Job Title: ELECTIVE / SPECIALS TEACHER
Classification: Full-Time, Salary Exempt
Reports To: Principal
SUMMARY:
To plan, implement, and sustain high-quality elective instruction that engages students in
creative expression, inquiry, and skill development. The Elective / Specials Teacher promotes
academic rigor, character development, and joy through a vertically aligned curriculum that
complements core content areas. This role supports AXL Academy's mission through active
student engagement, public performances, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participation in
school-wide events such as Expedition Nights and Student-Led Conferences.
Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the
following:
Instruction and Learning
Design and deliver engaging elective instruction aligned with Colorado Academic
Standards and AXL's instructional model.
Develop and implement vertically aligned units that support student growth from grade to
grade.
Incorporate student voice, real-world connections, and project-based learning in lessons.
Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners, including students with IEPs and
multilingual learners.
Use relevant technology and instructional tools to enhance learning and creative
expression.
Assessment and Feedback
Establish clear learning targets and success criteria for each lesson and unit.
Use formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and inform instruction.
Provide timely, constructive feedback to students.
Maintain accurate records of student performance and communicate progress to families
as needed.
Culture and Community
Create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative classroom environment that supports student
risk-taking and expression.
Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations aligned with AXL's restorative
culture and behavior systems.
Supervise and support student conduct during class transitions, lunch/recess, and
school events.
Build strong relationships with students and families that support academic and artistic
growth.
Performances, Exhibitions, and Events
Plan and facilitate student performances, showcases, or exhibitions of learning at least
once per year.
Contribute to school-wide events including Expedition Nights, Student-Led Conferences,
and community celebrations.
Collaborate with core content teachers to integrate elective skills into interdisciplinary
projects or expeditions when appropriate.
Collaboration and Professional Development
Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and collaborate with
colleagues to ensure vertical alignment and skill progression.
Contribute to shared curriculum resources and continuous improvement of elective
programming.
Engage in coaching cycles, staff meetings, and professional development aligned with
school goals.
Uphold FERPA and maintain ethical and confidential documentation of student data.
Upholding the Vision:
Engage
Design meaningful experiences that ignite student creativity, collaboration, and
reflection.
Participate fully in school events and community-building initiatives.
Empower
Foster student ownership, choice, and identity through diverse learning opportunities.
Create a classroom culture that values student voice and growth.
Achieve
Support measurable growth in student performance, engagement, and artistic or
physical development.
Contribute to a vertically coherent and rigorous electives program that complements core
instruction.
Qualification Requirements:
Required:
Bachelor's degree in education, fine arts, physical education, or related field
Valid Colorado teaching license or eligibility in an appropriate subject area
Experience planning and delivering instruction in an elective or specials content
Strong classroom management skills and commitment to equity
CLDE certification (required for all teachers hired in 2021–22 or later)
Preferred:
Experience in project-based, inquiry-based, or Expeditionary Learning settings
Background in performance, design, visual arts, PE, music, or other enrichment
disciplines
Familiarity with interdisciplinary planning and vertical curriculum design
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency
Physical Requirements:
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, instructional tools, and
other classroom equipment; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally lift and/or move up to
50 pounds. This position may include supervision of outdoor activities and performances.