8th Grade ELA Teacher (24-25 School Year)

To apply for the 8th Grade ELA Teacher position at Intrepid College Prep, applicants must hold Tennessee Certification in the relevant content area, possess a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and ideally have at least two years of teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school. While a degree in the subject area is preferred, it is not required. Being bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus but also not mandatory.

The salary for the 8th Grade ELA Teacher at Intrepid College Prep ranges from $51,292 to $91,334 per year. Starting salaries are determined by the ICP salary scale, which is based on relevant teaching experience. Even teachers who are new to the profession start at a competitive base salary, ensuring equitable pay practices within the organization.

As an 8th Grade ELA Teacher at Intrepid College Prep, your primary responsibilities will include planning and executing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, collaborating with colleagues to support students with diverse learning needs, and utilizing structured planning time to develop high-quality lessons. You will also engage in classroom observations and feedback cycles, maintain high academic expectations, and participate in after-school programs or community outreach events as needed.

At Intrepid College Prep, professional development is a cornerstone of our mission. We provide structured planning time and opportunities for intentional coaching, ensuring that our teachers can grow and excel in their roles. Teachers are encouraged to engage in peer observations, share best practices, and make use of feedback to enhance their teaching methods, all within a culture that values continuous learning and improvement.

Intrepid College Prep seeks candidates who are disciplined, mission-aligned, and committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all students. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong desire for personal growth, an eagerness to seek feedback, and a genuine passion for teaching English Language Arts. Being introspective and willing to challenge one's own biases is also highly valued in our organization.

To effectively engage students with varying learning abilities, I would implement differentiated instruction tailored to each learner's needs. This includes utilizing diverse teaching materials, incorporating varied assessment methods, and providing targeted scaffolding to support individual progress. Establishing strong relationships with students to understand their unique learning styles would also be critical in adapting lessons.

To foster a love for reading, I would create a classroom environment rich in diverse texts that reflect students' interests and backgrounds. Regularly incorporating book talks, reading challenges, and group discussions would help spark enthusiasm, while providing opportunities for students to explore genres and authors they find exciting. Celebrating reading achievements, big or small, can also motivate students to delve deeper into literature.

When I received feedback on my lesson delivery during a peer observation, I was encouraged to incorporate more active learning strategies. I took this to heart and began integrating collaborative classroom activities like group discussions and interactive assignments. As a result, I noticed increased student engagement and understanding, and I now actively seek feedback to continuously improve my teaching practice.

Implementing cultural responsiveness in my curriculum involves selecting diverse literature that reflects the experiences and backgrounds of my students. I would incorporate discussions around themes of social justice and equity, connecting the texts to students' real-life experiences, and creating an inclusive environment where all perspectives are valued. Additionally, I would encourage students to share their own narratives and interpretations.

One challenge in teaching 8th Grade ELA may be addressing differing levels of reading proficiency among students. To tackle this, I would implement ongoing formative assessments to monitor progress and adjust groupings for targeted instruction. Building strong relationships with my students to foster trust and openness will also help them feel comfortable sharing their struggles.

My classroom management style emphasizes respect, structure, and community. I establish clear expectations from the beginning and involve students in creating classroom norms. Consistently reinforcing positive behavior through praise and constructive feedback promotes a supportive learning environment, enabling students to take ownership of their actions. This approach has led to a positive classroom culture and minimized disruptions.

I stay informed about best practices in ELA education through regular professional development workshops, attending educational conferences, and engaging with ELA networks on social media platforms. I also read current educational research and literature to find innovative strategies and resources to enhance my teaching, allowing me to continually improve my practice and offer the best to my students.

Technology plays a critical role in modern ELA classrooms by providing access to a wealth of resources and opportunities for student engagement. Utilizing tools like digital storytelling, multimedia presentations, and online discussions can enhance learning experiences. Additionally, integrating technology fosters collaboration and allows for personalized learning pathways, supporting diverse learners in our multicultural classrooms.

I would employ a variety of formative and summative assessments to gauge student understanding. These might include exit tickets, reflective journals, peer assessments, and group projects that allow students to demonstrate comprehension in various forms. I believe that regular feedback, both verbal and written, is essential in guiding students toward mastery of the content.

I plan to contribute to the school culture at Intrepid College Prep by embodying the core values of igniting passion, seeking knowledge, and inspiring bravery. By collaborating with my colleagues, participating in community events, and volunteering for additional responsibilities, I will be actively engaged in fostering a positive learning environment. I'm committed to promoting equity and ensuring all students feel valued and supported.