Reporting to: Middle School Principal and Assistant Principal
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Middle School Humanities Teacher is a dedicated and experienced educator passionate about guiding students through English Language Arts and Social Studies. This teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction that fosters reading, writing, critical thinking, historical understanding, and global awareness. The ideal candidate inspires curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning while supporting each student’s academic growth and personal development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Curriculum Development
- Develop and implement engaging ELA and Social Studies curricula (EL Education) aligned with Common Core State Standards and school-wide learning goals.
- Collaborate with grade-level and departmental teams to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment of instruction across content areas.
- Design units and lesson plans that integrate literacy, history, geography, and civics through inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and meaningful use of technology.
- Incorporate diverse texts and primary sources to promote critical thinking and cultural understanding.
Instruction
- Deliver dynamic, student-centered lessons that build reading comprehension, analytical writing, speaking, listening, and research skills.
- Use discussion, debate, simulations, and project-based learning to make historical and literary concepts relevant and engaging.
- Integrate digital tools, multimedia resources, and writing platforms to enhance instruction and collaboration.
Assessment
- Create and administer formative and summative assessments to evaluate student mastery of reading, writing, and historical inquiry skills.
- Use assessment data to inform instruction, monitor student progress, and provide differentiated support.
- Offer timely, constructive feedback to guide students’ academic growth and self-reflection.
Classroom Management
- Establish a structured, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment grounded in Positive Discipline principles.
- Maintain clear expectations, routines, and procedures that foster responsibility and engagement.
- Utilize restorative practices and positive reinforcement to support social-emotional learning and community building.
Student Engagement and Differentiation
- Encourage curiosity, empathy, and a growth mindset through active learning experiences.
- Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners, including English language learners and advanced students.
- Provide additional academic support through small-group work, conferences, and personalized feedback.
Collaboration and Professional Development
- Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to share best practices and refine instructional strategies.
- Engage in ongoing professional learning to stay current with trends in literacy instruction, inquiry-based learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to design integrated projects and thematic units.
Family Engagement
- Maintain open and proactive communication with families about student progress, classroom activities, and academic expectations.
- Respond promptly and professionally to parent inquiries and concerns.
- Partner with families to support literacy and students’ academic and personal growth.
Collaboration & Communication
- Communicate with parents and guardians about student progress and ways to support literacy learning at home.
- Maintain open and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues regarding student progress, curriculum updates, and any issues that may arise.
Cultural and Global Education
- Integrate diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives into ELA and Social Studies instruction.
- Foster classroom discussions that build respect, empathy, and an understanding of multiple viewpoints.
- Cultivate an inclusive environment where all students feel seen, valued, and heard.
Other Duties
- Support school events, field trips, and extracurricular activities as needed.
- Assist with duties such as supervising students during lunch, recess, or transitions.
- Fulfill other responsibilities assigned by the school leadership to contribute to the overall success of the school.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in English and Secondary Education (Masters preferred). Valid U.S. teaching certification or license in the relevant field is required.
Experience: Strong understanding of Common Core ELA Standards, College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies, and inquiry-based learning. Proven ability to design lessons that integrate reading, writing, and critical thinking across disciplines. Experience fostering student discussion, argumentation, and evidence-based reasoning. Proficiency with educational technology tools that support literacy and research skills.
Skills:
- Fluent in English (native English speaker preferred).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Understanding of language acquisition theories and teaching methodologies.
- Cultural sensitivity and the ability to integrate cultural aspects into lessons.
- Strong classroom management rooted in empathy, respect, and consistency.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the varied needs of learners.
SAFEGUARDING
AIS staff members are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children,young persons and all members of the AIS community for whom she /he is responsible, or with whom she/he comes into contact. All employees or volunteers will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s policies at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the job holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children or other community members in the school, she /he must report any concerns to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) and School Director.
REVISION OF JOB DESCRIPTION
According to the development and requirements of the School, Job Specifications may be reviewed and refined periodically based upon the needs of the school.