2026-2027 Upper School English Teacher

The First Academy seeks a dynamic and mission-aligned Upper School English Teacher dedicated to fostering a rigorous, Christ-centered learning environment across a variety of secondary literature and composition courses. The ideal candidate will be equipped to lead diverse classrooms—ranging from foundational 9th and 10th-grade College Prep to Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Literature—by integrating a biblical worldview with high-level instruction in grammar, rhetorical strategy, and literary analysis. Whether guiding students through the complexities of world literature or mentoring seniors in sophisticated critical writing, the educator must demonstrate a mastery of inductive and deductive reasoning, a commitment to developing students' oral communication skills, and the ability to challenge Honors and AP learners toward deep intellectual maturity.

English Curriculum Framework

Core Instructional Competencies

• Critical Literary Analysis: Moving beyond plot summary to evaluate structure, theme, and authorial intent in world and classical literature.

• Rhetorical Strategy Mastery: Developing the ability to identify and utilize modes of discourse, persuasive techniques, and rhetorical appeals (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) in both reading and writing.
• Analytical Writing Depth: Advancing from basic composition to complex argumentative essays that exhibit a mature grasp of literary criticism, syntax, and voice.
• Logical Reasoning: Integrating inductive and deductive reasoning into written and oral communication to build sound, evidence-based arguments.
• Linguistic Development: Investigating the historical development of the English language and applying a robust vocabulary and advanced grammar to professional and academic contexts.
• Contextual Synthesis: Demonstrating an understanding of how history, culture, and philosophy inform literary works and relating those themes to contemporary experiences.
• Worldview Discernment: Reflecting on the "Big Story" of Scripture while engaging with secular texts, identifying where human philosophy aligns with or diverges from a biblical worldview.

Living Curriculum Influencer Areas

Living as a Christ Follower

Model the Life of a Prayer Warrior

Embrace the Walk of a Servant Leader

Utilize the Skills of an Engaging Instructor

Be a Strong Relationship Builder

Bless others as a Faithful Encourager and Grateful Communicator

Professional Qualifications

• Required Education: Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A Master's degree in Education or the specific subject area is preferred.
• Subject Expertise: Degree emphasis in the area of instruction or a directly related field is strongly preferred.
• Communication Skills: Possess solid, professional communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction with students, parents, and colleagues. This includes the ability to present complex information clearly and engage in constructive dialogue.
• Organizational Skills: Exhibit strong organizational skills, including efficient time management, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to finish tasks in a timely manner and manage multiple classroom responsibilities simultaneously.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to effectively partner and collaborate with colleagues, administration, and parents to support the holistic development of students.
• Confidentiality: Absolute ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to all sensitive school, student, and personnel matters, adhering to ethical and legal standards.
• Work Ethic: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
• Instructional Technology: Experience with and aptitude for using current educational technology to enhance classroom instruction, student engagement, and professional tasks.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Such as Canvas or Google Classroom.
• Productivity Suites: Including Google Suite for Education and/or Apple iWork Suite.
• Hardware/Equipment: Expertise in operating devices such as MacBooks, iPads, and Interactive Whiteboards, or similar classroom presentation technologies.
• Certification Requirement: Hold or be eligible to obtain a valid teaching certificate:
• Licensure by a regional accreditation agency (e.g., ACSI) is highly preferred.
• Valid/Professional State Teacher's Certification (e.g., Florida Teacher’s Certification) 
• Eligibility for a Temporary State Certificate within 30 days of employment, with the expectation that a permanent certification is secured within three (3) years.
• Teaching Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in the subject area is recommended.

Demonstrated Ability: Possess demonstrated expertise and ability to manage, instruct, and motivate students, or provide equivalent proven subject expertise through related professional work experience.