Cloonan Middle School: Writing Teacher – Grade 8

• Position Type:
  Middle School Teaching/English/Language Arts
  
  
• Date Posted:
  8/27/2024
  
  
• Location:
  Stamford, CT
  
  
• Date Available:
  2024-2025 School Year
  
  

The filling of this position is based upon continued funding in the Board of Education budget.

Note: Teachers dually certified in TESOL, Bilingual Education or ESL, with experience in Sheltered Instruction or fluency in a language other than English, will be given preference for all Stamford Public School positions.

General Statement:
The Interdisciplinary Writing Teacher instructs students to develop their writing skills across different subjects. They have a deep understanding of the growth and development of students and what needs to be taught to facilitate basic skills. They work to enhance students' ability to express their thoughts cohesively while emphasizing collaboration and peer feedback, empowering students to become proficient writers equipped to tackle diverse writing tasks. The teacher values effective written communication in various disciplines. They work to stimulate each student's independence as a learner, effectively assess their needs and progress, and plan instruction to achieve selected objectives, including those appropriate for exceptional students. To accomplish these objectives, the teacher uses proper techniques and materials in a positive learning environment where time, space, and equipment are effectively organized for instruction. They also effectively communicate with students, parents, and colleagues. In addition, they deliver an engaging curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards for writing, focusing on writing arguments to support claims with clear reasoning and relevant evidence, writing informative or explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information, and writing narratives using effective techniques, appropriate details, and well-structured event sequences. The Interdisciplinary Writing Teacher reports to the building administration and collaborates with the grade-level team to implement interdisciplinary writing units.

Major Responsibilities:

• Instruct students to develop their writing skills across various subjects, understanding the developmental stages of writing, and tailoring instruction to meet students' needs.
• Assist students in expressing their thoughts cohesively in writing, emphasizing collaboration and peer feedback to empower them as proficient writers capable of addressing diverse writing tasks.
• Instill an appreciation for effective written communication in different disciplines, recognizing its importance across academic and professional contexts.
• Foster each student's independence as a learner, assessing their individual needs and progress and planning instruction to achieve specific objectives, including those tailored for exceptional students.
• Implement appropriate instructional techniques and materials within a positive learning environment, ensuring that time, space, and equipment are effectively organized for instruction.
• Maintain effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a supportive learning community and addressing any concerns or issues promptly.
• Deliver an engaging curriculum aligned with the Common Core State standards for writing, focusing on writing arguments, informative or explanatory texts, and narratives while integrating interdisciplinary content and approaches.
• Facilitate inquiry-based learning by guiding students through short research projects, helping them draw on multiple sources to answer questions and adjust their focus as needed.
• Report to building administration on student progress and collaborate with grade-level teams to implement interdisciplinary writing units, promoting coherence and consistency across the curriculum.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:
Works in standard office and school building environments.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Commitment to creating schools that provide an education that cultivates productive habits of mind, body, and heart in every student.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Common Core State Standards for writing and pedagogical practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human growth and development as it relates to the teaching and learning process.
• Evidence of ability to work cooperatively with administrators, teachers and educational assistants.
• Evidence of organizational ability and willingness to pursue tasks to successful completion.
• Superior communication skills (oral and written).
• Knowledge of and/or demonstrate the ability to learn and implement Operating Systems (i.e. Windows); Office suites (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Docs); Presentation Software (i.e. PowerPoint, Keynote); Spreadsheets (i.e. Excel, Google Spreadsheets); Communication and Collaboration tools (i.e. Skype); Accounting Software (i.e. QuickBooks); Student Information Systems (i.e. Naviance, PowerSchool); or any other technology deemed relevant for this position.

Qualifications:

• CT CSDE Teaching Certification endorsed for Humanities:
  • Elementary, K-6 (013) or Elementary, 1-6 (305) (for 6th Grade only)
  • English, 7-12 (015)
  • English, Middle School, 4-8 (215)
  • History & Social Studies, 7-12 (026)
  • History & Social Studies, Middle School, 4-8 (226)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and/or Stamford Board of Education may find appropriate.

Union:
Stamford Education Association (SEA)

Work Year:
186 days

Salary: $50,684 to $123,992
Step Placement is based on education and experience as outlined in Article 4 (D) of the SEA Contract.

Finalized 06/05/2024

Application Procedures:
Online application is required.

External Applicants - Please upload a minimum of 2 letters of reference, at least one of which is from a current or recent past supervisor.

Letters of reference should be dated within the last two years.