JOB TITLE: Communication & Media Teacher
REPORTS TO: School Principal
SUPERVISES: Students
DEPARTMENT: Curriculum & Instruction
JOB TYPE: Full-Time (35 hours/week)
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY/BENEFITS: Refer to Teacher Collective Bargaining Agreement
JOB FUNCTION
The Middle School Communication and Media Arts Teacher will provide engaging instruction in various aspects of communication, media literacy, and digital content creation. This role requires a dynamic educator with a passion for fostering students' critical thinking skills and ability to communicate effectively in today's digital world. The teacher will plan and deliver lessons, assess student progress, and maintain a positive and safe learning environment.
This position directly reports to the school principal and functionally reports to the other school administrators and district directors. This position coordinates with the other teachers, instructional coaches, school psychologists, and school social workers along with other support staff, students, guardians, and the community.
TERM
Shall work the 10-month school calendar as defined by the Board of Education and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list is not all-inclusive and is only intended to illustrate the various responsibilities and duties performed.
Plans and develops an engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices, Illinois State Standards, and school district curriculum guidelines.
Designs and presents individual lesson plans using a variety of teaching techniques that appeal to various learning styles and methods.
Prepares materials for lessons, assignments, and tests; evaluates, corrects, and grades student performance.
Monitors student progress throughout the year and evaluates preparedness for the next grade level; communicates all progress and concerns with professionalism to guardians and, as appropriate, students, other faculty, staff, and/or administrators; builds and maintains positive rapport and communication with guardians.
Establishes and implements classroom management structure and rules that ensure academic engagement and the physical and mental safety of all students; ensures safety and security standards for children, staff, and visitors of the school.
Supervises all students throughout school grounds and on educational trips as necessary.
Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.
Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in communication and media arts education.
Recognizes and supports diversity and equity in support of school and district initiatives.
Maintains an educational philosophy and school climate that encourages a cooperative and participant attitude on the part of all staff and students; celebrates the achievements and successes of students.
Participates in faculty meetings, educational conferences, in-service opportunities, workshops, and other training seminars as required.
Attends work as scheduled and arrives in a timely manner unless a qualified absence has been approved as described in the collective bargaining agreement.
Performs additional related duties within the scope of this position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education.
Desire to teach middle-school-aged children and ability to adapt to their developmental status.
Ability to design lessons that teach curriculum in an engaging manner, applying various teaching methods.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage and control the classroom.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Creative analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Google Suite or related software.
Knowledge of digital media creation tools and platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express, Google Slides, WeVideo, iMovie, TikTok, Flipgrid).
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Education or related subject; appropriate state license or certification; and Media Specialist Endorsement or similar subject matter endorcment are required. Master's degree; Learning Behavior Specialist and/or English as a Second Language Endorsements; and previous teaching experience with middle-school-aged children are highly preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing to teach. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Must be able to navigate the classroom and adjust one's tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.