8th Grade ELA/Literature Teacher

Position Summary

St. Michael School is seeking a full-time 8th Grade ELA/Literature Teacher to create a challenging, engaging, and faith-filled learning environment for middle school students. The teacher will foster a love of reading, writing, language, and literature while helping students develop strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

The 8th Grade Teacher will also play an important role in helping students prepare for high school and in making their final year at St. Michael School a meaningful and memorable experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Faith & School Community

• Support and promote the Catholic mission, philosophy, and goals of St. Michael School.
• Foster a classroom environment rooted in Christian charity, respect, kindness, and the dignity of each student.
• Integrate Catholic values and faith appropriately into literature, classroom discussions, and daily school life.
• Contribute positively to the faith and community life of the school.
• Foster positive relationships with students and promote an atmosphere of respect and Christian charity.

ELA & Literature Instruction

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lessons in English Language Arts and Literature for 8th grade students.
• Teach literature that encourages students to appreciate and thoughtfully engage with quality works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and other significant works.
• Provide instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and composition.
• Develop students' ability to analyze literature, make connections, support ideas with evidence, and think critically.
• Provide regular opportunities for students to write in a variety of formats, including essays, creative writing, and responses to literature.
• Incorporate Socratic seminars, class discussions, presentations, recitation, and other opportunities for students to develop strong speaking and communication skills.
• Encourage students to express their ideas clearly, thoughtfully, and confidently.
• Prepare students for the academic expectations of high school while fostering a genuine love of learning, reading, and the written word.
• Regularly assess student progress and provide meaningful feedback to support academic growth.

Classroom Management & Student Development

• Establish and maintain a structured, respectful, and engaging classroom environment.
• Set high academic and behavioral expectations while providing a supportive and encouraging classroom community.
• Supervise students at all times and maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment.
• Encourage students to take responsibility for their learning, behavior, and personal growth.
• Communicate regularly and positively with parents regarding student progress and classroom expectations.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support the overall academic and spiritual development of students.

8th Grade Activities & Special Events

• Coordinate and organize 8th grade activities, traditions, and special events throughout the school year.
• Work with students, families, faculty, and administration to plan and coordinate 8th grade events and activities.
• Help organize and communicate schedules, details, and logistics related to 8th grade activities.
• Support 8th grade fundraising efforts that help provide opportunities and experiences for the graduating class.
• Encourage students to take responsibility and an active role in planning, participating in, and supporting their 8th grade activities.
• Help create a positive and memorable final-year experience for the 8th grade students.

General & Professional Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain daily lesson plans and instructional materials.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, academic progress, and other required information.
• Make appropriate reports concerning the growth and development of students.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, professional development, and other school activities.
• Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Prepare requests for textbooks, classroom supplies, and educational materials as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and school matters.
• Participate in appropriate extracurricular activities and other school responsibilities as assigned by the principal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, English Education, Literature, Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Connecticut teaching certification, or willingness to work toward certification.
• Experience working with middle school students preferred.
• Strong knowledge of literature, grammar, writing, and English Language Arts instruction.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to maintain a structured and positive learning environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, faculty, and administration.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church preferred. Teaching positions that do not include instruction in religion may be filled by a non-Catholic when an equally qualified Catholic teacher is unavailable.
• The teacher understands that he/she represents the Catholic Church and is expected to formally and/or publicly abide by the teachings of the Church on faith and morals.

Working Conditions

In addition to regular classroom hours, the position includes lesson planning, assessment, faculty meetings, professional development, parent communication, 8th grade activities and events, and other school responsibilities as assigned.

How to Apply

Interested applicants may apply by email or mail.

To: Amy Babcock, Principal
Email: ababcock@stmichaelschoolct.com

Mail:
St. Michael School
131 West Broad St.
Pawcatuck, CT 06379