School
Utopian Academy for the Arts
Description
The Utopian Network is built around 4 schools: Elementary, Flagship Middle, Middle at Trilith, and High.
Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School is a premier performing arts school in Clayton County, GA. Our school has entertainment industry partnerships and a rich curriculum that supports the growth and development of the whole child as an artist, a leader, and a life – long learner. In fact, we refer to our students as scholars and have high expectations for their behavior and progress in the classroom. Industry partnerships include the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Music Project, KidNation, and Trilith Studios.
Utopian Academy for the Arts Middle School offers a proven academic foundation and creative pipeline that equips scholars for success in high school, college, thriving arts careers, and lifelong achievement. We pride ourselves on thinking outside of the box to cultivate the full potential of our young creatives.
At Utopian Academy for the Arts at Trilith, creativity isn’t a class—it’s a way of life. Utopian Academy at Trilith is an arts-based public charter middle school, serving scholars in grades 6th–8th with a statewide attendance zone. Rooted in academic excellence and powered by the Creative Digital Arts, Utopian Academy at Trilith blends rigorous core instruction with an arts-integrated curriculum that sparks imagination and innovation.
At Utopian Academy for the Arts High School, excellence isn’t an aspiration – it’s the standard we rehearse every day. As Georgia’s only tuition-free public charter high school with a fully integrated arts curriculum, we empower scholars to thrive academically, artistically, and professionally.
The Role
The Middle Grades ELA Teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in English Language Arts to students in grades 6–8. This educator will foster a love of reading, writing, speaking, and listening while ensuring all students achieve mastery of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and the additional grade-by-grade learning standards set forth in the school’s charter. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, data-driven professional committed to student achievement, family engagement, and continuous improvement.
Key Role Responsibilities
Instructional Planning & Delivery
- Develop rigorous, standards-aligned lesson plans that ensure attainment of Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and the specific grade-by-grade learning standards established in the school’s charter.
- Provide both direct and indirect instruction to meet the diverse academic needs of all learners.
- Engage in long-term and short-term planning that addresses the individual academic, social-emotional, and learning needs of each student.
- Coordinate lesson plans with colleagues across content areas to maximize interdisciplinary connections, reinforcing student knowledge by aligning similar topics within the same general instructional timeframe.
- Create an inviting, exciting, and innovative learning environment that motivates students and cultivates a culture of intellectual curiosity and high achievement.
Assessment & Data
- Prepare students thoroughly for all required state and local assessments, including Georgia Milestones and any charter-designated assessments.
- Continuously evaluate and monitor student academic progress using formative and summative assessment data to drive instructional decisions.
- Prepare and distribute at minimum quarterly individual student achievement reports for parents and guardians, clearly communicating student growth, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Classroom Management & School Culture
- Implement effective and appropriate classroom management strategies that foster a positive, respectful, and structured learning community.
- Serve as an advisor to students, including organizing and facilitating advisory groups that support students’ academic progress, social development, and behavioral growth.
- Monitor and address the academic and behavioral progress of assigned advisory students, collaborating with counselors, families, and administrators as needed.
Professional Responsibilities
- Report directly to the Principal and maintain open, professional, and timely communication with school leadership.
- Actively accept, incorporate, and act upon feedback and instructional coaching provided by administrative staff as part of a culture of continuous professional growth.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, collaborative planning sessions, staff meetings, and school-wide events.
- Perform other duties as deemed appropriate by the Principal.
Qualifications
Required
- Valid Georgia Educator Certificate in Middle Grades ELA (Grades 4–8) or eligibility for certification.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for ELA.
- Strong instructional skills with the ability to differentiate for diverse learners, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and gifted students.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
Preferred
- Experience teaching in a charter school environment.
- Master’s degree in Education, Literacy, or a related field.
- Experience with data-driven instruction and use of learning management systems (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas).
- Background in restorative practices or social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks.
Minimum Requirements
- CERTIFICATION:
- Minimum of SRT4-Certification in Middle Grades ELA (4-8) or English (6-12); OR
- CERTIFICATION:
- Passed the GACE Middle Grades ELA (Grades 4-8) or English (6-12) AND completion of the GACE Ethics Assessment for Educators (Teachers)
- EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s Degree required with at least a 2.5 GPA
- WORK EXPERIENCE:
- Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Communication
- Instructional strategies that connect the curriculum to the learner.
- Student management.
- Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner
- Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person learning environments.
- Knowledge of school safety & security procedures
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
How to Apply
Send a resume/CV and cover letter to hr@utopianacademy.com.
