Job Title: High School Teacher/ Defensive

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Campus Principal / Athletic Coordinator

Pay Grade: Teacher Pay Scale/ Coaching Pay Scale

Dept./School: La Joya High School

Initiated Date: May 2025

WHO WE ARE

La Joya ISD proudly serves over 22,000 students across more than 30 campuses, grounded in the mission of Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student. The district is nationally recognized for strong academics, a deep athletic tradition, and community pride rooted in decades of service to the Rio Grande Valley.

La Joya High School, home of the Coyotes, is the district’s original comprehensive high school and a cornerstone of excellence. With state-level competition experience, high-performing academic programs, and strong alumni engagement, La Joya High is a leader in shaping both scholars and athletes.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a dynamic high school teacher with experience as a football coach to serve as the Defensive Coordinator for La Joya High School. The successful candidate will exemplify the district’s core values—Integrity, Accountability, Leadership, High-Quality Instruction, and Service—and be committed to supporting the whole student.

This dual-role educator-coach will:

• Deliver engaging instruction in the classroom, aligned with La Joya ISD’s instructional priorities
• Coordinate and lead the defensive unit of the varsity football team with high expectations, structure, and discipline
• Foster academic success, character development, and leadership among student-athletes
• Represent La Joya High and La Joya ISD with professionalism and competitive excellence
  

WHY LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

La Joya High School offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. As the legacy campus of La Joya ISD, the school boasts a loyal community, highly experienced coaching staff, and competitive athletic programs. Our football program is a key pillar of school pride and community connection.

Educators and coaches at La Joya High receive robust district support, access to cutting-edge resources, and a collaborative campus culture committed to student growth and success.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (required)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in any secondary content area (required)
• CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements (preferred for coaching transportation)
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certification and completion of UIL-required safety trainings (required or must be obtained prior to coaching)

EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching at the high school level
• Previous football coaching experience required; defensive coordinator or assistant coordinator experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of defensive schemes, game film analysis, opponent scouting, and player development
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a focus on team accountability and performance
• Experience managing UIL compliance, player eligibility, and off-season training programs
• Commitment to La Joya ISD’s Athletic Handbook, Code of Ethics, and Coaching Expectations
  
  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional – High School Teacher (La Joya High School)

• Plan and implement rigorous, TEKS-aligned instruction using district curriculum and tools (DMAC etc.)
• Support the academic success of all students, including ELLs, special populations, and at-risk learners
• Actively participate in campus PLCs, staff development, and instructional planning sessions
• Communicate consistently with families and student support teams
• Promote college, career, and military readiness skills in alignment with district priorities
  
  

Athletic – Defensive Coordinator (Football – La Joya High School)

• Design and lead all aspects of the varsity defensive football program, including scheme development, in-game play calling, and opponent scouting
• Collaborate with the head coach and full football staff to create a unified, structured program
• Supervise and mentor position coaches on the defensive side of the ball; assign roles and responsibilities for efficiency and alignment
• Analyze game film, prepare weekly scouting reports, and develop detailed game plans
• Coordinate strength and conditioning for defensive players in accordance with the district athletic department standards
• Monitor academic eligibility using Skyward and maintain strong relationships with teachers to support student-athletes’ academic needs
• Promote discipline, character, and respect through consistent modeling of La Joya ISD’s athletic expectations
• Serve as a visible leader during all practices, games, film sessions, and athletic events
  

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform all other duties as assigned in accordance with La Joya ISD board policy and campus needs

COMPENSATION

• Teacher: Per LJISD salary scale based on verified experience and certification
• Defensive Coordinator Stipend: Annual stipend as determined by the LJISD Athletics Stipend Schedule

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:
Significant physical activity required; must be able to supervise practices, demonstrate drills, and travel with teams.

Work Environment:
Classroom and athletic field settings. High interaction with students, faculty, families, and athletic staff. Evening and weekend work expected during the football season.