Science of Reading/Literacy Teacher- Indianapolis Metropolitan High School

Indianapolis Metropolitan High School is a best fit high school for students with barriers to education and sadly, these barriers mean that over 2/3 of our enrolling students (many of whom are in Grades 11 and 12) read below a high school level when they join us.

We are seeking someone passionate about literacy to help us implement the science of reading for high schoolers with a great need and tremendous opportunity for impact.

Job Summary

The Literacy Teacher will serve as a member of the instructional team at the Indianapolis Metropolitan High School and will be a member of a school community with an educational model that complements the acclaimed barrier removal work Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana does at The Excel Centers, Nurse-Family Partnership, and other award-winning programs.  The teacher will facilitate learning for students in classes ranging from grades 9-12 in a “best fit” environment for teenagers with significant barriers to education. The teacher uses a variety of concepts and methods which include use of technology, project-based learning, and differentiated instruction.   With our core values of Professional, Unstoppable, Motivated, Accountable, and Supportive, the school priorities include:

• High rigor, high support instruction to close academic gaps and prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.
• Trauma-informed social-emotional learning.
• Student and family empowerment through coordination with a robust student services team of coaches, counselors, and more.

Example Duties and Activities

• Designs curriculum units for courses
• Deconstructs standards to create daily learning goals that will drive students to standard mastery.
• Facilitates research-based, standards-aligned instructional resources to guide the scope and sequence of instruction using a combination of school-provided and teacher-created materials, with an emphasis on disciplinary literacy.
• Assesses and responds to evidence of student learning to differentiate and provide support for learners at a variety of levels.  Engages in frequent instructional coaching and professional learning community collaboration to improve student learning.  Helps students recognize how the subject content aids in their attainment of postsecondary plans.
• Fosters a structured and supportive classroom environment that is consistent with school agreements, is trauma-informed, and provides students with frequent feedback to support their social-emotional development.
• Builds relationships with students and their webs of support.  Communicates strengths and challenges frequently and uses restorative approaches to resolve conflict.
• Collaborates with colleagues to refer and connect students to wraparound services including Family Empowerment Coaching for internal and community resources, Social-Emotional Learning, Special Education, and more.
• Participates in school cultural initiatives including facilitating an advisory class focused on an elective topic.
• Supports the school community by attending extracurricular events such as athletic contests and family nights.

Required Competencies

• Degree and Credential Requirements – Bachelor’s degree in subject specialty and current Indiana Teaching Certification in the subject specialty, or the willingness to obtain an emergency teaching license.
• Instructional Strategies – Employs various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct and engage students, such as communicating content in terms they can comprehend, organizing talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Uses a wide range of teaching devices and methodologies appropriate to the class content, the learners’ level, goals, and priorities which increase student achievement results.
• Information Monitoring/Reporting – Collects and reviews information to manage or improve the achievement of learning goals.
• Communication Skills – Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend customers’ needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Building Collaborative Relationships – Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships at all levels with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.  Is able to receive as well as provide feedback to improve performance or processes.
• Adaptability – Maintains effectiveness when experiencing shifts in priorities; adjusts effectively while maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Technical Knowledge – Has working knowledge of G Suite and MS Office.

Preferred Competencies 

• Industry Standards – Displays a working knowledge of the Indiana Academic Standards, Common Core State Standards, and 21st Century Skills and knowledge of disciplinary literacy.
• Teaching Expertise – Plans and delivers instruction and evaluation of student learning, ideally for high school-age students in a high poverty, racially diverse setting.
• Diversity Awareness – Works with diverse populations including people who have experienced barriers to their education.

Other Requirements

• Background Screening – All candidates must pass a pre-employment background check.

Benefits: Full-time employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Continuing education and leadership development
• Comprehensive health plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Life, dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pre-tax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement plan with generous match or contribution into Teachers’ Retirement Fund for eligible employees