing training and reflective dialogues surrounding race, identity, and equity. As a Middle School Elective Teacher, you will participate in these initiatives, ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their highest potential.

Middle School Elective Teachers at Democracy Prep benefit from a strong support system that includes weekly coaching sessions, access to professional development opportunities, and collaborative data-driven reflection with grade-level teams. This environment enables educators to continuously improve their practices and effectively meet the needs of all students.

The salary for a Middle School Elective Teacher at Democracy Prep ranges from $63,480 for first-year uncertified teachers to $135,090 for those with 29+ years of lead teaching experience. Salaries are adjusted based on years of lead teaching experience and certification status, making this role competitive in the educational landscape.

To create a positive classroom environment, I would establish clear expectations from the beginning and consistently reinforce them, while also fostering open communication. I believe in involving students in setting some classroom norms to give them ownership of their learning space, which builds respect and collaboration.

Differentiating lessons involves understanding each student's unique learning style and needs. I would use flexible grouping, provide varied resources and activities, and offer different assessment options to ensure all students feel challenged yet supported. Monitoring progress closely allows me to adjust lessons as needed.

Integrating current events into the curriculum can spark critical conversations. I plan to include age-appropriate discussions and activities that relate current events to the subjects I'm teaching, encouraging students to engage with the material in real-time and develop their personal viewpoints while respecting others.

To maintain strong parent-teacher communication, I would set up regular updates via newsletters or emails, and encourage parents to participate in school events. Additionally, hosting family conferences at convenient times can foster constructive dialogue that strengthens the home-school connection.

I view professional development as an essential part of my growth as an educator. I actively seek workshops focusing on best practices, collaboration with my colleagues, and feedback from coaching sessions to continuously refine my teaching strategies and adapt them to my students' needs.

Student feedback is invaluable in my teaching process. I actively solicit it through surveys and casual conversations to understand their perspectives. This feedback helps me reflect on my teaching methods and make necessary adjustments to ensure engagement and effectiveness in my lessons.

Effective classroom management requires a proactive approach. I establish clear rules and routines while building relationships with students to create trust. When issues arise, I focus on restorative practices that encourage students to reflect on their behavior rather than simply punitive measures.

I've used data from assessments to identify students' strengths and areas needing improvement. For instance, after analyzing a quiz, I may notice that many students struggle with a particular concept and adjust my lesson plans accordingly to revisit the topic using different instructional strategies.

Engaging students in elective subjects can come from hands-on activities and projects that allow for creative expression. I emphasize collaborative work and instill a sense of ownership over projects, motivating students to invest themselves in their learning journey.

I encourage active citizenship by integrating community service projects into our curriculum and facilitating discussions about civic engagement. I also provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts on social issues, fostering a culture where they feel empowered to make a difference.