Job Summary:

Propel Schools’ Discovery Aces Educators provide essential support in helping Propel Schools reach our Academic Vision: In order to achieve educational equity, we empower, engage, and challenge all scholars through the establishment of community. We strive to cultivate ethical people who are ready for post-secondary success through authentic and meaningful learning opportunities. In our classrooms:

• Scholars are leaders of their own learning.
• Scholars are held to high expectations.
• Scholars contribute to a better world using communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

The Discovery Aces Educators work with scholars using project-based learning enrichment opportunities that extend Propel’s curriculum into a level of deeper understanding for scholars as enrichment. While Discovery Aces is not a “gifted” program, it is a program designed for scholars who are high achieving and excel in school when given the opportunity to learn in non-traditional ways. Though Discovery Aces scholars miss some class time, scholars have opportunities to participate in educational competitions throughout the city of Pittsburgh, as well as work on 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication through higher-level projects. The competitions may include participation in national competitions such as Math Olympiad, Future City, and Children’s Choice Awards.

Key Job Elements:

This Teacher position is accountable to collaborate with administrators and staff in planning for and leading scholars to learning success. This position will be accountable for developing and teaching curriculum based on the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards.

1. Design coherent instruction using prescribed unit and lesson structures that align with state standards and emerging best practices.
2. Develop and continually update learning resources and actively participate in professional development .
3. Create an instructional environment characterized by respect and rapport that promotes a culture of learning.
4. Use a variety of instructional strategies that engage scholars in age-appropriate learning, e.g., computer-assisted, cooperative learning, and various scholar-centered approaches.
5. Manage scholar behavior and classroom procedures effectively which promotes a safe learning environment.
6. Assess scholar learning using formal and informal assessment techniques and utilize that information to drive instruction.
7. Implement scholar IEPs and participate in the special education process as needed.
8. Maintain accurate and up-to date records and report scholar progress in accordance with school policy and procedure.
9. Prepare and achieve annual performance expectations as prescribed or approved by administration.
10. Communicate with families on a regular basis and reply to family initiated communication in a timely manner.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required:

1. Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Education
2. PA Instructional Certification Required
3. A minimum of 5 years successful classroom experience in a K-12 setting
4. Superior organization and prioritization skills with acute attention to detail
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, coaches, teachers, and staff
6. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
7. Constant sense of urgency and ability to execute tasks
8. A commitment to constant learning and improvement, in both your own work and the work of others.
9. Reflective and solution-driven
10. Proficiency in Google Applications as well as Microsoft products
11. A deep commitment to culturally relevant teaching
12. Experience in using standards-aligned curriculum
13. Possess deep knowledge of the content, instruction, and assessment practices

Preferred:

1. Experience in urban education
2. Familiarity with scholar Engaged Assessment Practices

Physical Demands:

1. Must be able to move around the classroom at least 75% of the time while engaging with scholars.
2. The person in this position constantly operates a computer and other technology in the classroom to support instruction.
3. The person in this position frequently communicates with various internal and external stakeholders regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
4. When deemed age and/or developmentally appropriate, assist scholars in daily personal tasks (i.e.-tying shoes, assisting with coats, escorting to busses, and etc.)
5. Must have ability to travel to multiple locations

Organizational Overview

Propel Schools is the largest network of public charter schools in Allegheny County consisting of 13 schools and approximately 4,000 scholars. Our mission is to provide high-quality schools to underserved communities. Each of our schools provide a rigorous academic environment and small class sizes where educators focus on providing each scholar with support and individualized attention. With one of the top starting teacher salaries in Allegheny County, a customizable benefits package and extraordinary career and professional development opportunities, Propel Schools is one of the area’s premier education organizations.