Middle School ELA Teacher (Future Opportunities)

Primary Professional Function

Educators at The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) are hired with the invitation and encouragement to be life-long learners. FXW will employ faculty who enjoy teaching, who are progressive and innovative in their craft, who love working with students, who are great colleagues, and who truly find joy in their profession. We expect that an FXW faculty member possesses the necessary knowledge, teaching skills, character, and commitment to be productive members of the FXW community. Additionally, the FXW teacher will adhere to the unique Catholic mission and interfaith values of FXW School.

At FXW, we aspire that each teacher is successful. To do so, an FXW teacher will do the following:

• Utilize effective instructional strategies with students.

• Be willing to grow in their profession.

• Create and manage the classroom in a positive manner, respecting the dignity of all.

• Embrace the FXW Mission and Charisms.

• Complete annual goals and seek professional development opportunities.

• Maintain a positive rapport with all members of the FXW community.

• Fulfill routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner.

Middle School ELA (5-8) Program Description

At the Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW), our 5th through 8th grade English/Language Arts program provides students with a rigorous curriculum. Overall, each teacher is responsible for educating the whole child by providing a quality learning experience to all students. In alignment with our charisms, students have access to a wide range of texts that reflect themselves and help them understand the perspectives of others. Our curriculum provides authentic experiences for students to read and write along their own diverse literacy pathway. Direct instruction is provided in the areas of comprehension, word study, vocabulary, and grammar.

Duties/ Responsibilities

Middle School ELA (5-8) Teacher Primary Functions

Overall, each teacher is responsible for educating the whole child by providing a quality learning experience to all students. Each middle school teacher is a homeroom teacher and an advisor for one section of students. As FXW is a faith-based school, all teachers may have the responsibility for teaching a section of religion (with materials provided). Middle school teachers serve one grade level and are a member of a grade-level team.

Compliance

Although FXW is an Independent Catholic School, all faculty and staff comply with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting God’s Children Requirements.

• Complete the required new hire paperwork and mandatory Archdiocese training.

• Must clear Background Check/Fingerprints.

• Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies.

• Required to attend additional training classes as designated by the Security Operations Manager/ Security Lead or Security Supervisor and/or FXW administrative staff.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A bachelor's or master's degree in education.

• A valid, issued State of Illinois teaching certificate is preferred.

• A master’s degree in a curriculum area is preferred.

A candidate must demonstrate:

• The ability to establish collaborative relationships with co-teacher/teaching staff.

• Strong interest to teach in an inclusive faith-based school and comfortable teaching a Religion Curriculum- either Catholic or Interfaith in subject matter.

Key Relationships

The Teacher reports to the Campus Principal and will be supervised, evaluated, and mentored by the Principal and/or Assistant Principal. Other key relationships include campus leadership, Head of School, other teachers and administrators, staff, students and parents.

Physical Requirements

Standing and Movement:

• Middle school teachers frequently stand for extended periods while teaching, and they need to be able to walk around the classroom and maneuver in tight spaces.

Clear Communication:

• Teachers must be able to speak clearly and project their voice to be heard by students, as well as understand the speech of others.

Visual Acuity:

• They need to be able to see details of objects at various distances, including those within a few feet and those further away.

Hearing:

• Teachers must be able to hear sounds and distinguish between them and focus on one source of sound while ignoring others.

Fine Motor Skills:

• Teachers may need to use their fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.

Physical Stamina:

• The job can be physically demanding, requiring teachers to stay active and engaged throughout the day.

Occasional Physical Tasks:

• Teachers may need to kneel, squat, or stoop, to interact with students or access materials.

Adaptability:

• Teachers need to be able to adapt to different classroom environments and activities, which may involve standing, sitting, or walking.

Work Environment

High Social Interaction:

• Middle school teachers have a high level of social interaction with students, parents, and other staff members.

Classroom Management:

• They must be able to manage diverse student behaviors and create a positive learning environment.

Communication:

• Teachers communicate regularly with students, parents, and colleagues via phone, email, in-person meetings, and written correspondence.

Conflict Situations:

• Teachers may encounter conflict situations with students or parents, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills.

Collaboration:

• Teachers work as part of a team with other educators and staff members.

Physical Environment:

• Teachers work indoors in classrooms but may also work outdoors for physical education or sports activities.

Technology:

• Teachers must be comfortable using technology for instruction, communication, and assessment.

Travel Requirements:

• Local travel between campuses, as necessary, to fulfill student curriculum and/or program requirements.