Lead Teachers (Grades K-7)

<strong>Detroit Achievement Academy exists to holistically support the education and development of students who have the determination, drive, and skills to shape their own path of high achievement with the ultimate goal of creating civically engaged, joyful citizens who are ready to change the world.</strong>

Detroit, MI

Detroit Achievement Academy

<h2>Detroit Achievement Academy is a free public charter school currently serving kindergarten through sixth grade students.&nbsp;</h2> <p>We at Detroit Achievement Academy want to shake things up a bit. We have a grand vision for what education can look like and are excited to be creating it in the great city of Detroit. We are using the best educational model in the country, Expeditionary Learning,&nbsp;and are committed to our students, their families, and to our neighborhood. We believe that all students can achieve at high levels and that it is our responsibility to support them in an intense and holistic way. We are thrilled to be able to provide a world-class education in a world-class city.</p> <p>Detroit Achievement Academy is proudly located in northwest Detroit. We serve 140 students and will add one grade level each year.&nbsp;</p> https://www.detroitachievement.org/

keywords: expeditionary learning school,teaching,learning approach,professional development,design,assessment,curriculum,environment,education,communication,experience

Experienced

Overview: We are looking for extraordinary leaders and learners to join our team who:<br /><br /> <ul> <li>Teach to give students a strong foundation of academic excellence,</li> <li>Foster the social-emotional and character development of young learners,</li> <li>Build a love of learning in all students,</li> <li>Engage families as partners in our students&rsquo; education,</li> <li>Commit to constant learning, reflection, and improvement of their own practice,</li> <li>Bring their passions, personalities, humor, and joy to school every day,</li> <li>Thrive in a start-up environment, and</li> <li>Are committed to equity and the belief that all children in Detroit can reach their full potential.</li> </ul> A Lead Teacher at t Detroit Achievement Academy (DAA) is responsible for the educational and social-emotional outcomes for each student in his or her crew. Lead Teachers embrace their work with students, families, colleagues, and school leaders toward achieving our collective mission and goals. A Lead Teacher is responsible for teaching all core academic disciplines including language arts, social studies, science and mathematics. Lead Teachers report to the Head of School.
Responsibilities: <strong>Curriculum/Instruction</strong> <ul> <li>Implement the principles and components of Expeditionary Learning and the Responsive Classroom model. Teachers in their first year at DAA are expected to commit to learning these models by attending various professional development meetings and conferences held throughout the summer and school year.</li> <li>Work with the Head of School/EL school designer to plan two interdisciplinary learning expeditions per year using an agreed upon framework. Expeditions should be designed to teach core grade level content and skills and should be anchored by authentic and well-designed projects. Expeditions should also include meaningful fieldwork and service opportunities.</li> <li>Work with inclusion staff to plan for and meet the needs of students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and English Language Learners (ELLs). Differentiate instruction and provide accommodations and supports as needed. Actively seek to improve knowledge and skills to better address the needs of special education students and ELLs.</li> <li>Implement a balanced literacy program that includes daily instruction and practice in reading and writing. As appropriate to the grade level and needs of individual students, implement the strategies and structures of guided reading. Support student literacy (reading, writing, speaking, listening) across the curriculum.</li> <li>Incorporate diversity and multi-cultural content into curriculum and instruction throughout the year in big and small ways. Ensure that all students see their culture(s) represented in curriculum and materials.</li> <li>Develop and revise clear criteria and standards for quality work and regularly examine student work to ensure that it meets increasingly higher standards of quality.</li> <li>Align curriculum vertically and within grade-level expectations based on Common Core standards to ensure students have access to an equitable education.</li> </ul> <strong>Assessment/Accountability</strong> <br /> <ul> <li>Conduct ongoing assessment of student work using multiple assessment tools including anecdotal records, performance assessments with rubrics, exams, and individualized assessments as appropriate. Use assessment data to plan for instruction and to set short and long-range goals. Ensure collection and submission of data.</li> <li>Regularly analyze student data to improve and adjust instruction, ensure equity, and make program recommendations and improvements.</li> </ul> <strong>Social Curriculum/School Culture</strong> <br /> <ul> <li>Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. Communicate respectfully to students at all times. Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.</li> <li>Uphold and support the school-wide discipline policies. Document serious and less serious infractions to the policies and seek help and support from colleagues and administrators when discipline concerns arise.</li> <li>Structure a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate, student-centered, print-rich and well organized. Involve students in the care and maintenance of the room.</li> </ul> <strong>Collaboration, Collegiality and Professionalism</strong> <br /> <ul> <li>Meet and plan at least weekly as a grade level to ensure consistency of program and curriculum implementation.</li> <li>Seek to resolve conflicts with colleagues as soon as they arise using the DAA staff norms. Seek support from the Head of School when needed.</li> <li>Make classrooms open to visits from other teachers, administrators, family members, prospective families and visitors to the school in ways that are not disruptive to student learning. Involve students in welcoming visitors and communicating about the program.&nbsp;</li> </ul>
Requirements: <ul> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Dedication to our mission</strong>:</span> A steadfast belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels, regardless of demography.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Determination:</strong></span> A willingness to make things happen and a sense of urgency around educational equity for all students.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Strong communication:</strong> </span>The ability to communicate in a direct and sensitive fashion with students, parents, and colleagues.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team player:</strong></span> A desire to work in a team-oriented environment and collaborate with colleagues.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Growth mindset</strong>:</span> An ability to receive frequent feedback with humility and a strong desire to grow and develop as an educator.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Reflective attitude:</strong></span> An ability to constantly reflect on student data as well as personal areas of strength and growth.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Flexibility:</strong> </span>Willingness to work in an ever-changing field and face challenges with a positive attitude</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Professional integrity:</strong></span> A personal alignment with the values and ethical standards of Detroit Achievement Academy.</li> </ul> <strong>Education/Experience</strong><br /> <ul> <li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree (required), Master&rsquo;s Degree (preferred)</li> <li>At least 2 years prior teaching experience, in an EL school or project based environment preferred</li> <li>A current teaching certificate (required)</li> <li>Strong technical skills (required)</li> </ul>