Middle School ELA Teacher

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is the reason we exist, and every team member is dedicated to securing student success. We are committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing disparities that limit our students' choices. Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and communities will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.

About the role

As an English Teacher at Mastery, you will foster students' development in critical thinking, questioning, critiquing, and understanding the written word. The opportunity gap in the U.S. is a literacy gap, and your role will be pivotal in setting students up for long-term success through a world-class education. You will engage with a robust core curriculum supporting the science of reading, focusing on rigorous reading and writing aligned to grade-level standards. Additionally, you will lead intervention courses to address unfinished learning, ensuring students meet grade-level and graduation requirements for post-secondary success.

Mastery values continuous improvement, providing coaching and feedback through Assistant Principals, central-office coaches, and school-based content teams. Professional development and peer collaboration time are built into the staff calendar.

Responsibilities

• Commit to ongoing professional development in the spirit of continuous improvement
• Develop and implement rigorous and appropriate lesson plans, assignments, and assessments in cooperation with Mastery school-based leadership and curricular resources
• Work closely with school leaders to analyze student assessment data to measure progress and use data to inform instruction
• Collaborate in grade-level teams to discuss student work, share best practices, plan events for joy and humor, and ensure student mastery of standards
• Engage families in their children’s education by building relationships and maintaining regular communication
• Demonstrate genuine interest, belief, and care for students’ personal and academic success
• Commit to professional growth, self-reflection, a receptiveness to feedback, and a desire to continuously improve

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required with a record of personal, professional, and/or academic achievement
• Teacher certification – completed or in process
• Demonstrated expertise in subject area
• Commitment to and experience working with underserved communities
• Determination to drive student achievement and set high expectations for all students
• Ability to motivate, support, and challenge students in a student-centered, standards-driven classroom community
• Positive mindset and a drive for personal excellence
• Solutions-oriented resiliency to respond positively and effectively to challenges
• Outstanding instructional skills driven by data and delivered through rigorous and engaging strategies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to physically perform essential duties, including traveling to network campuses and maneuvering in office spaces (standing, walking, sitting for long periods)
• Stooping, kneeling, reaching file cabinets/shelves, and fine finger/hand manipulation for computer, chalkboard, dry erase, or projector use
• Filing, faxing, scanning, copying, typing, mailing, and making phone calls
• Sitting for up to two hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse, and typing

Pay

New teachers start at $60,900, with salaries ranging up to $112,700 based on experience and education. This role is eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (5% match from Mastery for full-time employees)
• Enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees
• Robust Employee Assistance Program and mental health/counseling programs
• Annual Professional Development Fund
• Discounts and perks at various retailers, travel organizations, and insurance providers
• Access to the HealthAdvocate Helpdesk for benefits-related support

Schedule

Review Mastery’s annual calendar here for details on professional development, peer collaboration time, and other key dates.