Middle School English Teacher

Chandler School is an independent K-8 school located in Pasadena, CA, with an enrollment of 450. Founded in 1950, Chandler School abides by its mission to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment.

We strive to have our students gain a love of learning, a means of thinking independently and an ability to work collaboratively. A Chandler education seeks to develop good character, self-reliance and a commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success.

We take pride in our thriving community with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We learn and grow from one another and respect each others creativity and knowledge to promote a nurturing and healthy workplace.

Purpose/Summary:

Middle School English teachers are members of a three-member Middle School English department faculty teaching grades 6-8. The faculty member will be expected to fulfill the mission of Chandler School by planning, organizing, and implementing an appropriate program that challenges and encourages each student in a nurturing, balanced, and diverse environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Core responsibilities include teaching four sections of English, electives, physical education, counseling a group of advisees, and participating in the outdoor education program. Other tasks and responsibilities are outlined below. Coaching opportunities are available.

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
• Prepare the classroom for class activities
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities
• Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs
• Use relevant technology to support instruction, keep up-to-date accurate records, and communicate with colleagues and parents.
• Observe and evaluate students performance and development
• Assign and grade classwork, homework, tests, and assignments
• Provide appropriate feedback on student work
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development
• Prepare required reports on students and activities
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures consistent with Chandlers Six Pillars of Character and the Chandler Code.
• Perform certain pastoral duties including but not limited to student support, counseling students with academic problems, and providing student encouragement
• Participate in department and faculty meetings as well as parent meetings
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and parents regarding student progress and student needs
• Keep up to date with developments in the subject area, teaching resources, and methods and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities. Participate in professional development activities.
• In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, an employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Fluency in English and strong cultural competency.
• Prior teaching experience in middle school or upper elementary grades, preferably in an independent school setting.
• Ability to integrate technology effectively in instruction.
• Commitment to Chandlers mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with outdoor education programs and advisory roles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a grade-level or interdisciplinary team.
• Strong classroom management skills that foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
• Commitment to social-emotional learning (SEL) and supporting student well-being.
• Willingness to participate in school-wide initiatives, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in English, Education, or a related field (Masters preferred).
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Previous experience working with children in a school, daycare, summer camp or similar environment is preferred.

Environment and Working Conditions:

• Works in a classroom and school environment with occasional outdoor supervision duties.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Works in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• Ability to move around the school campus, including walking, standing, sitting, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
• Willingness and ability to supervise children in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, or rain, during outdoor play or field trips.
• Moderate noise levels typical of a school environment, including student conversations, classroom activities, and occasional events.
• Standard school-day schedule, with occasional evening or weekend work for special events, meetings, or professional development.

Compensation and Benefits Overview:

Our comprehensive package is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees

• Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans available to employees and their dependents. Chandler School pays up to 50% of dependent care coverage.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in a 403 (b) plan with employer contributions up to 10% of salary.
• Vacation accrual is available to non-faculty employees. Personal and sick days available to all employees in addition to 15 paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications.
• Wellness Support: Every employee receives a wellness stipend.

Chandler School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are evaluated without consideration of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.