MS Social Studies Teacher

Are you passionate about fostering holistic development and socio-emotional well-being in scholars?

Do you have a vision for educational equity and social justice?

As a Teacher at RVLA, you will be responsible for rigorous instruction and holistic education, ensuring scholar success.

If you answered "YES! I'm ready to transform education and empower scholars," please read on.

Do you view yourself as someone who:

DISPLAYS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND A GENUINE LOVE FOR ALL CHILDREN. You have a deep understanding of a scholar's behaviors, employing empathy and insight. You go beyond verbal affirmations to actively engage with scholars.

IS RELIABLE, HIGHLY ORGANIZED, AND PREPARED. You have a strong sense of responsibility and accountability in fulfilling tasks and commitments. You show meticulous planning and organization in lesson preparation and classroom management.

IS A QUICK THINKER AND RESPONSIVE TO FEEDBACK. You have the ability to swiftly analyze situations and make effective data-based decisions, adapting to dynamic classroom environments. You listen to input and perspectives from families, peers, and scholars, valuing all insights provided.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

At the beginning of the 1st semester (30-90 days):

• Within the first two weeks, participates in professional development and training on the following: Safe School Training, internal programs/platforms utilized, RVLA's goals, policies, procedures, and behavior expectations, Special Education, safety, lesson planning, and standards unpacking.
• Sets up classrooms, creates lesson plans for 86-minute time blocks with a minimum of 2 weeks to a month of planned lesson plans, and understands that RVLA uses Common Core state standards.
• Reads necessary books to support training; Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms, Better Learning Through Structured Teaching: A Framework for the Gradual Release of Responsibility.
• Develops a syllabus, plans, showcase project, and gets 3 outdoor field trips approved.
• At the 30-day mark and ongoing, implements high school & beyond plans within classrooms, introduces scholars to circles, & delivers 3+ assessments to scholars every year.
• Compiles a list of scholars within one's classroom that require special services, has developed a process to ensure grades and attendance are entered accurately, family newsletters and progress reports are being sent home on a regular cadence, etc.
• Initiates academic "brain breaks" in the classroom, conducts 1-2 safety drills, identifies one's committee assignments and club involvement, creates and implements scholar intervention plans, and provides meaningful feedback on report cards to scholars and families.
• Begins conducting a data analysis, using MAP, SBAC, and WCAS data, to inform instructional planning and interventions within the classroom.
• Attends any major scholar events, conducts outdoor field trips, works on 1 mini-project on personal values, and identifies any scholar issues, partnering with other teachers/admin to resolve those issues.

At the end of the 1st semester (90-180 days):

• Effectively attends/leads mentor time has supported a special education meeting and participates in 1+ community projects.
• Begins leading circle groups with scholars, completes 6+ coaching cycles receiving feedback from peers/leadership on performance, and sets 3+ SMART goals to achieve throughout the school year.

At the beginning of the 2nd semester (180-270 days):

• Maintains consistency in instructional practices, ensures the success and growth of student-led clubs, and actively leads or offers to lead professional development sessions and suggests different topics of interest for discussion.
• Engages in planning for incoming scholars, participates in scholar showcases for families, and encourages parental engagement through increased opportunities for involvement.
• Partners with the leadership team to evaluate progress on set SMART goals and develops a plan of action to ensure the goals are on track to be completed by end of year.
• By the end of the school year, has developed such strong relationships between scholars, other teachers, and parents that it is evident to the leadership team through feedback and positive word of mouth.

Summer break opportunities (270-365 days):

• Aids in planning and coordinating field trips over the summer and assists with curriculum mapping and standards alignment to prepare for the next school year.
• Initiates new initiatives with the approval from the leadership team and begins implementing those initiatives before the beginning of the next school year.
• Aids in the recruiting efforts for both staff openings and for scholars to join RVLA's charter school.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Teacher certification, obtained before the school year begins required
• An endorsement in the level of education and/or subject area you are wanting to teach required
• Possesses strong communication skills both verbal and written required
• Able to clear fingerprints and background check with Puget Sound Educational Service District required
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and is receptive to feedback/coaching from peers and leadership required
• Previous in-classroom teaching experience within a charter school highly preferred

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Working Hours: 7:00 am-3:30 pm weekdays (K-5), 8:00 am-4:30 pm weekdays (6-12)

~40 hours per week plus some weekend activities for the school and community

The compensation range for this position is $71,857 - $105,486 annually, based on skill set, valid certification, and experience level

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision (SEBB)/ Paid time off / Retirement plan (DRS) / Professional Development

WHO WE ARE:

Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is a public, tuition-free, charter school, providing an anti-racist collaborative community and rigorous education, while providing access to civic leadership and college success for all scholars in Seattle.

Our mission is to put every child on the path to success in college and career, leadership, and life. We pride ourselves on building and maintaining close relationships with each other, our community, scholars, and families.