SY25-26 Elementary School Lead Teacher (Grades 1-4)

Inspired Teaching Demonstration School

16d

About The Position

Teachers in the elementary grades facilitate inquiry-based classrooms in which students tackle the standards through student-centered workshops, hands-on projects, and authentic field work. While arts integration supports a diverse group of learners’ access to challenging academic standards, our classrooms are focused learning communities in which each student is encouraged to contribute. On the elementary team, teachers use the workshop model for literacy and math instruction, and manage their classroom using the practices outlined in Responsive Classroom and the school’s handbooks. Teachers also plan and implement instruction in science and social studies. Additionally, teachers attend to socio-emotional growth and learning. Families are engaged as partners in their children’s education, and all teachers demonstrate inclusive practices to support our school’s welcoming community. Fourth grade is departmentalized into Humanities (ELA, SS) and STEM (math, science).

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably in a content area. Master's degree preferred.
DC Teaching certification, passing of relevant Praxis exams, or equivalent evidence to be considered highly qualified.
Deep commitment to reflective practice, an ability to give and receive feedback openly and without defensiveness, and a desire to constantly question and improve their teaching practice.
Commitment to creating a school that not only provides an excellent education for the student, but that creates an open, trusting learning environment for educators and the entire staff of the school.
Demonstrated capacity to embrace teaching the whole child.
Demonstrated commitment to anti-racist, anti-bias practices and comfort and willingness to address issues of equity, access and inclusion.
Strong ability to persevere in the face of ongoing challenges. Teaching is a demanding profession, regularly requiring one to go above and beyond, to solve problems quickly and in the moment, and to find the positive in difficult situations.
Ability to thrive in an innovative environment and an interest in being part of a team that builds the systems that support a growing school.

Responsibilities

Plan and document (using the school’s selected lesson planning tool) high-quality instruction in line with: The school’s mission and philosophy; The five core elements of teaching: joy; wide-ranging evidence of learning; purpose, persistence and action; student as expert; and mutual respect; Intentional, well-designed curricula approved by the school, whether purchased or teacher-designed; Nationally-normed standards (Common Core, NGSS, C3 Framework, etc).
Work to actively understand students’ needs and strengths, including actively striving to develop cultural competence, engaging in ongoing study of child development theory and brain research, and keeping current with student IEP’s, 504’s, and BIPs.
Seek out and access high-quality resources and materials, including resources beyond the school campus.
Demonstrate solid knowledge of the concepts in each of the disciplines taught.
Draw from Responsive Classroom, Restorative Justice, and Relationship-based discipline to manage student behavior, in and out of the classroom, for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Monitor students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, school grounds, hallways, restrooms, field trips, etc.).
Build on the established Community Expectations (Everyone Learns, Everyone is Safe, Everyone Builds the Community, and Everyone is Welcome) to create a classroom community that reflects the mission and philosophy of the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School.
Maintain a safe and orderly classroom, with responsible and child-friendly organization of supplies, material and technology, and use of practices consistent across the school.
Engage actively with and implement feedback from principals and coaches; assume a stance of teacher-as-learner when working with colleagues, special education staff and assistants/residents.
Communicate to students and families clearly and in an age appropriate way the purpose of instruction.
Engage students with different levels of questions and discussion prompts
Facilitate student-centered, high-quality instruction in line with areas identified under Planning and Preparation above.
Utilize a workshop model to teach reading, writing, and mathematics.
Draw on multiple teaching strategies and approaches to engage students and provide differentiation.
Conduct, review, analyze, and use a wide-range of student assessments to inform teaching practice and planning, and to ensure student growth.
Integrate developmentally appropriate, culturally competent, research based strategies into teaching and assessment practices.
Incorporate problem solving strategies and literacy strategies into daily instructional routine.
Differentiate formative assessments (independent practice, homework, exit tickets, etc.)
Collaborate with special education team members, MLL specialists, and teaching assistants (when applicable).
Complete all professional responsibilities in a timely manner to meet deadlines and follow all school procedures and protocols; this includes submitting and revising lesson and unit plans; administering assessments, collecting data, and completing data entry; completing report cards; documenting discipline and student behavior as requested/required by law; following all personnel policies and procedures; attending all meetings as assigned; implementing with consistency all school policies and procedures for students and families; and other administrative tasks required of teachers as professionals.
Build strong relationships and open communication with families.
Contribute to the school community as an active and productive participant, promoting a culture of collaboration and inquiry.
Participate in regular, school-based professional development.
Participate in school events outside of school hours, including Student Learning Showcases.
Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
Follow all school and employee policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.