English/Language Arts Teacher

North Lawndale College Prep

English/Language Arts Teacher Job Description - 10 month position

Position Summary

English/Language Arts (ELA) Teachers at North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) play a critical role in equipping students with the literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills needed for college and beyond. They deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that fosters deep comprehension, analytical reasoning, and effective written and verbal communication. The ELA Department includes courses such as English I-IV, AP English courses, College Research and Writing, and other electives, and the successful candidate may be asked to teach any content area within the department.

As part of NLCP's commitment to academic excellence, ELA Teachers design engaging, data-driven, standards-aligned lessons that meet all learner needs, incorporating differentiation and targeted support to ensure all students achieve mastery. In addition to core literacy instruction, all staff play an active role in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) intervention process, collaborating to provide targeted support that enhances student learning and fosters strong student outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, ELA Teachers contribute to curriculum development, participate in continuous professional learning, and collaborate with colleagues to refine instructional practices. Through high expectations, dynamic instruction, and a student-centered approach, they help cultivate strong reading, writing, and speaking skills that prepare scholars for future academic and career success.

Reports To:

Principal or designee

Position ResponsibilitiesPlan and Deliver Rigorous Instruction

• Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned ELA lessons that develop reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing skills, and verbal communication.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, including close reading, Socratic seminars, writing workshops, and direct instruction.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, including students with disabilities and English language learners.
• Implement accommodations and modifications for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other learning needs, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Support Student Growth Through MTSS

• Actively participate in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) by using data to identify students in need of additional support.
• Implement targeted interventions and collaborate with colleagues to adjust instruction based on student progress.
• Regularly assess and monitor student learning to provide timely feedback and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.

Promote College Readiness and Academic Achievement

• Maintain high academic expectations and foster a classroom environment that encourages analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.
• Integrate real-world applications and interdisciplinary connections to help students understand the relevance of literacy.
• Prepare students for college entrance exams and post-secondary success through skill-building in critical reading and essay writing.
• Lead an advisory as assigned to promote postsecondary aspirations and the social-emotional success of all students.

Experiential Learning and Literacy Development

• Incorporate diverse texts that reflect multiple perspectives and historical contexts.
• Design student-centered projects such as research papers, spoken word performances, debates, and journalism activities.
• Organize experiential learning opportunities, such as author visits, field trips to literary events, and public speaking engagements.

Behavior and Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a structured, positive classroom environment that supports learning.
• Implement schoolwide behavior expectations and restorative practices.
• Ensure student safety and effective classroom management in alignment with school policies.

Engage in Professional Growth and Collaboration

• Participate in ongoing professional development, instructional coaching, and data-driven planning sessions.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and refine curriculum, assessments, and best teaching practices.
• Contribute to a culture of reflective practice by seeking feedback and continuously improving instructional methods.

Parental and Community Engagement

• Maintain open and culturally responsive communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
• Provide families with resources and guidance to support student learning at home.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

Contribute to the School Community and Culture

• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a strong classroom and school culture.
• Work collaboratively with the Culture and Peace team to promote a restorative and responsive school environment.
• Teach special topic seminars that allow for creative and interdisciplinary approaches to learning.
• Uphold NLCP's mission and values by modeling NLCP's 5Ts: timely, transparent, team-oriented, trustworthy, and trauma-informed.
• Coordinate student activities such as field trips, writing contests, and external learning opportunities.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education, English, or a relevant field required; Master's preferred.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator's License required (or out-of-state equivalent with eligibility for license reciprocity).
• Strong content knowledge and enthusiasm for English/Language Arts, particularly in literature, writing, and rhetoric.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to improving the academic and personal growth of students both inside and outside the classroom.
• Proven track record of driving student achievement and closing opportunity gaps, particularly in literacy development.
• Strong instructional skills, differentiation techniques, and data-driven decision-making.
• Maintains a strengths-based approach, demonstrating unwavering belief in students' potential and practicing boundless compassion.
• Dedicated to continuous improvement and refining instructional practices.
• Passionate about urban education and committed to advancing equitable educational opportunities for historically marginalized students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skillsGood level of proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drive) and general computer applications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and interact with students and staff.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent computer work required.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderate to loud, especially in common areas such as gyms and cafeterias.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Compliance with all board policies, ISBE requirements, and relevant educational laws and regulations.