Details
Posted: 21-Apr-22
Location: La Jolla, California
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education: 4 Year Degree
Categories:
English/Language Arts
We are seeking a passionate, collaborative, experienced, ELA educator for a fifth-grade teaching position in a Middle School environment.
La Jolla Country Day School’s (LJCDS) Middle School is where we cultivate the maturation of our young scholars in Grades 5–8 in an ever-changing time in their lives. A bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, the Middle School challenges students within a nurturing environment and provides opportunities to explore a variety of academic offerings, technology, physical education, music, art, community service and leadership roles. We place great value on preparing our students for the Upper School but also for a world beyond academia. We believe in the education of the whole child—inside and outside of the classroom—and encourage students to develop intellectually as well as into citizens of good character.
Our grade 5 English educator is responsible for planning, developing, and compiling a comprehensive language-based educational program for students and delivering quality instructions to students, resulting in their overall development. Because every grade 5 student is at a different stage of their own journey toward reading and writing competence, it is essential that the grade 5 English educator has an approach that can meet the needs of diverse learners. The grade 5 English educator also works collaboratively with the grade-level team to support and foster the growth of students outside of the classroom.
The candidate must have knowledge of age-appropriate teaching methods, and appropriate instructional subjects for fifth grade.
- Share a deep passion for the subject matter;
- Knowledge of Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum to guide instruction
- Knowledge of running records to monitor fluency and comprehension
- Use of a variety of reading strategies ranging from whole-class novels to literature circles, to independent reading in the context of a reading workshop
- Implementation of process writing that includes planning, revising, and editing student work in the context of a writing workshop.
- Provide a variety of classroom techniques and methods to promote high levels of achievement in relation to individual student abilities.
- Maintain a positive environment conducive to effective student learning.
- Have enthusiasm, flexibility, and a desire to collaborate with colleagues in the department, across disciplines, and in all divisions;
- Create a supportive and caring classroom environment in which students can learn and interact positively with one another; through student-centered instruction, collaboration, and authentic assessment;
- Gather and analyze data on student learning and teaching practices to improve the educational experience;
- Contribute to school life as a positive community member in ways that go beyond the role in the classroom.
The applicant must hold at least a Bachelor's degree. Prior teaching experience is expected; preference will be given to candidates with experience at independent schools, and to those with deep knowledge and teaching experience at the Middle School level.
Familiarity with computers and expertise in the use of technology to enhance instruction is expected. To perform this job successfully, an individual must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware.
The ideal candidate is committed to leading and learning with dignity and working in an environment where anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices are modeled. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.
Please submit a current resume/CV, along with a cover letter detailing your experience and specific interest in this role, your educational philosophy, and a recent lesson plan.