Teacher Upper Elementary Math Teacher
Job Description
Background
Libertas School of Memphis is a Montessori, liberal arts public charter elementary school serving a high-need neighborhood in Memphis. Our mission is to be a school for human flourishing: cultivating minds, hands, and hearts for lives of wonder, work, and love. We offer students from preschool through fifth grade a rich, rigorous, and personalized education through Montessori learning, supported with rich liberal arts content through Core Knowledge, and the best practices of high-performing urban schools. This work is done within an attachment village of supports between school, families, and our community.
Role Summary: This role is focused on planning and teaching standards-aligned math courses to fourth and fifth grade children in a departmentalized program, with an emphasis on close collaboration with Montessori classroom staff. (Montessori certification is not required for this position.)
Role Information
Full-time role. Instructional hours roughly 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (faculty meetings until 4:30 PM on Wednesdays)
The role primarily follows the school calendar, although it may require approximately 1-2 additional weeks of work in the summer for curriculum development. (An additional stipend is provided for the summer work.)
Reports to: Principal. Key relationships: Academic Coordinator, Upper Elementary Teachers & Assistants
Measures of Success
Development of curriculum materials that meet quality standards (e.g. Louisiana Believes curriculum guideline)
Fidelity of implementation of, and student progress through, curriculum
Student growth on annual published school metrics (e.g. internal benchmarks, MAP, TN Ready, etc)
Excellent instructional and classroom management practices
Timely, high quality planning
Satisfactory performance evaluations
Other indicators
Key responsibilities
Participate in planning and implementing an upper elementary mathematics curriculum that instills a sense of wonder and joy in the study of mathematics; promotes deep understanding of mathematical concepts; supports development of grade-level math skills; is aligned to state standards; and helps prepare children to excel in a traditional middle school classroom.
Coordinate with supervisor and classroom teachers to ensure that instruction is aligned to state expectations; aligned with the most effective instructional practices; and matched with the specific needs of each child.
Collect and record data about each child’s academic abilities and needs, and share this data with other teachers and support staff.
Foster habits of excellence, including order and grace & courtesy, through schoolwide and classroom-level practices and rituals, such as connecting before redirecting, using a warm and firm tone, matching children with works in the environment, tending the heart of virtue through presenting beautiful literature, and sharing responsibility for all our children.
Be a model of character and striving toward virtue for students.
Supervise students within the classroom and outside of the classroom as needed, including at lunch and recess.
Conduct or participate in family communication and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Traits
At least three years of effective teaching experience with upper elementary or middle school children in high-need communities
Exceptional classroom management skills and instructional practices
Willing to serve all children, regardless of background or needs, in an inclusive and supportive setting
Knowledge of curriculum content and children’s developmental needs
Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Bachelor’s degree and relevant Tennessee teaching license required
Love of learning
Flexibility, initiative, and personal responsibility to work in fast-paced, startup environment
Fortitude for the challenges we will face
Warm and firm demeanor
Work collaboratively, with a growth mindset. Give and receive feedback in a spirit of craftsmanship.
Compensation
Salary/wage competitive with the local school district and nearby charter schools.
Eligible for increases, bonuses, or stipends for performance or additional duties.
Investment in faculty professional development and growth. We also offer to eligible applicants our Teacher Residency program, which provides financial sponsorship and additional coaching and support to achieve Montessori certification. Please contact us for more details.
Paid sick leave for full-time employees. Deferred pay model distributes salary throughout the year (including breaks and vacations).
Full time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits, which we sponsor at an above-market rate (approx. 80% covered by employer for all levels of coverage). We also offer dental, vision, and other benefits, and retirement plans similar to local schools.
