English Literacy Specialist, Primary & Middle School Lead Teacher

Job Description

General Overview of Position:

The English Literacy Specialist fulfills an essential role in the school by promoting literacy, including reading and writing strategies across all grade levels. The Literacy Specialist will work across all grades (1-8), and provide support for students below grade level standards. 

As the Primary & Middle School Lead Teacher, you will help to pioneer LionHeart’s Primary & Middle School program, managing the English Department. You will also work along-side our High School Team Leader & our Department of Learning & Development to launch a new learning program at LionHeart Academy. The candidate will work with a small cohort of colleagues in the Amharic, Math Science and Special Needs Education Department to evaluate curriculum, assess learning, and offer ideas and suggestions for how to shape our emerging High School (beginning in 2024 with Grade 9).

Aside for the above duties, the teacher will participate actively in the life of the school, by supporting extracurricular clubs and activities, and by participating in staff meetings, communicating constructively with administrators and colleagues, and helping to maintain a positive and friendly environment on campus.

The English Literacy Specialist/ Primary & Middle School Lead Teacher reports to the Department of Learning & Development and participates as a member of the teaching staff. 

Position Specifics:

• Create and maintain lesson plans based on assigned curriculum. Additionally, you are expected to maintain a comprehensive Lesson Plan Binder for each class, including materials, activities and other lesson enhancements implemented during the year.
• Meet regularly with colleagues in the Primary & Middle School teaching team to evaluate curriculum, assess learning, discuss Primary & Middle School standards and benchmarks, and offer ideas and suggestions for how to shape our emerging High School.
• Maintain an accurate record and communicate with families about their children’s progress and needs.
• Create lesson plans for and teach classes following the curriculum, supporting colleagues to cover teaching when necessary.
• Work with students with Special Educational Needs
• Participate in staff meetings, progress reporting, and evaluations, and complete all necessary paperwork and requirements of the school in a timely manner.
• Help to organize and plan extracurricular activities and opportunities for project-based, experiential learning, including Field Trips, the Science Fair, Art Show, and Drama.
• Conduct oneself appropriately, according to the Guiding Principles of LionHeart Academy, and represent the school in a professional and positive manner to the community at large. 

Reports to: 

The English Literacy Specialist/ Primary & Middle School Lead Teacher reports to the Department of Learning & Development and participates as a member of the teaching staff. 

Job Requirement

Job Requirement & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in education, literacy, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 3-5 years teaching experience at the elementary through middle school level
• Strong knowledge of current literacy research and best practices
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience working with struggling readers and/or English Language Learners
• Certification in reading or literacy instruction
• Bilingual abilities
• Experience with assessment and data-driven instruction