6th Grade ELA Teacher (24-25 School Year)

As a 6th Grade ELA Teacher at Intrepid College Prep, your main responsibilities will revolve around executing a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum, developing engaging lesson plans, and collaborating with colleagues to foster academic growth. You’ll ensure that all students, including those with special needs, are accommodated through targeted differentiation. You will also engage in public teaching practices, share strategies with peers, and contribute to a school culture defined by high expectations.

The 6th Grade ELA Teacher position at Intrepid College Prep requires a Tennessee Certification in the appropriate content area along with a B.A./B.S. degree and a minimum GPA of 2.5. While a degree in English or a related subject is preferred, having at least two years of teaching experience in urban public or charter schools is highly regarded. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are also beneficial, although not mandatory.

Intrepid College Prep is committed to the professional growth of its educators. As a 6th Grade ELA Teacher, you will have structured planning time and access to professional development opportunities built into your school day. The environment encourages collaboration, classroom visits, and a focus on constructive feedback, ensuring that you receive support to enhance your teaching methods continually.

The salary for a 6th Grade ELA Teacher at Intrepid College Prep ranges from $51,292 to $91,334, depending on years of relevant teaching experience. Starting salaries are determined based on a structured salary scale, which promotes equitable pay practices and ensures that all staff are placed according to their experience and qualifications.

The school culture at Intrepid College Prep is one of high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a 6th Grade ELA Teacher, you will be part of a community that emphasizes rigorous academic instruction, equitable learning environments, and strong relationships among staff, students, and their families. Empowerment and accountability are key components of the culture, supporting both student and educator achievements.

In planning and preparing lessons, I focus on aligning my objectives with the curriculum's standards, incorporating various teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles. I ensure that my lessons foster critical thinking and allow for creativity while also utilizing feedback from previous lessons to make enhancements. Staying organized and reflective is crucial to create an engaging learning environment.

Differentiated instruction is crucial to meeting the diverse needs of students. I implement it by assessing students' learning styles and adjusting my teaching methods accordingly. This might include group activities, tailored assignments, or providing additional resources for advanced learners while offering extra support for those who may struggle. My goal is to ensure that every student can engage meaningfully with the material.

To engage reluctant readers, I focus on incorporating relatable and interest-driven texts into my curriculum. I often use group discussions to spark interest and allow students to express their thoughts openly. Additionally, I incorporate multimedia resources and interactive projects that foster a love for literature and encourage students to explore different genres at their own pace.

I promote a growth mindset by consistently encouraging my students to view challenges as opportunities for growth. I celebrate their efforts, not just their accomplishments, and I share stories of resilience and persistence. When students encounter difficulties, I guide them to reflect on their strategies and brainstorm new approaches, reinforcing the belief that improvement comes from hard work and determination.

Assessing student progress involves a mix of formative and summative assessments. I use quizzes, reflective writing assignments, and student-led discussions to gauge understanding throughout my units. Additionally, I conduct regular assessments that specifically align with the curriculum goals to track progress over time and adjust instruction as needed based on the data I gather.

Effective classroom management in a diverse environment relies on establishing clear expectations and building strong relationships with students. I implement routines that foster respect and engagement, and I encourage open communication. Additionally, I use restorative practices to address conflicts, allowing students to learn from their mistakes and take ownership of their behavior.

Collaboration is essential in my teaching practice, as it allows me to share ideas, strategies, and resources with my colleagues and learn from their experiences. I often engage in peer observations and team planning sessions, which help me refine my teaching approaches based on feedback and collective wisdom, ultimately benefiting my students.

I incorporate technology by utilizing various digital tools and platforms to enhance learning experiences. This could include interactive e-books, online discussion forums, and multimedia presentations that engage students and facilitate collaboration. I also use tech tools to support writing and research skills, encouraging students to leverage technology as part of their learning journey.

Ensuring my curriculum is culturally responsive involves selecting texts that reflect the diverse backgrounds of my students and promoting discussions about different perspectives. I encourage students to connect personally with lesson materials and recognize the value of their cultural identities within our discussions, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.

To stay current with best practices in education, I actively engage in professional development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and conferences. I also participate in professional learning communities, read relevant literature, and connect with educators through online forums to exchange ideas and insights about innovative teaching methods.