Job Description: Latin Teacher

 

Our School: Libertas is a public charter school serving the Frayser neighborhood in Memphis. Our mission is to be a school for human flourishing: cultivating minds, hands, and hearts for lives of wonder, work, and love. We offer a rich, rigorous, and personalized education through the method of Dr. Maria Montessori and the classical liberal arts. We offer an attachment village of wraparound family supports and develop virtues of character. Tennessee has twice named Libertas a Reward School - a top 15% school. Approximately 80% of Libertas students are Black/African American, over 83% are eligible for free or reduced price meals, and over 30% receive special education services. We currently serve infant and toddler, early childhood and elementary at our founding location and a middle school on a second nearby campus. We also operate a nationally- accredited, state-licensed teacher training program.

 

In summer 2027, we will launch a small-by-design high school, ultimately serving 250 students in grades 9-12 at a third nearby campus. Our holistic, humane education will bring together deep engagement with rich literary and cultural traditions with meaningful contribution through student enterprise and the “work of the hand.” We will prepare graduates with independence and responsibility as they enter college or pursue meaningful careers, and all participate in civic life.  Learn more about Libertas on our website.

 

About Latin at Libertas: Latin study begins in middle school - and as we expand enrollment, we are growing our Latin teaching team. Our goal is to give students the opportunity to directly access the classical language and culture that is part of our shared civilizational heritage, while strengthening skill in their native language. We emphasize communicative competency, “living” language pedagogy, total physical response, and comprehensible input (including reader’s theater, picture study and songs). We utilized the Polis Institute Unus, Duo, Tres curriculum for introduction to spoken Latin and then Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata: Familia Romana. The Latin teacher also helps with the school chapter of the Junior Classical League, which participates in regional events. Students may take the National Latin Exam as a milestone on their way to engagement with great texts, authors, and ideas.

Role information: 

• Full- OR part-time position
• Exact school day hours are yet to be determined (current teacher hours are 7:30 to 3:30 at our lower school at 7:45 to 3:45 at our middle school, with one additional hour after school one day per week for professional development). Most lead teachers spend approximately 4-6 hours per week outside of the regular school day for planning, collaboration, and preparation.
• Reports to High School director (and Middle School if applicable). 
• Please note that the high school Latin teacher will either need teacher certification or be willing to participate in a school sponsored teacher certification program.
• Measures of success include student growth, family satisfaction, observation feedback, performance evaluations, and related indicators.

 

Key responsibilities

• Planning and Instruction: Plan units and lessons based on quality curriculum materials and best pedagogical practices. Give lessons to whole groups, small groups, individuals.  Observe and coach students. Gather feedback on student learning through reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises. Answer questions, grade assignments, give feedback. Organize and maintain learning environment and materials.
• Classroom Culture: Set and maintain a peaceful, orderly classroom culture conducive to learning. Foster habits of excellence, especially grace & courtesy, through shared schoolwide practices such as connecting before redirecting and using a warm and firm tone. Be a model of striving toward virtue. Supervise students in and out of the classroom such as on the playground, during breaks, and on field trips / cocurricular activities.
• Family communication: Build relationships with families to foster open and responsive communication about student growth and needs. Assist in preparing quarterly report cards and biannual family conferences
• Professional Development and Relationships: Participate in lesson plan reviews and observations, receive feedback and discuss with a coach, and make adjustments to continuously improve. Participate in after-school and summer professional development and collaboration opportunities and data reviews.

 

• Other duties as assigned

 

 

Qualifications and Traits

• Bachelor’s degree (education degree NOT required)
• Experience with Latin strongly preferred but not required; those without Latin experience must be willing to participate in significant professional development and training
• Commitment to working in a Montessori, liberal arts school in an underserved community
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Warm and firm demeanor
• Love of learning
• Flexibility, initiative, and personal responsibility to work in fast-paced, startup environment
• Fortitude for the challenges we will face
• Work collaboratively, with a growth mindset
• Give and receive feedback in a spirit of craftsmanship.

 

Compensation

• Full time range from $45,000 to $70,000 depending on qualifications and experience
• Eligible for increases or stipends for performance and/or additional duties, such as teaching in after school or summer program.
• Significant investment in professional development and training.
• Paid sick leave. Deferred pay model distributes salary throughout the year (including breaks and vacations).
• Full time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits, which we sponsor at an above-market rate. We also offer dental, vision, and other benefits, and retirement plans similar to local schools.

  

Application process

Interested candidates should apply online at www.libertasmemphis.org/join-our-team where candidates can also learn more about our school. Please submit a resume, three references, and a cover letter (required) explaining why you would be a good fit for this position. Please direct any questions to bob.nardo@LibertasMemphis.org. Libertas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.