Teacher Apprentice Teacher
Job Description
POSITION
The Apprentice Teacher position provides a unique opportunity for talented individuals with limited or no teaching experience to explore the field of education and to gain hands-on practice and the training necessary to become a successful full-time classroom teacher. Apprentice Teachers will have an opportunity to observe best practices in classroom instruction and education reform from experienced teachers and school leaders at one of the leading charter management organizations in the country. Apprentice Teachers observe and learn from Master Teachers, co-teach with teacher-leaders, provide in-house substitute teaching coverage for teachers, and support teachers with tutoring, grading, and individual or small group student instruction. Depending on school needs and candidate background, Apprentice Teachers may also teach their own class of students, allowing for direct teaching experience within a more limited teaching load. Apprentice Teachers will also offer teacher support with a variety of work inside and outside of the classroom, including teaching Enrichment classes, organizing student events, and developing mentoring relationships with students. Through full participation in summer and school-year professional development, as well as regular meetings with an instructional coach, Apprentice Teachers will have many opportunities to gain the experience and support necessary to develop their teaching skills. By the end of the year, Apprentice Teachers will be very strong candidates for a lead teaching position.
We are seeking apprentice teachers for the following subject areas:
Elementary School:
- Grades K-2, or 3-4
Middle School:
- Math (Pre-Algebra, Algebra I)
- Science
- History
- English
- Language Arts (ELA) – Reading & Writing
- Special Education
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES FOR APPRENTICE TEACHERS
- Apprentice teachers teach classes on behalf of Deans and teacher-leaders who are observing other teachers
- Apprentice teachers provide substitute teaching coverage for teachers within the school;
- Apprentice teachers teach one class or small groups of students;
- Apprentice teachers periodically plan and deliver instruction, gradually taking on more esponsibility throughout the year;
- Apprentice teachers develop teaching skills to potentially become a full-time teacher at the school;
- Apprentice teachers support students by providing one-on-one and small group tutoring daily, and small group intervention and student support;
- Apprentice teachers observe Master Teachers in order to improve instructional techniques and classroom management;
- Apprentice teachers meet regularly with a coach to implement feedback on lessons and instruction;
- Apprentice teachers teach or help coordinate an Enrichment class; Similar to teaching assistants, Apprentice teachers help with instruction, assessments, grading, and other classroom responsibilities; (especially in core subjects: English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, History) They’re just doing this work full time.
As appropriate, perform all duties expected of classroom teachers, including but not limited to:
- Implementing curricula and activities to meet academic standards;
- Designing and implementing assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
- Using assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices;
- Participating in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions, events, and trips;
- Providing consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior;
- Serving as an advisor to a small group of students; Helping to co-lead advisory/homeroom in the morning and afternoon;
- Supervising students during transitions, breakfast, lunch and afterschool;
- Being accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards;
- Communicating effectively with students, families, and colleagues;
- Participating in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.
QUALIFICATIONS
Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
- Evidence of self-motivation, willingness to be a team player, and has a strong sense of personal responsibility;
- Ideal candidates are hard-working, urgent, energetic, and are willing to learn and adapt; Is extremely reflective and constantly wants to improve;
- Is flexible and enjoys dealing with unpredictability; Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines;
- A strong candidate will possess strong organizational skills, communication skills (particularly with children), and problem solving skills;
- Interest in performing a critical support role and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment;
- Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities is preferred but not required;
- Relentless commitment to mission of educating urban students. Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree is required. A background in education is not required, though candidates should show a demonstrated passion for working with K-12 students.
By the time that employment begins, candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree from a College or University. For teaching roles in New York and Massachusetts, candidates must have also earned a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher by the time employment begins. For teaching roles in New Jersey, the candidates must have earned a cumulative 2.75 GPA (for candidates graduating before September 1, 2016) or 3.0 (for candidates graduating on or after September 1, 2016)
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time paid teaching apprenticeship, including comprehensive health benefits. Aside from extensive professional development, all our teachers are equipped with a laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary instructional supplies.
The foregoing information is requested for mandatory government reporting purposes only. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.
