Middle School Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6–7) in New Orleans, Louisiana at Elan Academy Charter School

Position: Middle School Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6–7)

Role Description:

The Middle School Social Studies Teacher is responsible for delivering rigorous, engaging, and standards-aligned social studies instruction to scholars in grades 6 and 7 using the Gallopade curriculum. The teacher builds scholars’ knowledge of history, civics, geography, and economics while developing the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills necessary for success in high school and beyond. The teacher reports to the Principal and works collaboratively with the instructional leadership team and grade-level colleagues to ensure every scholar meets ambitious academic and character goals.

About Élan Academy:

Founded in 2017, Élan Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, disciplined, and joyful school located in New Orleans, LA. Through a classical curriculum, high-quality instruction, and leadership development, Élan Academy Charter School ensures that all scholars have the foundation necessary to thrive in secondary school, succeed in college, and access lives of opportunity.

An Élan Academy Teammate…

• Does whatever it takes. We are Élan Academy teachers, not just individual classroom teachers. We recognize that we are all responsible for building, preserving, and maintaining our school culture.
• Embodies our core values. We want to build a culture of open, honest, and productive dialogue with one another. We are expected to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns. We value the power of shared leadership.
• Believes results come from hard work. Our preparation creates the opportunity for success. We understand that Élan Academy’s success is the result of persistent effort, resilience, and a shared dedication to continuous improvement.
• Sweats the small stuff. Every detail matters and helps us build strong daily habits that contribute to success.
• Embodies no-nonsense nurturing. We build meaningful relationships with our scholars and hold them accountable to meet high expectations.
• Teaches ALL scholars until they learn. We are committed to providing an equitable learning environment. We ensure that all scholars have access to high-quality instructional resources and support in order to meet their most rigorous learning outcomes.
• Understands that we are members of one school with one mission, working together at all times. We share our passion for teaching and learning with our colleagues, our scholars, and our families to achieve the mission.

Responsibilities:

• Embody Élan Academy’s mission, vision, and values;
• Participate in an annual summer staff orientation and training;
• Teach 6th and 7th grade Social Studies using the Gallopade curriculum, implementing all units, lessons, and assessments with fidelity while making purposeful adaptations to meet the needs of all scholars;
• Plan and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction grounded in the Louisiana Student Standards for Social Studies, building scholars’ content knowledge in history, civics, geography, and economics;
• Develop scholars’ disciplinary literacy skills, including analyzing primary and secondary sources, constructing evidence-based claims, and writing across the social studies content;
• Internalize and prepare daily lesson plans, showing written evidence of preparation as required;
• Use Gallopade’s instructional resources, leveled texts, and digital platform to differentiate instruction and support scholars at all readiness levels;
• Conduct ongoing assessments of scholar achievement through formal and informal testing, including Gallopade unit assessments and schoolwide interim assessments; analyze data and adjust instruction accordingly;
• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams, special education staff, and interventionists to support all scholars, including implementing accommodations and modifications outlined in IEPs and 504 plans;
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of middle school scholars;
• Manage scholar behavior consistently and proactively in alignment with schoolwide systems and expectations;
• Build strong relationships with scholars and families through regular, proactive communication about scholar progress;
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, grades, and other required documents accurately and on time;
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies;
• Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.

Qualifications:Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
• (Preferred) Valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate: Social Studies (Grades 4–8 or 6–12)
• 2+ years of middle school teaching experience preferred
• Experience with the Gallopade curriculum and the Louisiana Student Standards for Social Studies preferred

Mindset Requirements:

• Believe that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to ALL scholars regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or gender;
• Believe that the children of New Orleans have been historically underserved, and they deserve an excellent education;
• Believe the opportunity gap can be eliminated and that this can be accomplished not through heroics but through focused instruction;
• Believe children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally in a highly organized learning environment;
• Believe fostering great relationships with families and stakeholders can lead to transformational learning opportunities;
• Believe high-quality schools focus on scholar learning and intentionally use data to influence outcomes;
• Believe that all members of the Élan Academy Community are capable of growth. We invest in consistent, measurable, and meaningful learning opportunities that promote academic and personal advancement for all scholars and adults;
• Believe that the standardized exams our scholars take (NWEA, LEAP, STEP, and our Interim Assessments) provide valuable data that must inform our instruction.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods.
• Ability to assist scholars with physical tasks as needed.

Compensation:Élan Academy offers a generous compensation package, including a 401(K) contribution match, health, dental, and vision insurance, and more! Élan Academy also ensures that ALL staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.