Job Description:

ASA’s mission is to inspire creative thinkers and leaders through providing an innovative concentration in college preparation informed by the performing arts.

This 8th grade teaching role is designed to build upon the skills students have gained in lower school advisory classes, serving as a bridge to success as they transition from middle school to high school. The teacher will focus on strengthening key life skills, such as time management, research, note-taking, conflict resolution, college and career exploration, study skills, and financial literacy, while reinforcing and expanding on the foundational skills learned previously. This is not a stand-alone position; it requires collaboration with the 8th grade team to ensure a cohesive, integrated approach across all subject areas.

The curriculum is designed to equip students for high school-level expectations and college preparation, emphasizing the application of effective study habits, long-term assignment management, teamwork, leadership, and goal-setting strategies. A central focus is cooperative learning, where students work together to leverage their unique strengths, building collaboration skills and reinforcing the importance of working together towards shared goals.

Class sizes will be approximately 28 students, and teachers will have daily prep time for curriculum planning, team meetings, and student assessments. The teacher will be responsible for writing and adapting their curriculum to align with state standards and will be expected to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, drawing on additional resources when necessary. This role works closely with both the Life Skills Department and the 8th grade team to provide a supportive and integrated learning experience.

ASA teachers deliver a rigorous and relevant academic curriculum that aligns with ASA’s mission and core values. Curriculum development emphasizes Arizona State Standards, while incorporating ASA’s innovative, college-prep focus that nurtures intellectual curiosity, active engagement, project-based learning, research, and the development of advanced written and oral communication skills.

ASA is committed to creating an inclusive environment, where all students benefit from a college preparatory and performing arts education that is accessible to the entire community.

This position reports to the Assistant Principal of Upper School. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create a respectful, stimulating, purposeful, and student-centered classroom. 

• Cultivate critical thinking and active participation in the classroom. 

• Utilize current curriculum and assessments aligned to the Common Core Standards, ASA standards, and ASA’s scope and sequence. 

• Communicate clear objectives to students. 

• Communicate progress and achievement to students and parents. 

• Work cooperatively with colleagues in a team setting for curriculum design, assessment, and implementation. 

• Participate actively in grade level teams. 

• Uphold the school’s philosophy, mission, vision, and values. 

• Perform duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in content area from an accredited four-year college or university. 

• Highly qualified. 

• Valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP) card.

• Teaching experience or certification preferred but not required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Characteristics

• A lifelong learner interested in acquiring new skills and knowledge.

• Passionate about students, content area, and teaching.

• Concerned about holistic development of the individual.

• Flexible, creative, and has the capacity to innovate. 

• Excellent organizational,  oral communication, and written communication skills.

• Experience with or a commitment to learn:  

  • Socratic methodology

  • Inquiry-based discussion

  • Constructivist teaching strategies

  • Project-based learning

  • Authentic assessment and rubrics

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with experience.

• Full time position with benefits.

• Member of ASRS.

Interested candidates should submit the following via e-mail to employment@goasa.org:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Three letters of reference

• ASA Application for Employment found on the website.

Please note, Arizona School for the Arts is unable to sponsor visa applications for candidates for employment.

 ASA is an equal opportunity employer. Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, or veteran status is prohibited.  Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons.