ELA Curriculum Writer, Grades 6-8 (Contractor)

A pioneer in K–12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 10 million students in all 50 states. For more information, visit amplify.com.

Amplify is reimagining the way teachers teach and students learn. We believe technology can work alongside great and diverse literature to empower teachers to create deeply engaged classrooms and to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers and leaders. Come and work with us!

When Amplify creates educational programs, we assemble educators, writers, and instructional designers and invite them to join forces with learning scientists, innovative software teams, designers, and artists to put together a truly impactful English Language Arts curriculum that will engage today’s students and teachers

Curriculum Writer

Amplify is seeking an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum writer to help develop core lesson and instructional content for middle grade [6-8] students. 

Curriculum writers are provided ongoing training in the program pedagogy, content architecture, and instructional framework, and tasked with developing deeply engaging and effective content and instructional supports that bring those frameworks to life. Curriculum writers work collaboratively to develop both digital and print lessons that challenge students to read deeply, think critically, and develop and extend their ideas in writing, discussion, projects, and presentations. They work in an iterative and fast-paced environment to craft consistent content drafts and apply ongoing feedback to ensure that the final lessons and instructions meet the high quality customers expect from Amplify.  

We look for intellectually creative people who are ready to roll up their sleeves to develop content that makes classrooms hum, content that comes to life on both digital platforms and the printed page.  We look for people with strong experience with content writing and solid familiarity with the creation of digital educational tools and materials; who are ready to think creatively about critical reading, writing, and discussion skills; who recognize the power of great texts, and appreciate the unique needs and potential of middle school students. Candidates should have experience working in a strongly collaborative, highly iterative and results focused environment.  

Responsibilities of the Curriculum Writer:

• Craft lessons that support students at all levels, helping them become strong readers who can dig into a text, deliberately investigate key elements of that text, collaborate with classmates to refine their understanding, and express that understanding through presentations, performances, writing, or other means
• Develop teacher guidance that supports teachers to facilitate activities effectively, and make confident instructional decisions . 
• Build instruction that authentically aligns to standards, supports ongoing practice with key areas of secondary literacy and progresses in meaningful, organic ways
• Collaborate with designers, developers, and other content producers to bring lessons to life.
• Work productively and collaboratively with content leads, editors, designers and producers within a cycle of drafting, reviewing feedback, and incorporating feedback to produce highly effective final lessons and stronger content moving forwards.
• Learn and work within new instructional platforms and work systems.
• Create standards’ correlations and other technical documents as needed.
• Maintain consistency of voice and adhering to program style, vision, and philosophy

Basic Qualifications of the Curriculum  Writer:

• BA in English or Humanities field or related field with strong content background in literary genres and critical analysis
• 3+ years secondary education-related experience. 
• Experience creating challenging and engaging lessons/curricula in a team environment
• Demonstrated writing skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Strong analytic reading and thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and balance work on multiple projects
• *Some travel and in-person (Brooklyn-based) required (about 10-15%)

Preferred Qualifications of the Curriculum Writer:

• Background that includes identifying, implementing and refining effective engagement and literacy instructional strategies in the classroom.
• Experience crafting curricula that integrates different genres, technologies, and media
• Graduate degree in a literature or education related field
• Experience teaching a diverse range of middle grade students
• Comfort with a range of technology
• Widely read, with strong reading and thinking skills