Elective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Middle School Elective Teacher is a passionate and committed educator responsible for designing and delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate elective instruction for middle school students. Depending on the teacher’s area of expertise and the needs and interests of the school community, courses may include technology, digital media, music, visual or performing arts, STEM, robotics, coding, media production, journalism, entrepreneurship, design, or other enrichment disciplines.

The ideal candidate will bring a particular area of expertise, skill, or passion that can be developed into a meaningful elective program for middle school students. The school is open to candidates from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds who can create engaging learning experiences that allow students to explore new interests, develop practical and creative skills, and make connections to the world beyond the classroom.

The teacher will create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment where students have opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, build confidence, collaborate with peers, solve problems, and create meaningful products or projects. The Elective Teacher will also provide opportunities for students to share and celebrate their learning through presentations, demonstrations, exhibitions, showcases, competitions, performances, publications, or other school-wide events.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, standards-aligned elective lessons appropriate to the academic, social, and developmental needs of middle school students.
• Provide instruction within one or more areas of expertise, which may include technology, digital media, coding, music, visual or performing arts, journalism, media production, entrepreneurship, design or another enrichment area. 
• Introduce students to the foundational concepts, skills, knowledge, and vocabulary relevant to the assigned elective course.
• Provide engaging, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences that allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and apply their learning.
• Design and deliver instruction that encourages creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and student engagement.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the varying abilities, interests, learning styles, and needs of students.
• Establish a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes high expectations, respectful communication, collaboration, responsibility, and active participation.
• Provide students with opportunities to connect course content and skills to real-world experiences, their communities, careers, cultures, and other academic subjects.
• Develop and facilitate projects, presentations, showcases, performances, demonstrations, or other opportunities for students to share and celebrate their learning, as appropriate to the course.
• Manage classroom behavior using proactive, consistent, and student-centered practices that support a productive learning environment.
• Assess student learning through appropriate assignments, projects, participation, presentations, and other methods, and provide meaningful feedback to support student growth.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, assignments, and progress in accordance with school policies.
• Collaborate with teachers, school leadership, and other staff to support interdisciplinary learning, school-wide initiatives, and the broader school community.
• Communicate effectively with students and families regarding student progress, classroom expectations, projects, activities, and other course-related information.
• Maintain and appropriately manage classroom materials, supplies, technology, equipment, and other resources associated with the assigned elective.
• Participate in professional development, collaborative planning, staff meetings, school events, and other professional responsibilities.
• Support the overall mission, culture, and programs of the school.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

     Knowledge and skills 

• Strong belief in the value of elective courses in supporting students' academic, personal, social, and creative development.
• Knowledge, experience, or demonstrated skill in the subject area or discipline associated with the assigned elective.
• Understanding of the developmental needs, interests, and learning styles of middle school students.
• Ability to create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment that balances structure, high expectations, student choice, and active participation.
• Strong lesson planning, classroom management, and differentiated instruction skills.
• Ability to engage students with varying levels of prior knowledge, experience, and confidence.
• Ability to design meaningful projects, activities, presentations, or other learning experiences that allow students to apply and demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students and create a classroom environment where students feel respected, supported, and encouraged to participate.
• Proficiency with educational technology and the ability to learn and effectively use school-based systems and platforms.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, school leadership, families, and other members of the school community.
• Flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to support school-wide initiatives and contribute positively to the overall school community.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, the subject area related to the assigned elective, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience teaching, instructing, mentoring, coaching, facilitating, or working with school-aged youth.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, or expertise in the subject area or discipline associated with the assigned elective.
• Ability and willingness to develop and facilitate engaging projects, activities, presentations, showcases, or other student learning experiences.
• Previous experience working with middle school students is strongly preferred.
• New York State teaching certification in an applicable subject area preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.