HS Eighth Grade ELA Teacher

Job Title: High School Teacher

Grade: 8

Subject: English Language and Arts
Location: High School

Reports To: Building Principal

Subordinates: None
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Academic Calendar Year Schedule

School Year: 2026-2027
Salary: School Year Instructional Salary Scale $56,079 - $105,077

POSITION SUMMARY:

The High School Teacher will deliver high-quality instruction aligned with both the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the IB curriculum, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment , fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment while modeling the mission and character virtues of the school.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Days: Monday – Friday (occasional weekends as needed for special events)
• Schedule Details: This position schedule is based on the academic calendar of the School Year which includes School Vacations, Holidays, Snow, and District Professional Development Days.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model the mission and character virtues of the school.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of subject areas and best practices in pedagogy.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of school curriculum goals.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.
• Plan instruction based upon explicit goals regarding what students should know and be able to do.
• Create or provide learning experiences that develop students’ abilities and require the application of thinking skills.
• Employ a variety of instructional strategies that consider individual learning styles and performance levels.
• Organize instruction around essential questions or core learning objectives; teach for understanding and/or mastery; provide students with practice and extension opportunities as needed.
• Assess student learning on a regular basis using multiple forms of assessment; analyze data and provide reports of student progress as needed.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Create a classroom learning environment that is engaging, orderly, secure, and appealing for students and in which mutual respect is shown.
• Carry out the school’s disciplinary code and procedures in a fair and just manner.
• Assign meaningful work that reinforces classroom instruction.
• Communicate student progress and development to parents, involving families in the education of their child.
• Provide written assessments, referrals, and evaluations when necessary for students with special needs. Participate in IEP meetings as required.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities to remain current with educational best practices.
• Model learning and behavior consistent with the expectations for students.
• Attend staff/team/department meetings and serve on staff committees as necessary.
• Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve curriculum and instructional effectiveness for all students.
• Build positive relationships with students in support of their academic and social development.
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of the students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
• Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
• Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide timely progress reports.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and adherence to the educator evaluation processes as outlined by DESE.
• Ability to integrate technology effectively into instruction.
• Willingness to engage in extracurricular activities and school community events.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or relevant subject area; Master’s degree preferred.

• Per Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations, all Commonwealth charter school teachers must either hold an appropriate Massachusetts educator license or pass the required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) within their first year of employment.

• Teachers assigned to English Language Learners (ELLs) are required to obtain the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement within one year of assignment. This can be achieved through:

  • Completion of a Department-approved SEI course.
  • Passing the SEI MTEL exam.

• Prior teaching experience at the high school level is preferred; experience with the IB Program is a plus.

• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is typically inside a school or classroom setting.
• Noise levels may vary, but are generally moderate, with occasional higher noise levels due to student activities or group work.
• Some travel between classrooms and school buildings may be required.
• The role may require lifting, carrying, or moving educational materials or students, as well as the ability to monitor and engage in physical activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift (up to 50 lbs.), and perform repetitive motions.
• Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, and stretching.
• Standing or walking for the entirety of an 8-hour shift.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking and attention to detail.

Important Note:

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full-Time, Exempt Position with compensation based on the School Year’s Instructional Salary Scale. The schedule for this role is based on the school year academic calendar. This is a 10-month position with compensation paid out over 12-months. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match
• Dash Pass (DoorDash)
• YMCA Discounts
• Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)
• Sick Time with Sick Bank
• Personal Days
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission

The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.