Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for English Language Arts Teacher

🎯 Role Definition

An English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher designs and delivers rigorous, standards-aligned literacy instruction that develops students' reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, and language skills across elementary, middle, or high school levels. The ELA Teacher uses research-based literacy practices, data-driven assessment, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy to ensure all students meet grade-level benchmarks, achieve literacy outcomes, and build critical thinking skills for college and career readiness. The role includes collaboration with colleagues in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), engagement with families, participation in school improvement initiatives, and ongoing professional growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Student Teaching / Teaching Residency in ELA or Literacy
Substitute Teacher or Instructional Paraprofessional in ELA classrooms
Recent graduate with a degree in English, Education, or Literacy (with certification)

Advancement To:

Lead ELA Teacher / Grade-Level Lead
Instructional Coach or Literacy Specialist
Curriculum Specialist or ELA Curriculum Coordinator
Assistant Principal / Principal or District Instructional Leader

Lateral Moves:

Title I or Reading Intervention Specialist
ESL / ELL Teacher or Bilingual Education Facilitator
Special Education Teacher with literacy focus

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Plan, develop, and deliver engaging, standards-aligned English Language Arts lessons that integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary instruction for the assigned grade level(s), using state standards (e.g., Common Core) and district pacing guides.
Create and implement long-range unit plans and daily lesson plans that incorporate backward design, explicit skill targets, essential questions, and measurable learning objectives tied to formative and summative assessments.
Use evidence-based literacy strategies (e.g., reading workshop, writing workshop, guided reading, close reading, gradual release, phonics instruction where appropriate) to increase student reading comprehension, fluency, and written expression.
Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, linguistic, and socio-emotional needs of diverse learners, including students with IEPs, 504 plans, English language learners (ELL/ESL), and advanced learners; provide scaffolds, extensions, and targeted interventions.
Design and administer multiple forms of assessment (diagnostic, formative, interim, and summative), analyze student performance data, and use results to inform instruction, group students, and implement targeted interventions (RTI/MTSS).
Write clear, standards-based learning targets and success criteria; provide timely, actionable feedback and conferences to students on reading and writing progress to accelerate growth.
Teach explicit writing instruction across genres (narrative, informative/explanatory, argumentative/ persuasive) and integrate grammar, mechanics, research skills, and citation practice (MLA/APA conventions where applicable).
Model and teach academic vocabulary development and word study; provide systematic instruction in phonics and decoding for elementary grades and morphological analysis for older students.
Facilitate collaborative learning structures (literature circles, peer review, writing partnerships) to build student discourse, oral language proficiency, and collaborative skills tied to ELA standards.
Integrate technology tools (Google Classroom, learning management systems, reading platforms, digital formative assessment tools) to enhance instruction, differentiate learning paths, submit and evaluate student work, and communicate progress.
Plan and implement targeted small-group instruction and one-on-one conferences based on running records, leveled reading data, writing samples, and benchmark assessments to accelerate literacy gains.
Maintain accurate records of student performance, attendance, IEP accommodations, and assessment results; prepare data reports and progress documentation for parents, administrators, and IEP/504 meetings.
Communicate proactively and professionally with families about student progress, literacy goals, classroom routines, and ways to support reading and writing at home through regular conferences, phone calls, newsletters, and digital updates.
Collaborate with grade-level teams, special education staff, ELL teachers, and literacy coaches to align curriculum, share best practices, plan interdisciplinary units, and design common assessments.
Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze student work, refine curriculum maps, calibrate rubric scoring, and implement evidence-based interventions that close achievement gaps.
Manage classroom culture with clear expectations, positive behavior supports, restorative practices, and routines that foster a respectful, inclusive learning environment conducive to focused literacy instruction.
Differentiate and modify assignments and assessments to meet IEP and 504 accommodations and to ensure equitable access to grade-level content for students with disabilities or language barriers.
Mentor and supervise student teachers, paraeducators, or tutors assigned to the classroom and provide constructive feedback to support their instructional practice and understanding of ELA pedagogy.
Lead or contribute to school-wide literacy initiatives (reading nights, book clubs, writing contests, family literacy programs) to build a culture of reading and writing across the school community.
Maintain and update classroom libraries, leveled texts, anchor charts, and literacy resources; curate high-quality, culturally responsive texts that reflect student backgrounds and diverse perspectives.
Prepare students for standardized assessments (state ELA assessments, writing prompts) by teaching test-taking strategies, pacing, text-dependent analysis, and evidence-based writing.
Use formative assessment cycles (exit tickets, quick checks, rubrics) to monitor learning in real time and adjust instruction using data-driven decision making.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, school committees, and accreditation processes; implement new curriculum and instructional initiatives as directed by administration.

