Civics Teacher, Grade 8, CSUS

Cambridge Public Schools•Cambridge, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cambridge Street Upper School (CSUS) was founded in 2012 as a middle school serving grades 6-8. CSUS endeavors to develop and sustain a vibrant and high functioning teaching and learning community that values social justice, affirms cultural identity, and promotes academic excellence for all. CSUS actively aspires to become a culturally proficient school that reflects equity and inclusion and affirms the rich cultural and racial diversity of our student body and their families. We are committed to challenging the opportunity gap and providing academic excellence for all. The Cambridge Street Upper School is an innovative public middle school in the Cambridge Public School District. We are looking for a dynamic, committed teacher with strong content and pedagogical knowledge, solid classroom management skills, a deep commitment to social justice and anti-racism, and experience working in an urban school setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Experience working with a diverse population of secondary school students
Ability to think creatively and constructively about curriculum and instruction.
Experience using multiple teaching strategies, including ones to enhance student reading and writing performance.
Willingness to collaborate with colleagues.
Meet NCLB highly qualified teacher requirements.
Appropriate Massachusetts Licensure: History, grades 5-8.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach four sections of “Civic Engagement in our Democracy,” including facilitating high-quality student-led civics projects.
Plan effective instruction that is aligned with state standards and district expectations.
Craft lessons to promote critical thinking, literacy skills, and the development of civic dispositions and skills.
Collaborate with civics teachers across the district and outside partners, including the Democratic Knowledge Project, to support deeper student learning.
Create a positive environment for student learning and engagement.
Use technology to enhance student learning and interest, and support students in becoming critical consumers and producers of different types of information.
Communicate learning goals and high expectations to all students; strive to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning.
Implement district-wide common units and assessments.
Assess student learning and adjust instruction appropriately.
Maintain appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety.
Collaborate with the 8th grade teaching team.
Facilitate an advisory for a small group of students.
Attend various meetings, including social studies department meetings, grade level team meetings, and building-based meetings.
Keep accurate records.
Communicate with caregivers on a regular basis throughout the year.
Perform other duties as requested by the Head of School.