Job Description
3rd Grade Writing & ELA Teacher
Santa Fe South Spero Upper Elementary | 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 that has served the south side of Oklahoma City for more than 20 years. Rooted in the communities we serve, SFS is committed to providing a challenging, student-centered education that prepares scholars to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Guided by a belief in the potential of every student, Santa Fe South emphasizes strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and the development of life skills, self-confidence, and social responsibility. Our schools work in close partnership with families to ensure students are equipped to succeed in high school, college, careers, and an ever-changing global society.
About Spero Upper Elementary
Santa Fe South Spero Upper Elementary serves students in grades 2–5 and builds upon the strong literacy and numeracy foundations established in the early grades. Spero Upper is known for its strong culture, high expectations, and unwavering commitment to student growth.
Teachers at Spero Upper work collaboratively to deliver rigorous instruction and maintain clear academic expectations across classrooms. Educators benefit from strong instructional coaching, collaborative content teams, and a shared belief that all students can achieve at high levels. The school culture emphasizes continuous improvement, strong relationships, and a relentless focus on student success.
Position Summary
The 3rd Grade Writing & ELA Teacher at Spero Upper Elementary plays an important role in strengthening students’ written communication and supporting foundational literacy development.
This position focuses on explicit writing instruction while also supporting students who need additional practice with phonics and fluency through the 95% Phonics program. The goal of the role is to help students build the foundational literacy skills and writing habits necessary for long-term academic success.
The teacher will collaborate closely with grade-level and content teams to ensure cohesive instruction, high expectations, and measurable student growth.
Key Responsibilities
Writing and ELA Instruction
• Deliver high-quality writing and ELA instruction aligned to Oklahoma Academic Standards and the Santa Fe South ELA framework
• Teach explicit writing instruction that develops students’ ability to organize ideas, construct clear written responses, and communicate effectively across multiple genres
• Guide students through the writing process, including drafting, revising, editing, and publishing
• Plan and execute engaging, bell-to-bell lessons that prioritize student engagement and written expression
Foundational Literacy Support
• Implement structured literacy instruction using the 95% Phonics program to strengthen decoding and fluency skills
• Provide targeted support to help students close foundational literacy gaps
• Monitor student progress in phonics, fluency, and writing and adjust instruction accordingly
Assessment and Data Use
• Use student data—including formative assessments and NWEA MAP Growth—to monitor progress and adjust instruction
• Track student growth in writing and foundational literacy skills
• Participate in data conversations and collaborate with colleagues to strengthen student outcomes
Classroom Culture and Student Support
• Establish consistent classroom routines and expectations that create a safe, structured, and joyful learning environment
• Build strong relationships with students and families to support academic success and engagement
• Encourage perseverance and confidence as students strengthen their literacy and writing skills
Collaboration and Professional Growth
• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to strengthen curriculum implementation and instructional practices
• Participate actively in coaching cycles, lesson internalization, and professional learning opportunities
• Contribute positively to a collaborative school culture grounded in high expectations and shared accountability
What We’re Looking For
• A mission-driven educator who believes all students can achieve at high levels with the right instruction and support
• Strong content knowledge in writing instruction and literacy development
• A growth mindset and willingness to continuously improve through feedback and coaching
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Alignment with Santa Fe South’s values of high expectations, strong relationships, and continuous improvement
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certification (or willingness/eligibility to obtain certification)
Preferred
• Experience teaching upper elementary ELA or writing
• Experience using student data to drive instructional decisions
• Familiarity with structured literacy practices or evidence-based programs such as 95% Phonics
Why Join Spero Upper?
Teachers at Spero Upper Elementary are part of a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to academic excellence and strong student outcomes. Educators receive strong instructional coaching, clear expectations, and ongoing professional learning within a supportive and joyful school community.