Jobs

The 5th Grade teacher will need to have a strong background in teaching to the developmental needs of middle school students. Not only will the 5th Grade teacher be expected to cover elements of reading, analysis, writing and grammar, math, science, this teacher will also need to have a strong teaching background in elementary education. The goal of the 5th Grade curriculum is to build students’ skills not only in language-related areas, but the 5th Grade teacher will also need to facilitate a successfully blend of these elements in a comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum along with including visual arts when appropriate to give middle school students a strong foundation in oral and written expression.

Essential Functions:

• Develop thematic units for 5th Grade classes using the backwards design model in

which planning follows these three steps: 1) identifying standards-aligned desired results (in

terms of acquisition, meaning, and transfer); 2) designing performance tasks/assessments that

provide evidence of learning; and 3) creating a learning plan. 5th Grade units must integrate

language arts, social studies, arts, science, and civic standards.

• Deliver daily 5th Grade lessons that are engaging, relevant, and rigorous.
• Understand and apply effective strategies for intervention and differentiation in the classroom, including serving English language learners and students with individualized education plans(IEPs).
• Embed opportunities for student critical-thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, as well as use of technology and digital media, into all lesson and unit plans.
• Integrate reading and writing, arts, and historical context into every class taught, every day.
• Maintain strong classroom management and hold students accountable for upholding school policies, student-developed norms, and classroom expectations.
• Update curriculum on a regular basis using data and research, and seeking out colleagues and professional development opportunities for 5th Grade curriculum enhancement.

Skills and Experience:

The 5th Grade teacher is expected to:

• Have experience successfully teaching a 5th Grade-based curriculum in an urban school, including a track record of improving student achievement.
• Have a Bachelor’s degree and or Master’s Degree (or working towards) in Education or related field
• Use data to inform instructional planning and practice, sharing and analyzing student performance results, and humility in constantly working to improve instructional practices.
• Experience in standards-based, backwards planning.
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial, dynamic school or related demanding environment.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Have proficiency in email, word processing, spreadsheets, Google Docs/Classroom, etc.

Traits and Qualities:

At MCA, we believe that an excellent staff member does the following:

• Believes that all of us can and will learn and creates a positive learning environment with high expectations for all students and staff throughout the school;
• Thrives as part of a team-oriented, mission-driven culture;
• Exudes joy and a love of learning every single day;
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development;
• Believes that all children can and will learn.
• Ability to persevere with a sense of optimism, strong problem solving skills, and desire to learn and grow in a collaborative professional learning community.
• Willingness, and commitment, to go above and beyond to prove the possible with students.
• Willing and able to play different roles at the school to meet the varied and constant needs of the students and staff at MCA
• Models positive and healthy character traits and habits, as well as the values of MCA
• Willing to do whatever it takes to help our students achieve academic excellence.
• Constantly assesses progress, communicates results clearly, and uses data to inform decisions and set ambitious goals.
• Has a strong work ethic and commits to doing whatever it takes for students to excel, including committing to an extended work day and remaining available to colleagues, students, and families outside of school hours.