Core Knowledge^® K–8 Schools

The 4/5 teacher is responsible for the education of 4th and 5th grade students in a multiage setting and creating an environment with high standards in learning, creativity and personal growth in accordance with each student's abilities, while carrying out the mission and vision of the school.

Specific duties include (other duties may be assigned):

• Provides learning experiences and teaches the Core Knowledge curriculum as provided in the scope and sequence guidelines.
• Develops and uses instructional material suitable for a wide range of learning styles.
• Provides individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student and classroom management required to achieve effective participation in all activities without interfering with the atmosphere of class.
• Evaluates academic and social growth of students and keeps appropriate records and assessment data.
• Provides appropriate instruction and activities for students to meet Excel Academy goals and objectives.
• Communicates with parents through a variety of means.
• Holds parent conferences twice a year and as needed to discuss individual student progress, develop student goals and interpret the school curriculum and programs.
• Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing with helping students solve health and learning problems.
• Creates an effective environment for learning.
• Maintains professional competence through embedded staff development activities provided by Excel Academy and/or professional growth activities and university courses.
• Participates cooperatively with the Executive Director and/or Assistant Director by which s/he will be evaluated as a part of the Excel Academy and Colorado State guidelines for licensed personnel.
• Selects and requisitions instructional materials; maintains inventory records and classroom cleanliness.
• Provide leadership to select extra-curricular school activities.
• Participate in all trainings, team meetings and faculty meetings.
• Follows all policy and procedure established by the Excel Academy Board of Directors and Administration.

• Core Knowledge Curriculum, multiage education, and Gifted and Talented strategies
• Colorado Model Content Standards and Grade Level expectations

• Understanding of Colorado Basic Literacy Act
• Experience using different formative and summative assessment protocols
• Understanding of best practices in education

Skills/Ability

• Ability to use proven research strategies in elementary education.
• Demonstrated experience in modeling, providing guided practice, and checking for understanding in students.
• Ability to select a variety of activities and media to respond to the diversity of learning styles and needs of the students in the class.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies (e.g. direct instruction, cooperative learning, small group instruction, individualized instruction, inquiry) to engage students.
• Understands subjects taught and shows how this knowledge is created, organized, linked to other disciplines, and applied to real world settings.
• Uses a repertoire of assessment strategies to determine what students have and will learn.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively solving challenging problems through a positive, collaborative approach.
• High fluency level in written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated initiative and skills in the following areas:
  • relationship and community building
  • teachers as leaders
  • professional learning community model
  • effective communication
  • conflict resolution
  • creativity
  • problem solving
  • decision making and time management.

• Holds bachelor's degree or higher degree
• Has passed the approved Elementary Education content area assessment or can document 24 semester hours or its equivalent, in Elementary Education
• State certification or willingness to work toward an alternative certificate over time
• Familiarity with the school's charter and full agreement with the school's educational philosophy

Head Principal

• Report to a five member parent board of directors
• Primary job responsibilities
  1. hiring, training, and supervision of faculty
  2. intellectual and moral development of the student body
  3. oversee curriculum

• Master's degree in liberal arts or science, not education
• Experience as a leader
• Master teacher

Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience with K-12 age students
• Understanding of learning disabilities

• Classroom Teachers K–5
• Specialist Teachers in Music, Art, P.E., Spanish
• Middle School Science, History, Language Arts, and Math

The Ideal Candidate will present:

• A minimum of five years of proven inspirational elementary or middle level leadership experience in a school that has a record of high student achievement;
• Fluency in effective practices — curriculum, instruction, administration, supervision, data driven instruction, education law and policy;
• A passion and talent for working with high needs’ populations in urban settings;
• A commitment to excellence and hard work;
• A talent and proven track record for recruiting and guiding teachers as highly effective practitioners;
• The ability to work effectively in supporting fundraising and grant writing efforts;
• Evidence of a strong work ethic, high degree of organizational skills, outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; and
• Adequate technological skills related to administrative work.

To apply for this position, submit the following:

1. Letter of interest explaining why candidate believe his/her qualifications match those sought
2. Current resume and supporting materials (include email address)
3. Transcripts
4. Copy of valid Indiana License or evidence of eligibility for reciprocal license
5. At least three (3) professional references listed (letters of recommendation do not replace the need for 3 professional references) with one being present supervisor. Include current telephone numbers.

The mission of Challenge Foundation Academy is to offer a first class education to every child. This will be accomplished by developing a school that embraces scientifically based instructional models, enhanced curriculum design, state of the art technology, and high academic standards on a foundation of high moral and ethical character. These components coupled with a highly trained staff and progressive leadership will prepare students to be productive citizens in a rapidly changing world culture.

The school’s purpose, founded in the Core Knowledge Sequence, and grounded in effective practice, ensures that each child:

1. Becomes a motivated and capable learner;
2. Acquires the essential skills and knowledge needed to compete in an increasingly competitive world;
3. Builds character and makes choices that will result in a better life for themselves and others;
4. Has the active involvement and support of parents, mentors and the community throughout the educational process; and
5. Benefits, not detracts, from society.

