Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
Location: St. Louis, MO 63118
Department: Schools / Academics
Reports To: School Leader
Classification: Full-Time / Exempt
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Position Summary
The Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher at Kairos Academies is a mission-driven educator who helps students become critical readers, thoughtful writers, and confident communicators. This role combines deep content expertise with Kairos’ coaching-based instructional model—empowering students to take ownership of their learning, develop voice and agency, and build lifelong literacy skills.
At Kairos, all teachers are leaders. Beyond delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction, ELA teachers model our values of Love, Excellence, Agency, and Diversity while shaping the culture and systems that make Kairos a place where every student can thrive. Teachers are expected to coach, collaborate, and reflect to ensure students achieve measurable academic and personal growth.
Core Responsibilities
Instructional Excellence
- Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned units focused on reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Teach students to analyze complex texts across genres — including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and informational writing.
- Integrate writing instruction that emphasizes argumentation, narrative craft, and evidence-based reasoning.
- Use data from MAP, NWEA, and internal assessments to differentiate instruction and accelerate literacy growth.
- Maintain accurate gradebooks and provide frequent, actionable feedback on writing and reading comprehension.
- Incorporate project-based learning, literature circles, and Socratic discussions that connect text to identity, culture, and community.
Student Relationships & Mentorship
- Serve as a Kairos Coach, mentoring a pod of students weekly to build goal-setting, self-management, and reflection skills.
- Foster a classroom environment grounded in respect, curiosity, and collaboration.
- Communicate proactively with families to celebrate growth and address challenges
Collaboration & Professional Growth
- Partner with ELA and humanities team members to align curriculum, assessments, and best practices across grades.
- Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs), coaching cycles, and team reflections aligned with Kairos’ instructional priorities.
- Share strategies and feedback that support continuous improvement within the teaching team.
Whole-School Service & Leadership- Click here for more information
- Serve in a whole-school service role (e.g., Literacy Lead, Equity Lead, Tutoring Lead) that supports schoolwide academic and cultural goals.
- Support consistent implementation of restorative practices, positive behavior systems, and SEL frameworks.
- Contribute to school events, family engagement, and community initiatives.
Driver Goals
- MAP Proficiency: 60% of students meet or exceed ELA proficiency benchmarks.
- NWEA Growth: 70% of students demonstrate expected or above-expected growth in reading and language usage.
- Mentoring Participation: 75% of students meet coaching engagement and reflection benchmarks.
- On-Track Gradient Learning Classes: 85% of students maintain on-track progress in ELA coursework.
Key Indicators of Success
- Evidence of rigorous, culturally relevant instruction aligned to Missouri Learning Standards and Kairos’ Graduate Profile.
- Growth in literacy outcomes and student writing performance across multiple genres.
- Classroom culture characterized by student ownership, curiosity, and productive struggle.
- Consistent use of data to drive instruction, reteaching, and enrichment.
- Active contribution to team collaboration, curriculum development, and schoolwide improvement.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a related field.
- Valid Missouri Substitute Certification.
- Demonstrated success increasing literacy achievement in middle school students.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Eligible to work for any employer in the United States.
Preferred:
- Missouri Teaching Certificate (English Language Arts 5–9) or eligibility to obtain upon hire.
- Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field.
- Experience with project-based or workshop-style literacy instruction.
- 3+ years of middle school teaching experience with demonstrated student growth outcomes.
Work Schedule & Environment
- Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement, performances, or tutoring.
- Dynamic, fast-paced classroom environment requiring adaptability and teamwork.
- On-site role at Kairos Academies in St. Louis, MO.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $60,000
- Health, dental, and vision Insurance
- Paid time off & wellness reimbursement
- Professional development & certification reimbursement
- Certification and Graduate Coursework Reimbursement
- Comprehensive Coaching and Growth Opportunities
About Kairos Academies
Kairos Academies is a forward-thinking public charter school network in St. Louis reimagining education for the 21st century. Our mission is to cultivate an integrated community of self-directed learners, leaders, and citizens. Recognized nationally for innovation and excellence, Kairos replaces traditional lectures with personalized, project-based learning and emphasizes executive-function coaching to help students take ownership of their education and lives.