English Language Arts Teacher (High School) 25/26 SY

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS…

Purpose and Impact:

• Students First: Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students’ holistic needs during their educational journey with us.
• Community: Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Grow Your Career: We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early career teachers.
• Generous Compensation: We’re proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers earning $53,460 – $94,000 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise, as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation. 
• Access to Financial Benefits: Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans. 

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
• Flexible Wellness Leave: Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year (56 hours annually after) for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers’ health and work-life balance.
• Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program: Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.

WHAT WE EXPECT…

Commitment to Excellence: 

• High Standards: Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
• Educational Equity: IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by “walking the walk” on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.

Resilience and Passion:

• Dedication to Students: Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being.
• Adaptability: Handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.

Professional Integrity:

• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
• Team Player: Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY: 

We are looking for amazing people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our vision and are energized by investing in academic improvement. The High School English/Language Arts Teacher will teach one or more ELA classes to students by performing a variety of essential duties. Some of these essential duties include: instructing students using districtwide approved resources, using instructional methods such as modeling, guided practice, lecturing, cooperative learning, integration of technology, and finally lesson planning to ensure that the lessons are focused on Indiana State ELA Standards and the Science of Reading. In addition, the ELA Teacher will provide a positive classroom learning environment for all IPS students. This is a full-time, 10 month position and will report directly to the Principal. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like. 

Core Duties and Responsibilities 

• Think strategically and analytically; a natural problem solver who can efficiently grasp and act on a big picture, quickly analyze the root causes and define new ways forward
• Ability to chart a clear course, juggle many tasks and priorities, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Embrace a fast-moving organization. Deadlines, changing priorities and new projects inspire you to rise to the occasion. Your planning will be the backbone of an efficient and productive team 
• Establish systems, develop project plans, and support implementation 
• Manage up and across different pieces of work to ensure the team meets goals
• Deliver crisp, clean messages in writing or on the phone; communications are articulate and concise. 
• Display an understanding of the audience and knows how to deliver inspiring messages and tough news with ease and tactful finesse
• Partner with education leaders and other stakeholders, motivating them to make incremental change and take quantum leaps 
• Help identify solutions independently and eager to contribute and learn ● Other duties as assigned 

“Day In the Life” Overview 

On a regular day, as the High School English/Language Arts Teacher, you might: 

• Provide appropriate ELA instruction to IPS students that aligns to the Indiana State Standards and the Science of Reading 
• High School ELA teachers will prepare daily lesson plans to execute within a positive classroom learning environment 
• Administer frequent formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress. Analyze data to make instructional adjustments to improve student learning
• Participate in faculty and professional development throughout the school year
• Meet course and school-wide student performance goals 
• Grade papers and maintain grade books 
• Create projects designed to enhance lectures 
• Read and stay abreast of current topics in education 
• Integrate competencies, goals, and objectives into lesson plans 
• Utilize curricula that reflect the diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the students served 
• Develop engagement strategies 
• Develop professional relationships with other agencies and programs 
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities 
• Prepare and distribute required reports 
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by invoking approved disciplinary procedures 

WHAT YOU’ll BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS 

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following: 

• Teach and model effective, research-based instructional practices; design and build lesson plans; develop assessments and analyze student performance data to support instruction within the classroom 
• Communicate clearly orally and in writing 
• Leverage interpersonal skills in order to build and maintain strong relationships
• Display strong organizational and multitasking skills 
• Exhibit excellent analytical and problem solving abilities 
• Manage a classroom effectively and possesses strong leadership skills 
• Manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Work cooperatively and effectively with other professional staff members
• Display a passion for education and an unwavering belief that ALL children can learn 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Specific qualifications include: 

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university 
• Licensures in English/Language Arts 5-12 Repa/Repa 3 

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: 

Exempt 

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK: 

Not eligible 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 

EEOC STATEMENT: 

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work. 

DISCLAIMER: 

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.

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