English Language Arts Teacher

POSITION: English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher 

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School

LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations. You can view the current openings at this link. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not listed as we will be posting new roles throughout the year.

SALARY: $60,000-$78,000 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver! 

STATUS: Full-time school year, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO) 

START: First day of new staff training at the end of July. You can view our current School Year Calendar here. 

THE ROLE

The goal of literacy instruction at DSST Public Schools is to build a love of literacy and develop college-ready skills that allow students to make sense of the world through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We believe that through deep understanding and analysis of complex texts, students can develop a love of reading that will expand opportunities for them in college and beyond. DSST English Language Arts (ELA) teachers commit to facilitating learning environments in which literacy thrives, such that students can be successful in college, career, and as lifelong learners.  

All of our campuses in grades 6-10 use a shared curriculum to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction that promotes rigorous academic standards and prepares all students to engage deeply with complex texts and develop critical skills. Teachers receive ongoing professional development throughout the year to deepen their understanding of the curriculum and refine instructional practices to enhance student outcomes.

Middle School Curriculum: 

All students take 3 years of English Language Arts (ELA) that focus on grade level common core standards. Additionally, some students receive intervention aligned to grade level curriculum taught by their ELA Teacher. The curriculum may include, but is not limited to:

• Fiction
• Non-fiction and Informational Articles
• Poetry
• Novels
• Short Stories

High School Curriculum:

• 9th Grade: Composition, Humanities*
• *AST offers English I in 9th grade
• 10th Grade: English II
• 11th Grade: English III, AP Language
• 12th Grade: Senior English, AP Language, AP Literature

​We will inquire about your grade level and campus-specific preference at the time of the interview.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver Rigorous & Engaging Content: Utilize DSST’s curriculum resources to plan, intellectually prepare, and teach rigorous, culturally responsive, and grade-level aligned content to 3-5 classes daily depending on campus and content area.
• Track and Support Student Growth: Monitor and assess the performance of all students through a variety of assessment tools & resources to guide instruction and support individual student growth.
• Promote Positive Culture: Employ DSST culture systems to promote a unified and positive classroom and school culture as well as build and maintain trusting relationships with students and families.
• Pursue Professional Development: Engage in professional growth opportunities, including regular coaching, feedback, and development, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Contribute to School Community: Undertake additional duties as needed, such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, after-school tutoring, etc. Explore more potential duties here.

THE PERSON

We value staff with diverse backgrounds, talents, and ideas. Our most successful employees share the following characteristics: 

• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school and reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals.
• A proactive approach to learning and growth, welcoming feedback to enhance your teaching practice.

Qualifications:

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in any field. Demonstrated content knowledge (known as in-field status) via various qualifications (see qualification options here). 
• Ideal: Proven commitment to and experience with serving students of color, students with disabilities, and/or multilingual students. A Colorado teaching credential is preferred but not required for most opportunities.

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about ourQuantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.