Secondary Functions

Attend and contribute to IEP, 504, and parent-teacher conferences; collaborate with specialists to ensure alignment of goals and classroom accommodations.
Support schoolwide literacy data collection and analysis, contributing to school improvement plans and progress monitoring reports.
Serve on curriculum review teams to recommend instructional materials, adopt texts, and pilot new ELA programs or assessments.
Provide tutoring or after-school intervention sessions for students in need of additional literacy support.
Organize and supervise classroom field trips, author visits, and community partnerships that reinforce ELA learning objectives.
Coordinate with librarians and media specialists to develop research skills, digital literacy, and information literacy lessons.
Maintain professional documentation for certification renewal, lesson archives, and records for student portfolio development.
Assist with substitute lesson plans, coverage responsibilities, and school-wide events as needed to ensure continuity of instruction.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Standards-aligned curriculum design (Common Core State Standards or state equivalents) and unit/lesson planning.
Diagnostic and formative assessment design and analysis (benchmark assessments, running records, DIBELS, Lexile measures).
Evidence-based literacy instruction (guided reading, reading/writing workshop, phonemic awareness and phonics for elementary grades).
Differentiated instruction and intervention planning (RTI/MTSS frameworks, small-group instruction).
Data-driven instruction: ability to interpret assessment data, generate actionable plans, and measure growth.
Classroom technology proficiency (Google Workspace for Education, Google Classroom, LMS platforms, formative assessment tools such as Kahoot/Quizizz/Formative).
Ability to design performance tasks, rubrics, and authentic assessments aligned to ELA standards.
Knowledge of writing process instruction and conventions (argumentative, informational, narrative writing; research and citation practices).
Experience with ELL/ESL instructional strategies and sheltered instruction (SIOP), and/or bilingual education techniques.
Familiarity with special education processes, IEP implementation, and accommodation/modification strategies.
Strong lesson sequencing skills to scaffold complex texts and multi-step writing assignments.
Familiarity with culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum design and diverse literature selection.

Soft Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear instruction, family communication, and report writing.
Classroom management and positive behavior support to maintain a safe, predictable learning environment.
Collaboration and teamwork in PLCs, grade-level teams, and cross-disciplinary planning.
Differentiation mindset and patience to adapt teaching to individual learner profiles.
Reflective practice and growth orientation: willingness to implement feedback and refine pedagogy.
Cultural competency and empathy to engage diverse student populations and families.
Time management and organizational skills to prioritize planning, grading, and parent engagement.
Critical thinking and problem solving to diagnose student difficulties and design targeted interventions.
Leadership and mentoring ability to support colleagues, student teachers, and instructional initiatives.
Resilience and adaptability in dynamic school environments, including remote/blended learning scenarios.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Language Arts, or related field with state teaching certification in ELA or Elementary Education.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in Education, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, English Education, or Reading Specialist certification; endorsements in ESL/Bilingual Education or Reading.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Secondary Education (English)
Elementary Education with Literacy emphasis
English, Literature, and Composition
Curriculum & Instruction / Reading Education
TESOL/Applied Linguistics (for ELL focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–7+ years depending on career level; many districts prefer 2+ years of classroom teaching experience for mid-level roles.

Preferred:

2–5 years of demonstrated success in ELA instruction, experience with data-driven intervention (RTI/MTSS), and prior collaboration in PLCs. Preferred candidates will hold a valid state teaching license, experience implementing literacy intervention programs, and evidence of increasing student achievement in reading and writing.

Certifications & Compliance

Valid state teaching license or certificate for the appropriate grade band (Elementary, Middle, High School).
Reading endorsement (state-specific), National Board Certification (preferred), or Literacy Specialist certification (preferred).
ESL/Bilingual endorsement or TESOL certification preferred for diverse or multilingual student populations.
Current background clearance, TB test/health screening (as required by district), and mandated reporter training.

This job description is optimized for recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to highlight core responsibilities, technical and soft skills, certification requirements, and clear career progression for English Language Arts Teachers. Keywords included: English Language Arts teacher, ELA teacher, literacy instruction, reading and writing, Common Core, differentiated instruction, assessment, PLC, RTI, IEP, ESL, Google Classroom.