2026 - 2027 School Year

English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher

Now Offering Up to a $5,000 Sign-On Bonus for Eligible Candidates!

Position Summary:

Liberal Public Schools is seeking a passionate, collaborative, and student-centered English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher to join our team. We are looking for an educator who is dedicated to inspiring students to become confident readers, thoughtful writers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators. The ideal candidate believes every student can succeed and is committed to creating engaging learning experiences that foster literacy, creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

The English Language Arts Teacher provides high-quality, standards-based instruction aligned with the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards while creating a safe, inclusive, and collaborative classroom where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues, families, and administrators to promote academic excellence and prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Why Liberal Public Schools?

At Liberal Public Schools, we know great teachers make all the difference. We are committed to supporting our educators through strong collaboration and access to building and distinct leadership. We provide opportunities to grow and lead earlier in your career, and a lower cost of living that allows your competitive salary to go further for your family. As a diverse, bilingual, Title I District, you will provide meaningful work with students who truly need their teachers and a culture focused on student success.

 

When you join Liberal Public Schools, you’ll enjoy:

 

• Up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates
• Competitive salary based on education and experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
• Participation in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)
• Paid personal and sick leave
• Instructional coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development
• Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Opportunities for leadership and career advancement
• A welcoming, diverse school community dedicated to student achievement

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-based English Language Arts instruction aligned with district curriculum and Kansas College and Career Ready Standards.
• Develop students' reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills using research-based instructional practices.
• Create a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, academic achievement, and personal growth.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of all learners.
• Utilize instructional technology and innovative teaching strategies to maximize student learning.
• Monitor student progress through formal and informal assessments and use data to guide instructional decisions.
• Maintain accurate student records, grades, attendance, and required documentation.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and guardians regarding academic progress and classroom expectations.
• Collaborate with grade-level teams, instructional coaches, interventionists, special education staff, and administrators to support student success.
• Foster positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues that strengthen the educational experience for every learner.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), faculty meetings, district professional development, and school improvement initiatives.
• Support the district's educational mission while implementing Board policies and maintaining confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Superintendent.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in English, English Education, Secondary Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Kansas Teaching License with the appropriate English Language Arts endorsement or eligibility to obtain Kansas licensure.
• Knowledge of effective literacy instruction, classroom management, adolescent development, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to providing equitable, inclusive, and student-centered educational opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous English Language Arts teaching experience.
• Experience using student assessment data to drive instructional decisions.
• Training or experience in MTSS, differentiated instruction, and social-emotional learning.
• ESOL endorsement preferred (Kansas ESOL-licensed employees are eligible for a $500 annual stipend).

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, lift instructional materials, and actively supervise students throughout the school day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in classrooms and school settings with frequent collaboration among teachers, administrators, students, and families. The work environment typically includes a moderate noise level and may involve travel between district buildings.

Terms of Employment:

Salary, benefits, and work calendar are established in accordance with the negotiated Professional Agreement and approved by the USD 480 Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the USD 480 Board of Education.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Liberal Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or Kansas law.

 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned other duties as needed.