Teacher 20-21 Middle School Science Teacher
Job Description
About Great Oaks Charter Schools
At Great Oaks, students will shape the world, not be defined by it. Therefore, we believe that children learn best through a combination of project-based, authentic learning experiences, and direct instruction to support skill development and accelerate learning. Instruction and culture are grounded in our design principles of Mastery, Leadership, and Community. As part of the model, Great Oaks Americorps Fellows provide students with additional opportunities to engage in critical content, which helps to close academic achievement gaps and level the playing field. We are seeking talented, tenacious people who share our belief that all students deserve a high-quality education.
Great Oaks Design Principles
Mastery: For students to shape the world and not be defined by it, they must have deep knowledge and the ability to apply that to new contexts. Therefore, we emphasize hands-on, project-based curriculum and joyful teaching.
Leadership: The purpose of leadership is to support a vision of the world in which equity and justice are essential. Therefore, we offer leadership opportunities to students so that they can persist through challenges, plan proactively for their future, and collaborate with others.
Community: Community is predicated on the understanding that if it takes a village to raise a child, why not help raise the village. Therefore, we support the whole child in the development of healthy self-esteem and confidence through building deep relationships with others and themselves.
About Great Oaks Charter School – New York City
Great Oaks (GO) Charter School – New York opened in 2013 with a focus on serving a heterogeneous population of students. Currently, Great Oaks-New York City serves 300 students in grades 6-8. GO NYC is growing to serve students in grades 6-12 by adding one grade – level each year until we reach full enrollment. The first 9th-grade class is slated to start in 2021-2022.
Position Summary
Great teachers are at the heart of what we do and are the key to our students’ success. Our most successful teachers are mission-driven, adaptable and have a collaborative team mindset.
Key responsibilities include:
Drive student outcomes by:
- Aligning planning to the Science Common Core Standards and student assessment data
- Using data-driven techniques to set ambitious goals for scholars
- Collaborating with the Special Services team and Great Oaks Fellows to build differentiated learning plans for all scholars
- Maintaining consistent communications with families regarding student progress
- Taking leadership of an advisory team comprised of 4-5 Fellows. The advisory team, led by the advisory teacher manages all parent communication for the students in that advisory.
- Holding weekly Office Hours and Homework Help Center.
Maintain strong classroom and school culture by:
- Clearly and consistently communicating and upholding school rules, values, and expectations in and out of the classroom
- Setting an urgent, respectful, and positive tone in the classroom
- Displaying extraordinary time management to maximize student learning
- Building relationships with students that communicate the importance of college success and your belief that they will succeed
- Building a collaborative, respectful advisory classroom community
- Taking on responsibilities outside of their content area instruction such as advisory, lunch duty, enrichment classes, and after school activities
Plan a rigorous curriculum and deliver strong instruction by:
- Demonstrating solid knowledge and understanding of science content
- Using a multitude of instructional strategies that are academically rigorous and highly engaging
- Executing detailed lesson plans mapped to specific Common Core standards
- Taking responsibility for student progress; constantly working to respond to students’ needs
Competencies and Qualifications
The successful candidate will have proven success in implementing high-quality instruction that led to the improvement of student achievement in an urban school. S/he will possess exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate clearly to multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have:
- A strong academic record with a Bachelor’s degree from a competitive college or university required; advanced degree in the subject area preferred
- At least two years of experience improving student achievement at an urban school
- State teaching certification in secondary science (strongly preferred)
- Extremely strong classroom management abilities
- A strong belief that all students can succeed
- A do-whatever-it takes attitude including a willingness to work occasionally on the weekend or in the evening
- An exceptional ability to respond well to feedback and implement it immediately
Compensation
Great Oaks provides a competitive compensation and benefits package; exact compensation will vary based on experience and education.
General Information
This position is for the 2020-2021 school year and the successful candidate will start in the summer of 2020. Selected candidates will be contacted to set up a phone interview.
