Elementary School Teacher (K-8)

Village Leadership Academy (VLA) is seeking highly motivated and creative educators who value social justice, culturally responsive teaching, and student-centered approaches within the classroom. Strong candidates will have at least three to five years of teaching experience, curriculum writing capabilities, excellent subject expertise in indicated interest area(s), and a demonstrated commitment to self-reflection, growth, collaboration, and professionalism. Candidates should also be familiar with project-based learning, principles of restorative justice, liberatory education, youth participatory action research, and educational technology.

Additionally, candidates must have an interest in helping to develop students' growth mindset and positive learner identities, a strong desire to inspire a love for learning, an enthusiasm for cultural empowerment, an ability to motivate and engage students' critical thinking across subject areas and real-world problem solving, an appreciation of the core values of VLA, and the capacity to use a variety of pedagogical approaches in the classroom.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Establishing a positive learning environment for all students;
• Assessing and evaluating students’ academic progress and maintaining current and accurate student records;
• Providing individual, whole group, small group, and differentiated instruction;
• Communicating and meeting with parents, writing progress reports, and providing both qualitative and quantitative student feedback;
• Attending staff meetings, participating in professional development workshops and trainings, and engaging in teacher evaluation processes;
• Working collaboratively with teachers and interacting with other staff and administrators;
• Maintaining up-to-date teaching techniques/practices, progress-monitoring, and technology to provide students with a quality educational experience;
• Demonstration of instructional planning (e.g., submitting weekly lesson plans, updating grades, posting learning objectives, etc.);
• Coordinating school assemblies, planning school-related special events, and supporting school fundraisers;
• Ensuring fairness in teacher-student relationships and promoting student voice and agency;
• Participating in after-school enrichment activities, events, and clubs.

Essential Competencies:

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the ability to develop healthy, supportive relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies and course subject area required.
• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
• Competent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) required.
• Ability to use technology effectively in the teaching and learning process is also important.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree. Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) are preferred but not required.