2026-27 Middle School Social Studies Teacher

IOTA Community Schools is a growing network of high-performing public charter schools currently serving grades 6–12 in Memphis, Tennessee, with a track record of transforming “fresh start” and “zoned-enrollment” turnaround schools into thriving learning communities. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, we are expanding our mission to Little Rock, Arkansas, where we will launch a K-8.

At IOTA, we believe every child—regardless of background, zip code, or life circumstance—possesses limitless potential. Our classrooms, culture, and community partnerships are designed to ensure students are prepared to excel in college, leadership, and life.

We are seeking passionate, mission-driven Social Studies Teachers to join our founding Arkansas team for the 2026–27 school year. As a founding teacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a joyful and rigorous middle school experience for our scholars and building long-term family and community relationships from day one.  Starting our journey in Arkansas for the 2026-27 school year, we believe that every student, whatever their circumstances, holds the innate potential to achieve their goals and succeed in college, leadership, and life.

Our staff is committed to continuing their own learning and refining their practice to stay current in the field ensuring a quality education for all. This is more than a teaching job—it’s an opportunity to help craft a school culture, innovate within a supportive team, and impact generations of students in Little Rock.

Position Responsibilities:

• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence. Attend staff meetings, and serve on committees as required. The approximate school day for staff runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Effectively instruct students in assigned content area(s) as prescribed by IOTA's academic content standards through direct instruction, demonstrating, and using audio-visual aids and other materials to supplement presentations with the overall goal of engaging student learning. 
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team and within content areas planning and aligning curricula to ensure that instruction follows curriculum guidelines or requirements of state and school.
• Set clear short-term and long-term goals to drive instruction.
• Develop and submit weekly and long range lesson plans containing standards, objectives, essential questions, assessments and lesson plans; assign lessons and review homework.
• Consistently use data to evaluate pupil progress, record results, and issue meaningful reports to inform parents of progress.
• Create and implement student intervention plans when necessary for students.
• Maintain the school's student management policies and procedures (i.e. attendance records, dress code, etc.) and report to the school administrators when necessary.
• Maintain effective supervision and discipline in the classroom.
• Work with other teachers and administrators to address and resolve student needs.
• Provide necessary accommodations and modifications for growth and success of all students.
• Participate in faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
• Lead and participate in student activities such as: sponsoring student activities or student organizations, coaching a sports team, working with parents and the community as part of a committee or group, provide morning or after school supervision, and chaperoning student activities.
• Abide by all state and federal mandates in reporting sexual or physical abuse and neglect.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Must have an Arkansas Teacher’s license for Middle School Education 4-8 or Social Studies 7-12
• Belief in the IOTA mission 
• Ability to meet deadlines related to lesson plan submission, grades, and other requirements
• Humility, sense of humor, and rock-solid commitment to IOTA’s mission and the communities we serve
• The ability and willingness to construct hands-on education materials to be utilized in the teaching of identified curriculum skills and concepts.

Mental Functions, Physical Requirements, and Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, go up and down stairs, operate foot and hand controls, use a telephone and write. Occasionally the employee must lift and/or move up to twenty (20) or more pounds. This position requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and/or objects, and providing oral information. Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year. Additional technical skills, knowledge, and abilities may be recommended by immediate supervisor and approved by the People Team.

This employer strives for a balanced, productive workforce, which is diverse in terms of age, gender, and cultural identity. We do not base hiring or promotional decisions on factors other than performance and professional growth potential. Please note that we are unable to sponsor H1 VISA applicants. Position is expected to be 195 days, plus a benefits package. NOTE: Precise placement within the salary range (starting at $50,000 for fully licensed teachers) will be determined based on experience and salary placement guidelines. FLSA: EXEMPT.