English Teacher (Grades 9–12)
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Full-Time | Certified Position
Position Overview
Rooted School is seeking a passionate and student-centered English Teacher to support the development of critical reading, writing, and communication skills in students grades 9–12. This educator will play a critical role in delivering engaging, standards-aligned instruction that fosters a love of literature and language, prepares students for college and career readiness, and promotes student voice.
This position requires a Louisiana teaching certificate in English Language Arts or eligibility to obtain one.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Responsibilities
Deliver high-quality English Language Arts instruction aligned to Louisiana Student Standards
Create engaging lessons that foster analytical thinking, creativity, and written and verbal expression
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, including students receiving special education and EL services
Incorporate diverse texts and culturally relevant content that affirms student identity
Design and administer formative and summative assessments to measure student progress
Develop high-quality projects for project-based learning that allow students to demonstrate mastery through authentic tasks
Align instruction and assessments to the content and rigor of LEAP, Louisiana's annual state assessment
Literacy Development and Integration
Support literacy development across the curriculum, including reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, and structured writing
Integrate literacy strategies into project-based learning and interdisciplinary instruction
Provide targeted reading and writing interventions for students who need additional support
Collaboration and Leadership
Work closely with instructional teammates to develop cross-curricular units and align instruction
Actively participate in data analysis and professional learning communities to improve instruction
Communicate regularly with families about student progress and celebrate student achievement
Contribute to a strong, positive school culture rooted in high expectations, restorative practices, and mutual respect
Required Qualifications
Valid Louisiana teaching certification in English Language Arts (or eligibility to obtain)
Bachelor’s degree in English, Secondary Education, or related field
Demonstrated success teaching ELA to high school students, preferably in high-needs settings
Deep knowledge of ELA standards and instructional best practices for high school
Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with digital curriculum platforms and blended learning
Experience with project-based learning or performance-based assessment
Bilingual (Spanish or Vietnamese) a plus
Who You Are
You believe in the brilliance and potential of every student
You are deeply committed to equity, inclusiveness, and high expectations
You thrive in a dynamic, innovative, startup-like environment
You embrace feedback, reflection, and continuous improvement
You’re willing to do hard things in the service of students—and bring others along with you
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement
4-day work week, extended calendar with more frequent breaks, innovative school environment
Professional development and opportunities for growth within the Rooted School
If you're as excited about this role as we are, please email the following to our Application Review Committee at work@rootedschool.org:
1. A cover letter that includes answers the prompts below:
Explain what prompted you to apply for this role at Rooted School and what interests you most about the opportunity to join our team.
Tell us about a time you had a measurable (i.e. quantitative) impact on a job or an organization.
Share your biggest area for growth (i.e. if you improved in this area, it would have a significant impact on your next professional chapter).
2. Resume that tells the story of your impact
3. At least three references who fit the profile below:
Someone who’s coached/managed you for at least one year.
Someone who you consider a peer, or lateral to you on team you’ve been on for at least one year.
We want teammates who demonstrate a passion for and commitment to Rooted's mission
We want teammates who have an unwavering commitment to radical transparency and radical open-mindedness (that, regardless of how much you know about something, you could be wrong)
We want teammates who thrive in a startup environment (comfort with frequent, focused change and ambiguity + strong initiative)
We want teammates who have at least three years of English teaching experience in upper-middle school and/or high school in a low-income or high needs population with a track record of outstanding academic results
We want teammates who exhibit an exceptional ability to execute at a high level in the classroom while concurrently building secure attachments with students
We want teammates who are deeply invested in restorative practices and masters of classroom management
We want teammates who have knowledge of project-based learning in English (preferred)
We want teammates who have experience in school(s) which rely heavily on project-based learning as a means to develop content knowledge and skills (preferred)
We want teammates who have experience in school(s) which rely heavily on digital curriculum as a means to develop basic content knowledge and skills (preferred)
We want teammates who are committed to researching and remaining abreast of best instructional practices that may advance our mission