Job Description

Middle School (MS) Social Studies (SS) and English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher

Location: Glendale

Job Type: Full-time, Contract

Salary Range: $46,000-$52,000 per year

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT SUN VALLEY ACADEMY

You are an enthusiastic team player looking to grow your career with an expanding organization. You are passionate about middle school social studies and English Language Arts (ELA) and dedicated to helping students in grades 6-8 develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing skills, and civic understanding. You enjoy working with students, families, and colleagues, and you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative school environment. You are a highly qualified, motivated self-starter who works well with others, seeks solutions to challenges, and demonstrates leadership in your classroom.

As the 6th-8th Grade Social Studies and ELA Teacher, you will:

• Provide instruction aligned to Arizona State Standards in both Social Studies and English Language Arts.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, grade-level appropriate lessons that address various learning styles, abilities, and interests.
• Cover core Social Studies topics such as geography, U.S. and world history, government, civics, and economics, while fostering historical thinking and civic literacy.
• Teach ELA skills including reading comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literary analysis.
• Utilize school-adopted systems of practice for curriculum, instruction, and assessment including, but not limited to: Beyond Textbooks, Spalding (as applicable for literacy integration), data submission processes, and testing protocols.
• Use data-driven instruction to monitor student progress and adjust lessons to support mastery in reading, writing, and social studies concepts.
• Assess student progress toward learning targets and provide timely, constructive feedback to students, parents/guardians, and administration.
• Integrate technology, digital resources, and multimedia tools to enhance engagement and support differentiated learning.
• Encourage student discussion, debate, collaborative projects, and critical thinking in both social studies and ELA.
• Establish classroom routines and procedures that support a structured, respectful, and productive learning environment.
• Effectively implement student goals outlined in 504 Plans and IEPs.
• Participate in grade-level and school-wide professional learning activities.
• Document and proactively address student behavior and attendance issues.
• Reflect continually on instructional practices to improve student outcomes.
• Supervise students in accordance with state laws and school policies.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by the school and law.
• Participate in school-wide events, meetings, and parent conferences.

CORE VALUES/PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES:

• Promote positive interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate a belief that all middle school students can succeed in social studies and ELA.
• Be responsible, flexible, reliable, and punctual.
• Willingness to adapt to change and respond positively to feedback.
• Positively accept direction from supervisors.
• Exercise effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Adhere to the dress code, policies, and procedures outlined in the Teacher Handbook.
• Maintain student and staff confidentiality.
• Act as a positive role model for students, parents, and staff.
• Show respect and dignity for cultural differences.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of middle school social studies and ELA content (6th-8th grade standards).
• Ability to clearly explain complex concepts and foster critical thinking.
• Skilled in analyzing assessment data to inform instruction.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret curriculum guides, manuals, and assessment documents.
• Write in a coherent and professional manner.
• Present information clearly to students, families, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and instructional technology tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• CPR/First Aid Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Arizona Teaching Certificate, or Reciprocal Out-Of-State Certificate
• Master's Degree or higher
• 1 year of teaching experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Positions in this classification typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, fingering, standing, walking, pushing, reaching, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Employees must be subject to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Employees must be able to physically manage a classroom with small children ensuring the safety of the children at all times.

ABOUT US

Sun Valley Academy is a premier charter school district serving students in the Avondale, Glendale, and South Mountain communities. We believe in educating the whole child by focusing on academics, leadership development, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and creating a nurturing environment. As a Leader in Me School, our students began learning and implementing leadership principles in Kindergarten and continue throughout their academic career. At Sun Valley Academy, we celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion, build community partnerships, and seek sustainable practices to preserve our environment.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

At SVA, we offer smaller class sizes (for teacher postings), competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, a warm and loving environment, opportunities to lead after school clubs and programs, and future growth opportunities.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Sun Valley Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Sun Valley offers competitive salary, full medical benefits, life insurance and a 401K retirement program. We are a warm, caring, supportive environment where all team members work hard to give our students the best possible academic outcomes.

BACKGROUND SCREENING PROCESS

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM? APPLY BELOW:

https://sunvalleyacademy.isolvedhire.com/

ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS.