Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Empower Schools of Alabama

Middle School - Social Studies Teacher Job Description

Position Title: Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Reports To: Campus Principal

Location: Empower Community School Upper Campus

Position Overview

Empower Schools of Alabama is seeking a passionate, content-strong, and student-centered Middle School Social Studies Teacher who is committed to developing scholars into critical thinkers, informed citizens, and future leaders. The ideal candidate will deliver engaging, rigorous, and standards-aligned instruction daily while fostering a classroom culture grounded in high expectations, collaboration, and belonging.

This educator must believe that all students can learn and achieve at high levels and be dedicated to supporting both the academic and social-emotional development of every scholar

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and deliver engaging, rigorous, and standards-aligned social studies lessons daily

• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to support diverse learners, including small group instruction and differentiated learning

• Teach key concepts in history, civics, geography, and economics, fostering critical thinking and real-world connections

• Integrate literacy strategies, primary sources, and writing across the curriculum

• Use data (formative and summative) to drive instruction and adjust teaching practices

• Maintain clear and measurable lesson objectives aligned to Alabama standards

Student Achievement & Data Use

• Analyze student data (e.g., ACAP, benchmarks, classroom assessments) to inform instruction

• Track student progress and implement targeted interventions

• Participate in Data Talks, PLCs, and continuous improvement cycles

• Support school-wide academic priorities, including literacy and numeracy integration

Classroom Culture & Environment

• Establish and maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive classroom environment

• Implement school-wide behavior systems and restorative practices

• Build a classroom culture rooted in respect, accountability, and student voice

• Promote student engagement through discussion, debate, and inquiry-based learning

Relationships & Collaboration

• Build strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues

• Communicate consistently and effectively with parents/guardians regarding student progress

• Collaborate with grade-level teams, instructional coaches, and leadership

• Engage families and community partners to support student success

• Actively participate in the Empower House System, including House events, celebrations, and mentorship opportunities

• Participate in school events, family engagement opportunities, and school-wide initiatives

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage in weekly professional development, coaching cycles, and feedback sessions

• Implement feedback from instructional leaders with urgency and fidelity

• Maintain accurate records, lesson plans, and student data

• Uphold all school policies, procedures, and professional expectations

• Demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (Social Studies, History, Education, or related field)

• Valid Alabama teaching certification (or ability to obtain)

• Strong content knowledge in middle school social studies standards

• Experience working in urban or diverse school settings preferred

• Demonstrated ability to increase student achievement

Core Beliefs

• Belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels

• Commitment to supporting the whole child, including social-emotional needs

• Dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth

• Passion for science education and student engagement

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Full-time position following the school calendar

• May require extended hours for planning, events, and professional development

• Maintain an active presence in the classroom, including the ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom while students are present to monitor, support, and engage learners

• Ability to supervise students in various settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and outdoor areas

• Commitment to the mission and vision of Empower Community School

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

• Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, etc.)

• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Mission & Vision Alignment

Mission:

The mission of Empower Community School is to change our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates.

Vision:

Our vision is to become a recognized leader for collaboration and community building while preparing our scholars to excel in every academic endeavor and empowering them to advocate for themselves, their communities, and the disenfranchised.

What This Means for Teachers:

• Teachers serve as leaders and advocates, developing scholars who are prepared to lead and make an impact

• Instruction must promote academic excellence, critical thinking, and student voice

• Teachers actively contribute to a collaborative school culture that includes families and community partners

• Educators are responsible for nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally

• Every classroom should reflect Empower's commitment to equity, opportunity, and community transformation

Behavioral/Cognitive Assessment:

As part of the application process at Empower Schools of Alabama we ask all candidates to take several brief assessments after the submission of a resume or completion of an online application. For the first assessment, you will click on this LINK. Please enter your contact information. Upon completion of the first assessment, you will receive a link for the second assessment at the provided email address. The link will come from ....

In the first assessment,

• There are no right or wrong answers

• The assessment takes about 5 minutes to complete

• You should take on a laptop or desktop

• Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Once you complete the first assessment, you will immediately receive a link to the 2nd assessment. Unlike the prior assessment, this is a timed test. Please consider the following

• There are 50 questions

• You will have 12 minutes to complete

• Questions will include three types of questions: numerical, verbal, and spatial-reasoning

• Please complete the assessment on a laptop or desktop

• Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

• Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you will not be distracted or disturbed

• Be in a competitive state of mind.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.