St. John the Baptist Catholic School is hiring a high ability ELA teacher to join our team to start in the 2026/2027 academic year.
Background
Since 2014, St. John has offered high ability curriculum and instruction for those students in K-8 who perform in the top 2-4% on a national scale on a cognitive abilities test. We identify students separately in the domains of math and language arts. Our exceptional learning team includes three full-time teachers for our high ability students. Identified students in grades K-2 receive enrichment-based curriculum and instruction in the high ability classrooms. Identified students in grades 3-8 receive complete replacement of grade-level instruction with separate, self-contained classes that usually range in size from two to twelve students depending on the number identified and in need each year.
Position
This unique position that offers the freedom to innovate and to develop deep connections with students currently involves teaching the following classes:
- Grades 4/5 and 6—high ability language arts (daily, curriculum replacement)
- Grades K/1/2—high ability language arts enrichment (daily)
- Grades K/1—high ability math enrichment (3-4 times a week)
Curriculum for advanced learners includes acceleration, depth, complexity, challenge, creativity, and abstraction as students work at least one year above grade-level in grades K-5 and two years above in grades 6-8. A few examples of our HA LA curriculum that builds from year-to-year are Greek Mythology, poetry memorization, prolific writing portfolios including an extensive narrative for publication, Vocabulary from Greek and Latin Roots, Shurley Grammar, class play performances, and Passion Projects (inquiry-based learning).
Because these students have strength in problem-solving, little need for repetition, in-depth interests, curiosity, and a high-capacity memory as well as because of the intentionally small class sizes, instruction is fast-paced with continuous progression.
Qualifications
In addition to a valid Indiana teaching license, appreciation for Catholic-based teaching, and team spirit, the following qualities are beneficial:
- Certification and experience in English instruction especially middle school level or higher
- Skilled in explicit and model-based writing instruction focusing on development of the Six Traits including creative writing, literature analysis, reflective writings, long-form narratives, and research-based writing
- Passion for and breadth of knowledge of literature ranging from picture books to early chapter books to middle school novels to high-level classics
- Strength in developing literature studies that go beyond recall and include synthesis and analysis as well as an interdisciplinary approach that includes history, current events, culture, science, art, etc.
- Creativity and energy for developing performance-based and speaking experiences in class
- Understanding and sensitivity to the unique social and emotional needs of high ability learners
Application
The job is posted on the Diocese of Evansville’s website at https://www.evdio.org/uploads/2/6/3/0/26308718/sjb_high_ability_teacher.pdf
Work Location: In person