Students:  Enrollment is currently at 338 students, Grades Kindergarten – 5. The Academy will reach capacity at approximately 455 students, with three sections of each grade.  Each kindergarten class has a full time instructional assistant to promote a strong foundation for each child’s development and achievement. Class size is typically 25. About 98% of the enrolled students are African-American; with two percent multi-racial.  The school’s population is at 76% free and reduced qualified.  Breakfast and lunch are provided daily. CFA is currently a targeted assistance Title I school, working to become a school-wide site. 

Students come from approximately a twenty mile radius of the school, some from outside the city limits. Parents transport students to and from school — allowing greater opportunity each day for parental interaction.  The School partners with the YMCA in offering before and after school care for families — currently, CFA serves as the Y’s largest partnership site. 

Faculty and Staff:  Twenty eight teachers and staff work under the school’s leadership. Additionally, services are contracted for behavioral health, special education and related services, facilities cleaning, food service and preparation, and before and after school care. Staff includes specialists in Reading, Art, Music and Physical Education, special education, speech, and related services. Teachers and support personnel are recruited and hired based on their proven capabilities to support and implement the school’s mission. Ten days per year are dedicated to professional staff development, and there is professional development focus within each instructional day to drive student achievement and success. 

The Campus:  The CFA facility is approximately 37,000 square feet of new construction.  Hallways are wide and classrooms adequate to promote inquiry and to support instructional activity. The School is equipped with a multipurpose room which serves as gym and cafeteria.  There is a media center equipped with a computer lab. 

Parents:  The CFA philosophy embraces and expects strong family involvement, and encourages parents to be active in the school as volunteers and mentors to the student population.

Aspen Academy is seeking NCLB Highly Qualified teachers to join our elementary team. Specific duties include (other duties may be assigned):

• Provides learning experiences and teaches the Core Knowledge curriculum as provided in the scope and sequence guidelines.
• Utilizes Differentiated Learning instructional techniques to ensure student academic success.
• Develops and uses instructional material suitable for a wide range of learning styles.
• Provides individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student and classroom management required to achieve effective participation in all activities without interfering with the atmosphere of class.
• Evaluates academic and social growth of students and keeps appropriate records and assessment data.
• Provides appropriate instruction and activities for students to meet Aspen Academy goals and objectives.
• Communicates effectively with parents through a variety of means, including a ready availability for consultation with parents.
• Holds parent conferences twice a year and as needed to discuss individual student progress, develop student goals and interpret the school curriculum and programs.
• Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing with helping students solve health and learning problems.
• Creates a safe and positive environment for effective learning.
• Maintains professional competence through embedded staff development activities provided by Aspen Academy and/or professional growth activities and university courses.
• Participates cooperatively with the Director by which s/he will be evaluated as a part of the Aspen Academy and Minnesota State guidelines for licensed personnel.
• Selects and requisitions instructional materials; maintains inventory records and classroom cleanliness.
• Provide leadership in school governance through participating on the board or site-based long-range planning committees.
• Participate in all trainings.

• The ideal candidate will have experience in our Core Knowledge Curriculum, Singapore Math, and 6+1 Traits of Writing (or a proven eagerness to master classical disciplines).
• Familiarity with differentiated instruction as well as strategies for knowledge-acquistion and memorization are of high value in the Aspen classroom.

Knowledge

Additionally, Aspen Academy expects candidates to grasp:

• Minnesota grade level content standards and expectations.
• Different formative and summative assessment protocols.
• Best practices in education.
• Skills/Ability Demonstrated experience in modeling, providing guided practice, and checking for understanding in students.
• Ability to select a variety of activities and media to respond to the diversity of learning styles and needs of the students in the class.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies (e.g. direct instruction, cooperative learning, small group instruction, individualized instruction, inquiry) to engage students.
• Understands subjects taught and shows how this knowledge is created, organized, linked to other disciplines, and applied to real world settings.
• Uses a repertoire of assessment strategies to determine what students have and will learn.
• Ability to assess, modify, and accelerate teaching approaches based on test scores
• Demonstrated experience in effectively solving challenging problems through a positive, collaborative approach.
• High fluency level in written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated initiative and skills in the following areas: -
  • relationship and community building
  • teachers as leaders
  • professional learning community model
  • effective communication
  • conflict resolution
  • creativity
  • problem solving
  • decision making and
  • time management.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Highly Qualified Status Holds bachelor's degree or higher.
• Has passed the Praxis II content test, academic major or the equivalent, or graduate degree in the core academic subject area you teach.
• Familiarity with the school's charter

• Lead teachers for 3 yrs & up: Early childhood degree and some work experience with appropriate age
• Assistants & substitute teachers: previous experience