Middle School Science Teacher

Background

Two Rivers Public Charter School serves a diverse group of learners across three locations in Wards 5 and 6. Staff at Two Rivers create an exciting educational environment in which students and staff become a community of learners on a journey of discovery. Two Rivers uses the EL Education model, which emphasizes interactive, hands-on, project-based learning. The school focuses on the whole child, recognizing the importance of character education and the social-emotional needs of children while helping them achieve academic excellence.

The Two Rivers staff shares a strong belief that all children can learn and be high achievers. The curriculum at Two Rivers is rigorous, and standards-based, and provides opportunities for students to excel in all areas. An integrated arts program and a content-based Spanish program augment the school’s demanding academic program. These elements come together through learning expeditions that allow students to incorporate and apply their classroom learning through real-world experiences. The mission of Two Rivers is to nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education, develop a sense of self and community, and become responsible and compassionate members of society.

This job description is meant to provide structure to the responsibilities and accountability of this position. There may be additional responsibilities that a teacher undertakes or that are assigned as the needs of students and of the school arise. Classroom Teachers report to the Principal.

This is a 10.5-month position which is exempt and therefore not eligible for overtime pay under

the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Responsibilities:

Curriculum/Instruction

• Implement the principles and components of Expeditionary Learning and the Responsive Classroom model. Teachers in their first year at Two Rivers are expected to commit to learning these models by attending new staff orientation in the summer and a new staff seminar held throughout the year.
• Plan challenging and engaging lessons and experiences designed to help students achieve content and curriculum standards for their grade level. Ensure that lessons have multiple entry points and support structures so that children with different abilities and learning styles are successful.

Assessment/Accountability

• Implement TR assessments and use assessment data to plan for instruction and to set short and long-range goals.
• Regularly analyze student data to improve instruction, ensure equity and make program recommendations and improvements.

Social Curriculum/School Culture

• 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.
• Lead and implement EL Education Crew Lesson Plans
• 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.

Collaboration, Collegiality, and Professionalism

• Meet at least weekly with the grade-level team.
• Seek information and support from the Campus Director of Special Education to best support students in classes with special needs. Attend IEP meetings as needed or required.

Professional Development

• Participate in weekly Professional Development Time (currently scheduled for Wednesdays, 2:00p.m - 5:00p.m) and contribute to sessions by sharing ideas, and student work, offering feedback, and facilitating sessions or discussions, as needed.

Family Communication and Involvement

• Meet with parents/guardians as requested to share information about student progress.
• Contact parents/guardians immediately when concerns arise about student performance or work completion.

Other Professional Responsibilities

• Be on time for classes, duties, planning sessions, team meetings, and professional development activities.
• Check voicemail and email daily and respond promptly to requests from parents, administrators, and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Degree in Science Education, Biology, Chemistry, or equivalent degree
• Bachelor’s degree and a passing score on (1) Science Content Knowledge PRAXIS and (2) Principles of Learning & Teaching PRAXIS exams
• Bachelor’s degree and five years of satisfactory lead teacher experience in Science
• Bachelor’s degree and active OSSE certification or active certification from another state

Benefits

Two Rivers values its team of amazing educators. Teachers at Two Rivers receive:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• The support of a welcoming and appreciative group of families
• A class of diverse students who are eager to learn and grateful for their school
• A team that values teachers and provides feedback, encouragement, and accountability
• Colleagues with varying backgrounds and experiences, from all walks of life, who care about their work, work hard and want to have a good time while they’re doing it
• An administrative team that provides support for children with challenges
• Professional growth opportunities on-site and off-site
• Membership in a professional learning community that will challenge and excite eager educators—the staff’s work was featured in the book Data Wise in Action from Harvard University
• A strong, established school culture that supports academic and social learning
• A network of schools that is committed to diversity and inclusion and being an anti-racist organization