School Site

Challenge Charter High School, 15-20 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 (Under Construction)

Who We Are

Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School ("Challenge Prep") has provided students and families with a successful K-8 program in Far Rockaway, Queens. Challenge Charter High School ("CCHS") will offer a unique early college and career and technical education ("CCTE") program to ensure that students graduate prepared to be successful in the college and/or career pathway of their choice. CCHS will provide an academically rigorous program that integrates content with real-world technical skills found in the following fields: Aviation, Culinary Arts, Health Sciences, and Hospitality. Through strategic collaborations with industry partners, students will have access to personalized academic and social-emotional learning sequences, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework.

Understanding the Role

Special education teachers will report to the principal or his/her designee. In addition to teaching in the content area, the teacher may be required to teach an advisory class, an elective, or coach a sports program to support the growth of the whole child. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.

Ongoing Specific Responsibilities

The staff of Challenge Charter High School is committed to teaching students the values of scholarship, respect, honesty, courage and balance in a collaborative technology infused, inclusive family-like environment. Teachers assist all scholars in their content area courses, as well as their advisories and electives, so they may reach their full potential by focusing on their individual aspirations and strengths. Planning for special needs students of all ability levels, is expected so that these students may achieve academic mastery. Regular co-planning with colleagues who co-teach in the classroom is critical. Students learn to make real world connections by the infusion of internships, volunteer work and advanced level learning. Teachers are expected to attend a weeklong summer planning institute at the University of Connecticut which will offer an essential opportunity for staff to be involved in developing the school's culture and instructional program. Additionally, the school will offer opportunities for teachers to participate in the following:

• After-school and/or Saturday tutoring, sports, enrichment, arts and family programs
• In-house committees of special programs
• Professional development such as inquiry work, intervisitations, common planning, Socratic Seminar training and collaborative conversation
• Co-planning with colleagues for inclusion classes and self-contained classes
• Keeping all records complete to reach full compliance
• Meeting with guidance staff to ensure all social-emotional and mandated counseling needs of students are met
  
  
  
• Because roles in small schools are varied and complex, serious consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate in their resume and cover letter experience and/or willingness to commit to the school's mission and core beliefs and to become involved in these essential aspects:Collaborating with colleagues to write unit plans and interim assessments; sharing teaching strategies, visiting peer classrooms, analyzing student data, and developing best practice pedagogy that supports literacy and critical thinking skills across all subject areasBecause roles in small schools are varied and complex, serious consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate in their resume and cover letter experience and/or willingness to commit to the school's mission and core beliefs and to become involved in these essential aspects:
  • Collaborating with colleagues to write unit plans and interim assessments; sharing teaching strategies, visiting peer classrooms, analyzing student data, and developing best practice pedagogy that supports literacy and critical thinking skills across all subject areas
  • Believing that all students can succeed with ample social-emotional support in and out of the classroom
  • Employing a variety of collaborative team-teaching models for ESL students and special needs students
  • Applying data gathered through formative and summative assessments to guide instructional plan
  • Developing an individual growth plan, which includes professional goals and objectives in collaboration with the Principal and/or Assistant Principal
  • Utilizing technology which includes a parent/student portal and school website that provides regular written updates and/or grades

Job requirements

Who We Seek

Challenge Charter High School will consider candidates who can demonstrate:

• Commitment to and alignment with CCHS mission, vision, program goals and curriculum
• Effective leadership skills that inspire teamwork and dedication
• Strategic problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills with students, families, staff, and community members
• Exceptional management and organizational skills
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability and being productive in attaining measurable goals and mission accomplishments
• Ability to plan strategically and effectively, as well as adapting to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability and willingness to incorporate reading and writing into specific content area and to learn how to develop unit plans that prioritize skill development and assessments that measure student progress
• Willingness to integrate technology and/or media in the classroom
• Ability and willingness to learn how to develop interim assessments, analyze student data, adjust teaching practices and use ongoing data to drive instruction and increase student academic and social achievement
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional growth

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with colleagues, parents, students, industry partners, and the community

For Phase 1 of the process, in addition to the cover letter, resume, and interview, teacher candidates must present a teaching portfolio, which may include evidence of philosophy of education, evidence of curriculum planning such as course syllabi, lesson plans, and any teaching artifacts collected throughout teaching career. Artifacts may include student work, images of student work and presentations, and curriculum development examples. Applicants must also provide three professional references, one of which must be from a direct supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education is required; Master's degree and certification in special education preferred
• Dually licensed preferred; content area or ESL and Special Education
• Highly motivated to teach students from underserved areas and devoted to closing the achievement gap
• Teaching experience in an urban school setting preferred
• The ability to create a classroom setting where students of every academic level experience enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm in their learning
• Strong teamwork ethic
• Ability to use data to drive instruction

Work Year

This is a full-time position which begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June. All staff are expected to attend Confratute, a weeklong summer planning institute in mid-July at the University of Connecticut, which will offer an essential opportunity for staff to be involved in developing the school's culture and instructional program.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, & the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting https://challengecharterschools.org/ .