Social Studies Teacher (Middle School) 26/27 SY

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, youll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. Youll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key-you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving Whats Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS

Purpose and Impact

Students First

Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students holistic needs during their educational journey with us.

Community

Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.

Professional and Personal Growth

Grow Your Career

We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early-career teachers.

Generous Compensation

Were proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers starting at $55,600 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.

Access to Financial Benefits

Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.

Flexible Wellness

Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year, 56 hours annually after, for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers health and work-life balance.

Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program

Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.

WHAT WE EXPECT

Commitment to Excellence

High Standards

Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.

Educational Equity

IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by walking the walk on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.

Resilience and Passion

Dedication to Students

Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being. Adaptability is key-you must be able to handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.

Professional Integrity

Ethical Conduct

Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.

Team Player

Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.

JOIN US

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace-its a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove Whats Possible-in your career and in your school. If youre ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for amazing people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our vision, and are energized by investing in academic improvement. The Middle School Grades 5-9 Social Studies Teacher will teach one or more Social Studies to students by performing a variety of essential duties, including:

• Instructing students using district-wide approved resources
• Using instructional methods such as modeling, guided practice, lecturing, cooperative learning, integration of technology, and finally, lesson planning to ensure that the lessons are focused on Indiana State Science Standards
• Providing a positive classroom learning environment for all IPS students

This is a full-time, 10-month position and will report directly to the Principal.

WHAT YOULL DO

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like:

• Think strategically and analytically, a natural problem solver who can efficiently grasp and act on a big picture quickly, analyze the root causes, and define new ways forward
• Ability to chart a clear course, juggle many tasks and priorities, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Embrace a fast-moving organization. Deadlines, changing priorities, and new projects inspire you to rise to the occasion. Your planning will be the backbone of an efficient and productive team
• Establish systems, develop project plans, and support implementation
• Manage up and across different pieces of work to ensure the team meets goals
• Deliver crisp, clean messages in writing or on the phone, communications are articulate and concise
• Display an understanding of the audience and knows how to deliver inspiring messages and tough news with ease and tactful finesse
• Partner with education leaders and other stakeholders, motivating them to make incremental change and take quantum leaps
• Help identify solutions independently and eagerly contribute and learn
• Other duties as assigned

DAY IN THE LIFE

On a regular day as the Middle School Grades 5-9 Social Studies Teacher, you might:

• Provide appropriate Social Studies instruction to IPS students that aligns with the Indiana State Standards
• Administer frequent formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress
• Analyze data to make instructional adjustments to improve student learning
• Participate in faculty and professional development throughout the school year
• Meet course and school-wide student performance goals
• Grade papers and maintain grade books
• Create projects designed to enhance lectures
• Read and stay abreast of current topics in education
• Integrate competencies, goals, and objectives into lesson plans
• Utilize curricula that reflect the diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the students served
• Develop engagement strategies
• Develop professional relationships with other agencies and programs
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
• Prepare and distribute required reports
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by invoking approved disciplinary procedures

WHAT YOULL BRING SKILLS AND MINDSETS

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following:

• Teach and model effective research-based instructional practices, design, and build lesson plans, develop assessments, and analyze student performance data to support instruction within the classroom
• Communicate clearly orally and in writing
• Leverage interpersonal skills in order to build and maintain strong relationships
• Display strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Exhibit excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Manage a classroom effectively and possesses strong leadership skills
• Manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Work cooperatively and effectively with other professional staff members
• Display a passion for education and an unwavering belief that all children can learn

EDUCATION CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university
• Licensure in Historical Perspectives 5-9

FSLA CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK

Not eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk, or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat