POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
 March 12, 2026

POSITION: ELA Teacher (8th Grade)

LOCATION: Merry Acres Middle School

JOB SUMMARY:
The Dougherty County School System seeks a dynamic and student-centered Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. The ELA Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering rigorous, engaging instruction aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence that develops students' reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills.

This position fosters a supportive, inclusive, and academically challenging classroom environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of literacy. The teacher uses data-informed instructional practices, integrates technology, and collaborates with colleagues and families to ensure all students achieve academic success.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
2. Valid Georgia Teaching Certificate in Middle Grades English Language Arts (4�8) or eligibility for certification under a Charter Waiver;
3. Demonstrated knowledge of literacy development, writing instruction, and differentiated learning strategies;
4. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and Board of Education may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

1. Strong understanding of literacy instruction, reading comprehension strategies, and writing development;
2. Ability to design and implement standards-based lessons aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence;
3. Skill in differentiating instruction to meet the diverse academic and developmental needs of middle school learners;
4. Ability to analyze student performance data and adjust instruction to support student growth;
5. Effective classroom management and relationship-building skills that support a positive learning environment;
6. Strong communication and collaboration skills with students, families, and colleagues;
7. Ability to integrate instructional technology and digital learning tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes;
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism;
9. Ability to perform routine physical activities required to fulfill job responsibilities. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance and professional responsibility;
2. Creates a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement and respect;
3. Plans and delivers rigorous English Language Arts instruction aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence;
4. Designs engaging learning experiences that strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, grammar, and critical thinking;
5. Uses a variety of instructional strategies including collaborative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and literacy workshops;
6. Develops and implements formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and guide instructional decisions;
7. Analyzes student performance data to differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions or enrichment;
8. Integrates technology and digital resources to support student learning and engagement;
9. Maintains appropriate classroom management practices that support a productive learning environment;
10. Communicates regularly with students, families, and school staff regarding student progress and academic needs;
11. Collaborates with colleagues in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to support student achievement and instructional improvement;
12. Maintains accurate and timely records, reports, and documentation in accordance with district and state requirements;
13. Supervises students in classrooms, hallways, and other school settings as assigned;
14. Participates in professional learning opportunities to enhance instructional practice;
15. Maintains satisfactory performance on the district evaluation instrument;
16. Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

REPORTS TO: Principal

SALARY RANGE: Ten-Month Contract - Competitive salary and excellent benefits package in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by March 20, 2026. 
 

 INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.

  THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.

 Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 3 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note:
This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.