SCALE:  Professional Scale  
CONTRACT:  Professional Staff Contract 
SUPERVISOR: Middle School English Department Chair
                     Middle School Administration
DIVISION: Middle School                          

JOB SUMMARY 

The MS English program is grounded in the practices of reading and writing workshop pedagogy, fostering independent, critical, and creative thinkers who read and write with purpose and joy. Our English teachers design learning experiences that promote curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for language through diverse texts and authentic writing opportunities. Students are supported in taking ownership of their learning through goal setting, choice, and self-reflection, while developing as reflective readers and purposeful writers. 

Our program emphasizes both skill development and character growth. Teachers guide students through reading and writing across genres—including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and analytical writing—helping them build empathy, strengthen communication, and express ideas with clarity and creativity. 

Other teaching expectations:

• Facilitate a Homeroom class for 8 to 12 students (25-minutes daily), delivering lessons on DEIB and other related topics throughout the year.
• Meet with MS Counselors and grade-level team(s) to talk about student well-being
• Attend MS Camp for four days and three nights.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Three or more years of teaching experience in Middle School
• Bachelor's degree in English or related field (master's in English or education preferred)
• Fluent in English
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

IDEAL TRAITS / CHARACTERISTICS:

• Passion, joy, and enthusiasm for teaching middle school students and for teaching English.
• Empathy and understanding of diverse family and student needs.
• Patience, kindness, and a student-centered teaching approach.
• A strong commitment to the TAS mission and a willingness to go above and beyond for students and the school community.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to support the growth of the program and their own professional growth outside of the classroom (for example through PLC's or curriculum review teams)
• Ability and eagerness to work collaboratively with a team of teachers

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Professional Knowledge: 

• Demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject content, and the developmental needs of students by providing meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.
• Addresses relevant curriculum standards and schoolwide learning outcomes while linking present content with past and future learning experiences, other subject areas, and real-world experiences and applications.
• Demonstrates an understanding of methodologies or practices to promote surface, deep and transfer learning.

Instructional Planning:

• Plans using TAS’ mission, schoolwide learning outcomes, standards, and data, alongside engaging and appropriate strategies and resources to meet the needs of all students.
• Plans consistently using differentiated learning experiences (e.g. content, process, product, and learning environment) that support diverse populations of learners (e.g., multilingual learners, students with learning needs, etc.).
• Plans accordingly for pacing, sequencing, content mastery, transitions, and application of knowledge.
• Plans using the UbD framework and works collaboratively with teammates, collaborating teachers and/or instructional leaders to enhance teaching and learning. 

Instructional Delivery:

• Uses a variety of research-based, developmentally appropriate instructional strategies relevant to the content area to engage students in active learning, to promote key skills especially those outlined within the schoolwide learning outcomes, and to meet individual learning needs.
• Uses appropriate instructional technology to enhance student learning.
• Consistently checks for understanding using multiple levels of questioning, provides regular feedback, and adjusts instruction accordingly.

 Assessment of/for Learning:

• Systematically gathers, analyzes, and uses formative and summative data to measure student progress, guides instructional content and delivery methods, and provide timely feedback to students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Uses assessment as a means to support students in developing a growth-mindset while involving students in setting learning goals and monitoring their own progress.

 Learning Environment:

• Uses resources, routines, and procedures to provide a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning and collaboration.
• Arranges the physical space and structures the classroom to maximize learning while providing a welcoming and safe environment.
• Promotes respectful interactions and an understanding of students’ diversity, including language, culture, race, gender, and special needs.

Professionalism:

• Maintains a commitment to professional ethics, collaborates and communicates appropriately, and takes responsibility for personal professional growth that results in the enhancement of student learning.
• Identifies and evaluates personal strengths and weaknesses and sets goals for improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
• Engages in activities outside the classroom intended for school and student enhancement.
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with administrators, other school personnel, and the community to promote students’ well-being and success.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with parents through frequent and appropriate communication concerning students’ progress.
• Uses precise language, correct vocabulary and grammar, and acceptable forms of oral and written communication. 

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below. Please note that direct applications via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as Taipei American School reserves the right to close the selection process at any time.