Middle School Reading Teacher (Grades 6–8)

Santa Fe South Middle School | Santa Fe South Charter Schools
Oklahoma City, OK | 190–196 Day Contract (196 days for new teachers; 190 days for returning teachers)

About Santa Fe South Charter Schools

Santa Fe South Charter Schools (SFS) is a free, public charter network serving the south side of Oklahoma City for more than 20 years. We exist to ensure every student receives a rigorous, high-quality education that expands opportunity and changes life trajectories.

We hold a high bar for students and align strong instruction, coaching, curriculum, and collaboration to help them meet it. Our commitment is simple: when students graduate from Santa Fe South, they are prepared to have a seat at any table and the skills to succeed wherever their path leads.

About Santa Fe South Middle School

Santa Fe South Middle School is Santa Fe South’s original and largest middle school, serving students in grades 6–8. Located in a beautifully reimagined space at Crossroads Mall, the school reflects Santa Fe South’s commitment to innovation, community, and opportunity.

In recent years, Santa Fe South Middle School has made significant gains in academic growth and proficiency—earning a full letter-grade increase on the state report card and currently rated a B school. These gains are driven by strong collaboration, clear instructional systems, and a relentless focus on student achievement.

As a larger middle school, SFS MS offers meaningful collaboration among multiple reading and ELA teachers teaching the same grade-level content. Teachers benefit from shared planning, aligned curriculum internalization, consistent data cycles, and collective ownership of results.

Position Summary

The Middle School Reading Teacher at Santa Fe South Middle School plays a critical role in developing students into strong, analytical, and independent readers prepared for the demands of high school and beyond.

Reading instruction at Santa Fe South prioritizes deep comprehension of complex texts, academic vocabulary development, structured discussion, and evidence-based writing. Students are expected to analyze author’s craft, evaluate arguments, and build meaning from challenging texts rather than simply summarize content.

At Santa Fe South, we do not lower expectations. We maintain a high academic bar while providing the scaffolds, feedback, and deliberate practice necessary to help every student rise to meet it.

Key Responsibilities
Standards-Aligned Instruction
Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned reading instruction aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS) and the SFS ELA framework.
Plan and internalize lessons that prioritize complex texts, deep comprehension, academic vocabulary, and analytical writing.
Design instruction that engages students in meaningful discussion, close reading, and evidence-based thinking.
Maintain structured classroom systems that support focus, urgency, and a positive learning environment.
Data-Driven Instruction
Use formative assessments, interim assessments, and NWEA MAP Growth data to inform instructional decisions.
Monitor student progress toward measurable reading growth and adjust instruction accordingly.
Participate in regular data cycles to analyze student performance and plan targeted interventions.
Student Culture & Relationships
Hold students to high academic and behavioral expectations while building strong, affirming relationships.
Foster a classroom culture where students feel challenged, supported, and motivated to grow as readers and thinkers.
Partner with families to communicate student progress and support academic success.
Collaboration & Professional Practice
Collaborate closely with grade-level and content-alike teachers to strengthen curriculum implementation and instructional practices.
Participate actively in shared planning, lesson internalization, and team data discussions.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture focused on continuous improvement.
Coaching & Professional Growth

Instructional coaching is a core part of Santa Fe South’s culture.

All teachers participate in regular coaching cycles that include classroom observation, feedback, rehearsal, and action planning. Teachers are expected to reflect on their practice, implement feedback, and continuously refine instruction to accelerate student achievement.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an educator who:

Believes deeply that all students can achieve at high levels with the right instruction and support
Maintains high academic expectations while providing thoughtful scaffolds and feedback
Possesses strong content knowledge in reading/ELA and comfort teaching complex grade-level texts
Uses student data to drive instructional decisions and measure progress
Is open to feedback, collaboration, and continuous professional growth
Builds strong relationships with middle school students and their families
Values shared ownership of results within a collaborative team
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Valid Oklahoma teaching certification or eligibility to obtain certification
Preferred
Experience teaching middle school reading or ELA
Demonstrated record of student academic growth
Experience using student data to inform instruction
Familiarity with evidence-based reading instruction or structured literacy practices
Why Work at Santa Fe South Middle School
A campus demonstrating strong academic growth and improvement
Meaningful collaboration within grade-level and content teams
Clear instructional systems and aligned curriculum
Robust coaching and professional development
A mission-driven school community committed to expanding opportunity for students

Job Requirements:
Bachelor degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required